The Pittsburgh Steelers sent shockwaves through the football world with the unexpected firing of Offensive Coordinator Matt Canada. Steelers Head Coach Mike Tomlin's decision to relieve Canada of his duties marked the first time in 82 years that a Steelers coach lost his job during the season. The last time an in-season coaching change was made by the Steelers was when owner Bert Bell fired himself in 1941.
Despite Canada's 24-19-1 record over the last three seasons, making it the 12th-best in the NFL during that period, the team found itself languishing at the bottom of key offensive categories under his controversial tenure.
Steelers’ Offensive Struggles Under Matt Canada
Under Canada's guidance, the Steelers' offensive performance has been less than stellar, ranking 28th in points per game (PPG), 28th in total yards per game (YPG), 30th in yards per play, 27th in red zone touchdown percentage, and 30th in first-down percentage, according to ESPN. Not only are those numbers horrible, they are actually alarming. The fact that this team won 24 games with those stats is something that scientists will be trying to figure out for centuries.
In response to Canada's departure, Steelers quarterbacks coach Mike Sullivan and running backs coach Eddie Faulkner have been entrusted with coordinating duties. Faulkner is expected to step into the role of interim offensive coordinator, while Sullivan, drawing from his coordinator experience with the New York Giants and Tampa Bay Buccaneers, will take charge of play-calling, according to Tomlin himself along with a report made by Mike Garafolo.
Dan Orlovsky's Expert Insight
ESPN's Dan Orlovsky, a respected NFL analyst, and former player under Sullivan shared his insights on The Pat McAfee Show regarding the Steelers' new offensive coordinator situation.
“What’s needed for Steelers new OC? Get rid of the missed assignments between QB and WR, feature Pickens in the pass game more, tie things together formation + plays, build the pass game off inside zone runs and 1 back power runs & screen game improvement landmarks.”
According to Orlovsky, the Steelers must tailor plays to involve Pickens more actively in the passing game. Acknowledging the simplicity of the Steelers' offensive playbook, he underscored the need for improvement in the team's screen game. Despite his critique, Orlovsky recognized the strong performances of the Steelers' running backs, Najee Harris and Jaylen Warren.
“The Steelers have to build some plays for George Pickens to get involved in the pass game."
Key Takeaways from Orlovsky's Blueprint
Orlovsky's blueprint for the new Steelers offensive coordinator suggests a more dynamic and versatile approach to play-calling. By addressing communication breakdowns, showcasing key offensive weapons like Pickens, and diversifying the playbook, the Steelers aim to breathe new life into an offense that has struggled to find its rhythm.
"Tie things together, formation, and plays. So often, they would just run a play, and in the third quarter, they would get into the same formation, and there wouldn't be a counter to that play. When you get into a set, there should be three to four to five different plays off of that formation, so you are forcing the defense to think a little bit."
The Path Ahead for the Steelers
As the Steelers navigate uncharted waters in the midst of a critical stretch in the season, they face a pivotal matchup against the Cincinnati Bengals on Sunday. The success of the revamped offensive strategy, spearheaded by Faulkner and Sullivan, will play a crucial role in determining the team's playoff fate.
In a season marked by unexpected twists, the Steelers aim to rise to the occasion and capitalize on the expertise of their coaching staff to reignite their postseason aspirations. Only time will tell if Orlovsky's suggested adjustments will prove to be the catalyst for a successful offensive resurgence in Pittsburgh.
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