Former Steelers Tight End Absolutely Bashes Entire Organization's Ancient Ways "Why Are We Doing This?"

The dislike for Pittsburgh Steelers Offensive Coordinator Matt Canada is well known at this point. In fact, it's become a bit of a national phenomenon. "Fire Canada" signs and chants appear everywhere, as he's failed to improve the offense in his third season in the position. With his contract expiring at the end of the 2023 season, it's hard to imagine the team bringing him back next year. 

In fairness to him, he's been more creative since the team's Week 6 bye. The offense simply hasn't executed, led by plenty of overthrows from quarterback Kenny Pickett. Former Steelers tight end Jace Sternberger appeared on the Locked On Packers Podcast, where he discussed the difference in offenses with the Steelers and Green Bay Packers. As expected, it's a stark difference, and he wasn't exactly complimentary of Canada.

"When I got there, the playbook, the details, it was night and day. The details on the assignment were nothing. It was literally like five yards, you're running a stick. I'm taking school tests every week [on the playbook]. It's not little answers where Matt Canada, it's like, oh I have a five-yard slant or I have a corner route. Green Bay, it's, hey I have a five-yard slant, if it's press, I have to give time to let the inside guy run his fade. You have to give three or four coaching points every assignment."

If you can't exactly tell, the Packers are the team that Sternberger is complimenting throughout this. He simply believes Canada is overrun with basic concepts and routes. On the contrary, Sternberger provided rave reviews for Packers play-caller Matt LaFleur. Not only were his concepts more detailed, but he was more organized altogether. The former tight end said that he actually kept LaFleur's playbook just in case he got into coaching some day.

The Packers took Sternberger in the third round of the 2019 NFL Draft, but things never quite panned out. He appeared in just 18 games for the NFC North team, as he totaled 12 catches for 114 yards and a touchdown. The Texas A&M product hasn't seen the field since 2020, when he played 12 games for the Packers. He wasn't quite done blasting Canada either.

"Going to Pittsburgh, it was actually harder to learn. I'm like, 'Why are we doing this? Like what's the reasoning behind this,' Sternberger said to host Peter Bukowski.

The talented tight end also praised the Buffalo Bills for their offensive concepts, whom he spent some time with this past summer. The Packers offense has obviously struggled themselves in 2023, which Sternberger attributes to growing pains in learning the details. Similar to Pittsburgh, Green Bay has an offense filled with youngsters at nearly every position. 

If you don't remember Sternberger, well, he never appeared in a game for the Steelers. He was a training camp body before the 2022 season, but due to a loaded tight end room, he was released ahead of the season. Despite the talent, he was essentially the No. 5 tight end for the duration of camp. Regardless, not a positive look for Canada and the Steelers offense.

Will The Steelers Offense Improve With Canada On Sidelines?

It shouldn't come as much of a surprise, as his bland play-calling has been a main critique for his tenure in Pittsburgh. The team did move Canada to the sidelines in Week 9, which may have helped provide a little bit of a spark on offense. There, he's able to communicate one-on-one with players between drives. 

Do you think there's any way the Steelers bring back Canada for another season in 2024? What are your thoughts on these comments from Sternberger? If the team lets go of Canada, who do you want the offensive coordinator to be in 2024? Share your thoughts in the comment section below!

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