'MNF' proves Steelers made another offseason mistake

For much of the season, many have criticized the Steelers for not parting ways with offensive coordinator Matt Canada in the offseason. Week 7's finale proved keeping Canada wasn't the only mistake Pittsburgh made.

On "Monday Night Football," the Vikings (3-4) upset the 49ers (5-2), who are believed to be one of the most complete teams in the league, and a big reason why was Minnesota's defense, which held San Francisco to just 17 points and forced three turnovers.

Why should the Steelers care about how well the Vikings defense is playing?

Pittsburgh let Brian Flores, who is now the defensive coordinator in Minnesota, walk after spending the 2022 season as its senior defensive assistant & linebackers coach.

The Vikings defense is allowing 330.3 total yards per game compared to the Steelers' 383.5, which is the third-worst in the NFL. It may not feel like a major difference, but Pittsburgh's defense allowed 30 points when it faced the 49ers in Week 1.

Instead, the Steelers stuck with Teryl Austin as their defensive coordinator. Austin's defense wasn't bad in 2022, allowing just 330.4 total yards per game, but that hasn't translated into this season.

However, Pittsburgh's defense giving up more big plays this year could be a result of the absence of DT Cameron Heyward, who was placed on injured reserve in September. 

Either way, the Steelers could have had one of the better coaching staffs in the league under head coach Mike Tomlin if they had moved on from Canada and kept Flores instead of Austin. Pittsburgh decided to rather stay loyal and put out a somewhat painful product for fans to watch.