The Pittsburgh Steelers are currently riding high after they picked up a win against their division rival, the Cincinnati Bengals in Week 12. That win was significant for many reasons, but most of Steeler Nation is focusing on the improvement of the offense during that win, and rightfully so.
Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers
Steelers QB Kenny Pickett threw for a season high 273 yards against the Cincinnati Bengals in Week 12, the first week after Matt Canada was fired.
During their Week 12 win, the Steelers eclipsed the 400-yard mark for the first time since the 2020 season. This is a feat they never accomplished during the Matt Canada era, which ended after the Week 11 loss to the Cleveland Browns. The team seems happy to move forward with interim Offensive Coordinator Eddie Faulkner with quarterbacks coach Mike Sullivan as the play-caller. That isn't necessarily 100% true for the Steelers' starting quarterback, however.
From a video the Steelers posted on their YouTube channel, when speaking with the media after practice leading up to their Week 13 game against the Arizona Cardinals, Steelers quarterback Kenny Pickett was asked if he spoke with his former offensive coordinator and play-caller. While it might concern some, it should come as no surprise that Pickett admitted to talking to Canada this previous Sunday after the Week 12 win.
"Not since Sunday. Talked to him after, but not since Sunday."
There wasn't any follow ups to the question as that appears to be where Pickett's questions and answers end from this brief media session, so what exactly was talked about between the two isn't known. It shouldn't come as a surprise that Pickett and Canada talked less than a week after Canada was relieved from his role however, as the two had a close working relationship.
Gene J. Puskar / Associated Press
Former Steelers Offensive Coordinator, Matt Canada next to quarterback Kenny Pickett in Canada's first game calling plays from the sideline.
Most would probably suspect it was nothing more than a congratulations on the win from Canada to Pickett, but anything beyond that we likely will never know.
While the move from Canada was needed, and there are some members of the Steelers that appeared to be in better spirits after Canada's firing, Pickett clearly had a closer relationship with him than most. Pickett came into the NFL with Canada as his first offensive coordinator, and the Steelers offense still has Canada's fingerprints all over it, so occasional conversations between the two could likely continue throughout the rest of the season.
Steelers Will Likely Continue To Speak With Matt Canada
There is a good chance Pickett isn't the only member of the Steelers that will be staying in touch with Canada as well. While Faulkner is taking over for Canada in terms of his role as offensive coordinator for the rest of the season, he has been on record saying that Canada wasn't the only one to blame for the lack of success, as well as stating that the two are friends. With that being the case, especially with Faulkner being a first time offensive coordinator, that is a relationship he may look to leverage as well.
Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers
Steelers interim OC Eddie Faulkner and QB Coach Mike Sullivan going over the game plan heading into their first game since the firing of Matt Canada.
The move from Canada may just be a boost to the Steelers offense due to improved play-calling. That likely gives them an improved chance at making the playoffs and even a potential Super Bowl run once they get there. If Pickett can sustain the improvements we saw in Week 12 where he passed for a season high 278 yards, and the offense can continue to string together first downs after not having a single three-and-out last week, it will make this Steelers team one of the more dangerous teams come January.
Let us know below what you think about Pickett and other members of the Steelers potentially still speaking with Canada moving forward! Comment below!
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