Column: Steelers must address problems on offense

The+Pittsburgh+Steelers+offense+is+coordinated+by+football+coach+Matt+Canada.+

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The Pittsburgh Steelers offense is coordinated by football coach Matt Canada.

Connor Boros, Club Member

The Pittsburgh Steelers’ offense has been so unwatchable recently that if things do not improve by their bye week, a change has to be made in the coaching staff.

Offensive coordinator Matt Canada has taken a lot of criticism from fans and even players recently, and rightfully so. 

Dating back to the 2021 NFL season, the Steelers have been statistically ranked as a bottom 20 offensive unit in points scored and yardage gained among all 32 NFL teams – with Canada having the keys to the offense. As of Week 7 of the 2022 NFL season, the Steelers have the 28th-ranked offense in the NFL, ranking last in points per game at 15.3.

Canada’s offensive scheme is unimaginative, predictable, and too conservative to be a productive NFL offense. It is unacceptable to produce these offensive statistics with the amount of talent the Steelers have on the offensive side of the ball. 

While some fans may argue that many of the team’s offensive struggles go back to the young and developing offensive line, Pro Football Focus has the Steelers’ offensive line ranked 13th, above more productive offenses such as those of the Los Angeles Chargers, San Francisco 49ers, and New Orleans Saints. 

Some other fans may argue that the blame for offensive struggles should go back to the quarterbacks, Mitch Trubisky and Kenny Pickett. However, no matter which quarterback is in, the results stay below average. 

In addition to these issues, there have only been two touchdowns caught by wide receivers the entire season so far, which is unacceptable on an offense with such talent. 

Even with playmakers such as Diontae Johnson, Chase Claypool, standout rookie George Pickens, and Najee Harris, Canada has been unable to stretch the field and use the talent on the team to the best of its abilities. 

For Canada to keep his job as offensive coordinator, he has to be able to use the talent on the offense better and be able to score more points with a new creative offensive scheme. 

If things are to get better for the Steelers, something has to be done with the coaching staff. It might be time for the Steelers to move on from Canada in only his second year as offensive coordinator.