The Pittsburgh Steelers currently lead the AFC North with a 3-2 record. However, recent scrutiny has been directed toward their offensive line, particularly under the guidance of offensive coordinator Matt Canada, due to a series of lackluster performances in recent games. This season, the Steelers’ attack has been one of the worst in the NFL, scoring only 12.3 points per game on average. So, even though it’s only the fifth week of the season, there is more and more talk about Matt Canada’s job security.
Even though the Steelers won three games, their offensive line did not perform well, and a Super Bowl run does not appear likely. Surprisingly, the team has chosen to disregard this and retain Canada as a member of their front office staff despite doubts about his effectiveness.
Steelers show no plans to fire OC Matt Canada
The Steelers possess talented players, but their inability to keep the ball running and assist quarterback Kenny Pickett to throw the ball has been deteriorating their overall performance. On top of that, they recorded only 12.3 offensive points per game.
But, according to The Athletic’s Dianna Russini, the franchise, along with its players, has decided to keep Canada in Pittsburgh, despite mounting calls from agitated fans for his dismissal.
“I was told if a move was going to be made, it would have happened already. Though fans have criticized Canada and his play calling, Steelers players and coach Mike Tomlin have continued to show him support. I was told the team held a meeting this week to come together and search for some answers as they approach the bye week.”
REPORT: The #Steelers have no plans to fire OC Matt Canada or turn the play calling over to another coach on the staff, per @DMRussini
— Dov Kleiman (@NFL_DovKleiman) October 14, 2023
She adds that: "If a move was going to be made, it would have happened already."
The team held a meeting this week to come together and search… https://t.co/xqxr5wjfEY pic.twitter.com/L8UKlco2hS
Tomlin earlier said he believes that offensive success depends on the combination of coaching and execution. Hence, they are trying to respond to the criticism by adding more physical practices to their week with the aim of creating a better product on game days.
Dianna also added that the Steelers don’t follow the approach of firing assistant coaches in-season, instead, they provide a chance to showcase improvement. However, the development also doesn’t rule out the probability of the veteran leading the team in the upcoming season as well.
Penguins fans chant ‘Fire Canada’ in D.C.
The Steelers rank 30th in the league in total offense at 268.2 yards per game, averaging 15.8 points per game. Given the performance, the discontent among the franchise’s fanbase has been palpable, with many fans flooding message boards and forums with their grievances.
The outrage in Pittsburgh has been so strong that it even reached the NHL field as well. In the Pittsburgh Penguins’ home opening match against the Washington Capitals on Friday at PPG Paints Arena, ardent fans started a “Fire Canada” chant.
A “Fire Canada” chant has broken out here at the Penguins game pic.twitter.com/CeztxYWpv4
— Jenna Harner (@JennaHarner11) October 11, 2023
The outrage among the Penguins fans didn’t stop there, as they chanted the same words during the franchise’s second game of the season in Washington D.C. on the steps of the National Portrait Gallery.
With a below-average O-line, the Steelers will be facing off against the Los Angeles Rams on October 22. Meanwhile, the team’s faithful will be watching closely, hoping to see positive changes and an upward trajectory in their franchise’s offense and overall performance. Do you think that Matt will be able to make his way out of criticism? Tell us in the comments.
