The Steelers' Embarrassing Offense Is Attributed To Matt Canada Tipping Plays To The Defense

The Pittsburgh Steelers offense has been completely embarrassing to start the 2023 regular season, especially after having so much success in the preseason. This led to many NFL media members predicting the Steelers to exceed everyone's expectations. However, so far it has been more of the same from Matt Canada. The offense has been so weak to start the season because of lack of execution by the players, as well as the play-calling, which has been extremely predictable and even hints to the defense exactly what will be run. 

Steelers Offensive Coordinator Is Tipping Plays

Everyone who has watched a Steelers game since Canada was hired as the team's offensive coordinator knows that his play-calling is an issue and has been holding this team back. The Steelers currently rank last in many important statistical offensive categories, including averaging only 19.6 yards per drive (which is last in the NFL). They are also last in offensive points per game with only eight, and they are only averaging 0.4 points per minute of possession. These numbers are all atrocious and are not sustainable if the Steelers want to be competitive in the AFC North. 

It gets even worse for Canada and the Steelers. Warren Sharpe, who is a football analyst who often uses advanced statistics to analyze NFL teams, made a startling discovery. In Canada's offense, when the Steelers line up in the shotgun, they are passing the ball 82 percent of the time. On the flip side, when Kenny Pickett lines up under center, they are running the ball 90 percent of the time. 

Why is this important? This is an obvious trend that any opposing coach would recognize. This puts the offense behind before the play even begins. The defense has a more than good idea of what kind of play will be run before the ball is snapped simply because of the formation. This is the equivalent to a batter in baseball knowing what pitch is coming and being able to anticipate it. This is a trend no NFL offensive coordinator should be allowed to get away with, and gives even more reasons for Canada to be relieved of his duties within the Steelers organization. 

A lot of blame has been placed elsewhere for the Steelers' slow offensive start. Pickett has been blamed, as he should since he has looked shaky thus far, but it's hard to perform well as a passer when the defense knows they don't have to worry about the run before the snap. The same goes for Najee Harris, who has had an abysmal start to the year. When Harris is getting a hand-off from under center, he has no chance to have any success unless he makes a heroic play. The defense is in the backfield by the time Harris gets the hand-off because they know it's a run and they don't have to worry about the pass. 

The offensive line has also gotten off to a slow start, with the entire unit receiving poor grades from Pro Football Focus for their efforts in pass protection. With the tendencies and trends tipping the plays due to Canada's play-calling, the offensive line is at a disadvantage as well. The entire defensive line will know if they need to worry about run lanes or containing an outside run play just from the way the offense lines up. When the Steelers are in shotgun, the pass rushers know they don't need to worry about the run and can go full speed at Pickett. 

Of course every offense at every level of football has trends and some tendencies that might give something away to the defense. However, nothing should be as obvious as what Canada is doing. His play-calling in general, and his trends that let the defense know exactly what is coming is an issue that could plague the Steelers all season long. 

What do you think of Canada tipping plays? Let us know in the comments below!

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