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38 SPORTS AWEMainta Diamars, 17 October 2023

Pittsburgh Steelers Stand by OC

Matt Canada Despite Fan Criticism

PITTSBURGH’S professional football team, the Steelers,

is grappling with offensive struggles that have fans calling
for the firing of Offensive Coordinator Matt Canada. Despite
the fan outcry, a recent report suggests that there will be no
immediate changes within the coaching staff.

According to a report from Dianna Russini of The Athletic,
the Steelers organization has no plans to fire Matt Canada
or reassign play-calling duties to another coach on the staff.
The report indicates that if such a move were to occur, it

would have already been implemented. While fans have
been vocal in their criticism of Canada and his play-calling,
the Steelers’ players and Head Coach Mike Tomlin continue
to express support for him.

The team reportedly held a meeting to address the ongoing
challenges as they approach the bye week, emphasizing
the need for improvement. The Steelers traditionally do not

terminate assistant coaches during the season; instead,
they focus on enhancing performance through increased
physical practice. Key areas for development include quar-
terback performance and offensive line support, as the team victory over the Ravens in their most recent game. However,

has skilled players but faces challenges in running the ball this win did little to silence concerns about the offense and
and providing protection for quarterback Kenny Pickett. the role of Matt Canada.

The Steelers, currently holding a 3-2 record, are utilizing Kenny Pickett, in his second season as the starting quarter-

their bye weekend for self-assessment and rejuvenation. back, connected with receiver George Pickens for a game-
The team gained momentum with a hard-fought 17-10 winning 41-yard touchdown in the final moments of the
Ravens game. This touchdown secured the 14-10 lead for
the Steelers, which they expanded with a quick field goal

after recovering a fumble by Lamar Jackson.

Despite the win, Kenny Pickett expressed that the team has
much room for improvement, acknowledging that they are

far from where they need to be.
Indeed, the statistics support Pickett’s sentiment. The
Steelers’ offense has struggled, ranking 30th in the NFL
in total offense, with an average of 268.2 yards per game.

Additionally, their points-per-game average of 15.8 places
them at 29th in the league.
Matt Canada addressed these concerns, noting that the
season is far from over and expressing optimism about the

team’s trajectory. The Steelers are preparing to face the
Rams on October 22 after a brief break.

As the Steelers move forward, the spotlight remains on Matt

Canada and the offensive struggles that have tested the
team and its fans.