The Pittsburgh Steelers have always been known for their formidable defense. However, in recent years (especially in 2023), their offense has faced its fair share of criticism. At the center of the critiquing is Offensive Coordinator, Matt Canada, whose performance has prompted most fans to call for his dismissal. Yet, there's one NFL analyst who is surprisingly impressed with the Steelers' offensive strategy. Greg Cosell recently shared his insights about the Steelers' evolving offense on the Ross Tucker Podcast, shedding new light on the team's approach.
Lucy Schaly / Post-Gazette
Steelers' George Pickens scores his first 2023 touchdown on Monday Night Football.
Cosell, a seasoned NFL film guru, began his discussion by expressing his fascination with the Steelers offensive developments. While many have been quick to judge the team's offensive performance, Cosell believes there's more to the story.
"I have been kind of fascinated, believe it or not, with what the Steelers are starting to do on offense.”
The Steelers "Four Strong" Formation
One of the most intriguing aspects of the Steelers' offensive evolution, according to Cosell, is their utilization of a formation known as "four strong." In this formation, the Steelers align four receivers to one side of the formation, creating unique opportunities for their playmakers.
"They are doing something called 'four strong,' where they line up four receivers to one side of the formation. Now, one of those receivers can be a back offset in the backfield. They have four receivers to one side of the formation, and they have George Pickens as the single receiver to the short side of the field."
This formation has allowed the Steelers to create favorable matchups for George Pickens, a second-year wide receiver who has become a focal point of the offense. Cosell was particularly impressed by Pickens' performance in this role, describing him as "dominant" over the past two weeks when deployed as the boundary X receiver on the back side of the "four strong" formation.
Chris Adamski / Pittsburgh Tribune-Review
Pittsburgh Steelers Offensive Coordinator Matt Canada may be dragging the entire team down with him in 2023
Cosell emphasized that the Steelers newfound offensive strategy involves a wide range of plays designed to exploit these formations. They use quick slant routes, well-timed back shoulder fades, and traditional deep fades to stretch the defense. This multifaceted approach keeps opposing defenses guessing and puts immense pressure on the secondary.
"They run slants, they run back shoulder fades, they'll run regular fades if he gets on top of the corner."
As Cosell analyzed the Steelers' evolving offense, he looked ahead to their upcoming matchups. One particular aspect he's eagerly anticipating is how the Steelers strategy will fare against the Jacksonville Jaguars. In this context, he highlighted the intriguing matchup between Pickens and Tyson Campbell - if Campbell plays given his questionable game status.
"I am very anxious in this given game to see the matchup against Tyson Campbell, who tends to be the boundary corner for the Jaguars and is a really solid player.”
This matchup will be a test of the effectiveness of the Steelers' offensive schemes and Pickens' ability to exploit the defense. It's clear that Cosell sees potential in the Steelers' offensive strategy and believes that they are on the right track to create mismatches and challenge opposing defenses.
AP Photo / Matt Durisko
Pittsburgh Steelers Wide Receiver George Pickens (14) High Fives teammate Gunner Olszewski.
While the Steelers' offense has faced its share of criticism, Cosell provides an inspired perspective. He is intrigued by the way Canada has crafted this offensive strategy. Does this mean that Canada may actually be an offensive mastermind?
As the Steelers prepare for their upcoming game against the Jaguars, the intriguing matchup between Pickens and Campbell will serve as a litmus test for their offensive strategy. While the Steelers' offense still has room for improvement, Cosell's analysis suggests that they may be on the right path to success. The evolving offense is a testament to the team's adaptability and commitment to maximizing their playmakers' potential.
Whether or not the Steelers can continue to surprise and challenge their opponents remains to be seen, but their evolving offense is undoubtedly a point of fascination for many, including Cosell. Is it time that Steelers fans give Canada some type of credit?
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