Pittsburgh Steelers Kenny Pickett (8) looks at his offensive line. Michael Longo/For USA Today Network / USA TODAY NETWORK

Why there's still hope for Steelers offense in 2023

By Aaron Becker | Last updated 1/19/23

The Steelers announced that Matt Canada will return as their offensive coordinator for the 2023 NFL season. It's a surprising decision after Pittsburgh's offense struggled all year, but there may be a silver lining.

The Steelers offense did produce better numbers following the team's bye week. Pittsburgh increased its points per game by nearly six points and had almost a third of the number of turnovers in its last nine games compared to its first eight.

Steelers’ offense first 8 games:
15.0 ppg
73.9 passer rating
94.9 rushing yards/game
14 turnovers
33.6% on 3rd down

Last 9 games:
20.9 ppg
83.9 passer rating
146 rushing yards/game
5 turnovers
54.3% on 3rd down

If you’re looking for a little optimism on Canada’s return. *ducks*
— Daniel Valente (@StatsGuyDaniel) January 18, 2023

Granted, just two of the Steelers' final eight opponents had winning records, the Bengals (12-4) and Ravens (10-7). However, Pittsburgh may benefit from the schedule makers once again in 2023.

Only five of the Steelers' 14 opponents had winning records this season: the Ravens, Bengals, 49ers (13-4), Jaguars (9-8) and Seahawks (9-8).

Our 2023 Opponents ⤵️
— Pittsburgh Steelers (@steelers) January 10, 2023

With QB Kenny Pickett heading into his second year, little change on the offensive side of the ball could be a good thing as well.

Just because Canada is returning does not mean Pittsburgh will avoid changes, either. For instance, the Buccaneers fired Byron Leftwich as OC, which could set up a potential reunion between him and Pittsburgh.

If he doesn’t get another OC job, bringing on Byron Leftwich in a Brian Flores type role seems like a good decision for the #Steelers.
— Josh Rowntree (@JRown32) January 19, 2023

Whatever additions the Steelers do or don't make this offseason, fans will demand much more offensive production than what they witnessed in 2022.

More must-reads: