Steelers' Connor Heyward Takes Subtle Shot At Matt Canada While Commending New OC

Ever since the Pittsburgh Steelers hired Andy Weidl, they have had an open and obvious emphasis on dominating the line of scrimmage. However, they have not been able to win in the trenches like they have hoped as of late. There was obviously a much bigger issue than just some outside problems interfering with the organization's plans, and some players have already sounded off on that issue. 

During a locker room interview at Organized Team Activities (OTAs) by Aaron Becker, Connor Heyward was asked if the Steelers were going to be more physical than in 2023. He replied with an immediate "yeah," then went on to list off the expected differences between the physicality in 2023 and 2024. 

"Coach [Arthur] Smith has his big emphasis of bringing the force to [the opponents], and not having the defense dictate the line of scrimmage, and taking the fight to them. With the guys we have upfront, and in the tight end room with Darnell [Washington], MyCole [Pruitt], myself, Rodney [Williams] and Pat [Freiermuth], I think we can do that. When we get into all those different personnels, we're going to use that to our strength. We're very versatile in our room alone, but Isaac Seumalo, Broderick [Jones] upfront, [Nate] Herbig, and all the guys we drafted, we've definitely made that an emphasis, and we know how important it is to run the ball, because that's going to open everything up. I think this year, we're going to be able to untap a lot of potential."

Over the last two offseasons, the Steelers have drafted five different offensive linemen and signed two more in an attempt to have that same impact as the Killer B's era offensive line. Winning in the trenches means everything for any team in any league, and the Steelers will find a way to win there. However, this sudden emphasis begs a question: where was this mentality before?

The Steelers' inconsistencies on the offensive line, as well as Kenny Pickett's controversial lack of pocket presence, led to the Steelers having issues with allowing pressures in 2023. There was plenty of blame to be shared by everyone, but everything points to a common denominator. 

Steelers' Recent Physicality Woes Point To The Obvious Answer

While the front office had a clear emphasis to win in the trenches, Matt Canada likely did not share those same core values. He worked as a lone wolf throughout his time in Pittsburgh, so it makes sense as to why he would not take Weidl's vision into account. That mindset was a big reason as to why he was fired, and Mike Tomlin proved it when he split up the coordinator duties between two position coaches. 

Arthur Smith's core values seem to line up with the Steelers, and his time with the Tennessee Titans proves it, as well as Heyward's comments. Unlike Canada, Smith knows that the offensive line has to be the focal point of the offense. The Steelers already run the same style of offense that Smith did in Tennessee, so there should be no major issue with scheme, especially with the offensive line and tight ends doing their job. 

Heyward also mentions that they have some untapped potential that can come to fruition in 2024. The tight end group has a great chance to show off everything they can do, as Smith was the Titans' tight end coach before calling plays for the top rushing offense in the NFL at the time. The whole offense is expected to do significantly better than they did in 2023, but the tight ends will have the best chance to find the potential that Canada tried to erase. 

What do you think about Heyward talking about how Smith's offense will be much more physical than in previous years? Let us know in the comments.

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