The Pittsburgh Steelers are heading into Week 10 of the 2023 NFL season sitting at 5-3, and enter a key stretch of games that will determine the outcome of their season. The last few weeks, the team's offense has been slowly improving, and are coming off of what is likely their best overall offensive performance of the season. Despite that, it doesn't appear the offense has really grown from a scheme stand point, but instead, the team is starting to play better as a unit.
Gene J. Puskar / Associated Press
Steelers offensive coordinator Matt Canada next to quarterback Kenny Pickett in Canada's first game calling plays from the sideline.
In Week 9 against the Tennessee Titans, Offensive Coordinator, Matt Canada was on the sideline to call plays for the first time in 2023, as opposed to his usual spot up in the box. While there are some definite benefits to this, like having face to face conversations with his starting quarterback, his play-calling and overall scheme didn't seem to change much.
Not that a move from the box to the sideline should be what changes play-calling, but it is clear Canada does not put his offense in easy situations. Most of Steeler Nation has been highly critical of Canada's play-calling over the last few seasons, and one of the main criticisms has been the lack of emphasis on the middle of the field.
Steelers Ask Pickett To Make Difficult Throws On A Consistent Basis
Recently, while joining Andrew Fillipponi and Chris Mueller on 93.7 The Fan, Pro Football Focus', Steve Palazzolo discussed Kenny Pickett along with the state of the Steelers offense. Palazzolo also made some interesting comparisons around how the Steelers offense doesn't get the easy plays like some of the better offenses around the league do.
"Everything statistically feels bad for Pickett," said Palazallo on Pickett's performance in 2023. "But, I think what they're asked to do, throwing the ball outside the numbers, these lower percentage type of throws. I think Pickett's doing a pretty good job, or at least a better job in these last few weeks."
Palazallo's comments aren't anything groundbreaking, but they could be some evidence that Pickett isn't necessarily an additional root cause of the poor offense. Yes, he has to be more consistent with his accuracy and his pocket awareness, but if he is constantly asked to make more difficult throws than the majority of quarterbacks around the league, can anyone really ask for elite performances in year two from him?
Abigail Dean / Pittsburgh Steelers
Steelers quarterback Kenny Pickett against the Tennessee Titans at Acrisure Stadium in Week 9 of the 2023 season.
While asking a lot of a NFL quarterback can be debatable, it is a quarterback-driven league. The Steelers never seem to be able to scheme up easy throws for Pickett and the offense, while other offenses seem to do it often. Palazzalo also touched on this and compared the Steelers offense led by Pickett, to the San Francisco 49ers offense lead by Brock Purdy with Head Coach, Kyle Shanahan calling plays.
"Pickett's much better these last three weeks than he's been the first four or five, but they're like empty calorie throws. There's no freebies. It's the complete opposite of the 49ers or Brock Purdy offense where it is just like, 'Hey here's a free 30 yards either on a screen or a wide open throw over the middle.' You just don't get that from the Steelers."
The lack of the Steelers ability to get these 'freebies' definitely plays into their frequent number of three and outs on offense, as they simply can't get in rhythm early in drives.
Not all of the lack of success on offense is due to Pickett and Canada's schemes in the passing game because the running game has been stuck in the mud as well. However, the offensive line is finally looking like it is clicking with all the new additions, as well as first-round pick, Broderick Jones appearing to become the full-time starter over the veteran, Chukwuma Okorafor.
Abigail Dean / Pittsburgh Steelers
Steelers rookie Broderick Jones in his first NFL start at right tackle against the Tennessee Titans in 2023.
A successful running game should help open things up down the field for Pickett, especially over the middle as the opposing teams linebackers will need to step up in order to help against the run. Whether or not this will be helpful to the offense, or Canada and Pickett can take advantage of it is yet to be seen however, but Palazzalo is yet another member of the media that has been able to point out the shortcomings within the Steelers offense.
Do you think the Steelers offensive woes are more due to Canada's play calling or because of Pickett's struggles? Let us know in the comments below!
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