These New Steelers Are "Dangerous" And "Spicy" Without Matt Canada According To NFL Insider

The Pittsburgh Steelers played their first game of 2023 without Matt Canada during Week 12 against the Cincinnati Bengals. While the firing of Canada did not turn the offense into a high-powered scoring machine, it definitely seemed to give them some of the spark they were missing. The offense looked better all the way around and managed to come from behind to win 16-10, while the defense held off the Bengals' elite, albeit Joe Burrow-less offense, led by backup quarterback Jake Browning. This win led to two NFL insiders debating the Steelers' playoff chances, and they think they have a real shot. 

The Steelers were able to amass more than 400 yards of total offense for the first time since 2020 in that game. The offense was able to win the time of possession battle as well, a rare occurrence under Canada, with 37:17 minutes of play. Quarterback Kenny Pickett nailed 24 of 33 attempted passes for 278 yards. The running back tandem of Najee Harris and Jaylen Warren really helped to wear down the Bengals' defense. Harris looked like the player we drafted from the University of Alabama, rushing for 99 yards and a touchdown.    

This improvement was certainly noticed by the media, including Colin Cowherd and his co-host Jason McIntyre on The Herd With Colin Cowherd. On a recent episode, the two discussed the improvements they saw and if the Steelers have a legitimate shot in the playoffs. They both think the Steelers are trending upward. 

"I think the Steelers are going to make the playoffs," said Cowherd. "It speaks to their culture and their coach and their defense."

He noted that the rest of the Steelers' schedule isn't particularly tough. Cowherd said that Pittsburgh's strong defense should shine against the mostly average quarterbacks they will face like Mac Jones, Gardner Minshew, and Geno Smith. He feels the toughest quarterback they have the potential to go up against is Lamar Jackson. The Ravens are leading the AFC North right now and appear to be unstoppable. But as Cowherd noted, Jackson has battled injuries in the past, and with the two teams not playing again (the Steelers beat the Ravens 17-10 in Week 5) until the final game of the season, there is a strong chance Jackson will be rested for the playoffs.  

McIntyre said that he knows that Cowherd isn't a total believer in the Steelers' new offense, but he was impressed with what he saw. He mentioned how Pittsburgh was just 1/4 on trips in the red zone, but he thinks that they will soon be converting those.

"They're moving the ball, getting to the red zone, they just couldn't finish with touchdowns. When the new OC turns those field goals into touchdowns. And we're seeing a new Najee Harris, who's upset that Jaylen Warren stole his thunder. Harris was running tough yesterday. I think this is a quasi-dangerous team, [Pat] Freiermuth, the tight end is back, Minkah Fitzpatrick's going to be coming back here shortly. They're looking a little spicy to me in what looks like a watered-down AFC North," McIntyre said.

The Steelers offense wasn't perfect, but it was far more balanced than it has been all season. They managed to net the same number of passing plays as rushing plays: 33. They also had more big plays than they have had all season, with six plays of over 20 yards. They were also able to capitalize upon the Bengals' mistakes, pulling out a touchdown drive that won them the game. 

Does This Make The Steelers Playoff Contenders?

Both Cowherd and McIntyre reiterated that they believe the Steelers could make the playoffs and win in the "anything can happen" world of football. Cowherd said that he believes that the Steelers will face the Jacksonville Jaguars in a Wild Card game and wonders if they have what it takes to beat them. McIntyre said he thinks the Steelers can win that game, even if it is in Jacksonville. The Jaguars already beat Pittsburgh once this season, a 20-10 victory in the Steel City, but that was with Canada calling the plays.  

"Anything is possible. I trust [Mike] Tomlin to muck it up and keep it close. He's good at that, he's a good underdog coach," added McIntyre.

The Steelers currently sit at 7-4 heading into their Week 13 matchup against the 2-10 Arizona Cardinals who will be traveling to Pittsburgh to play at Acrisure Stadium. 

What do you think about the Steelers' chances of making the playoffs? Do you think the offense is trending in the right direction? Comment below!

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