Last Monday night, Pittsburgh Steelers fans made it crystal clear just how they felt about their offensive coordinator, Matt Canada. As the team struggled offensively against the Cleveland Browns, fans in attendance began to chant, and what they said could be heard around the stadium echoing. Those words chanted were “Fire Canada.”
Steelers’ Offense Has Been Underachieving Under Matt Canada
Steelers fans are known to be some of the most passionate fans in all of sports, and the Steel City’s faithful were unafraid of letting the world know how they felt about their coach on Monday night.
The chant was so loud and so clear it garnered a reaction from the broadcast team and was heard clearly by viewers watching the game from their couches. It was not a shining moment for the coach and the team as a whole, but the team found a way to get their first win of the season despite it all.
While negative fan reaction is not uncommon, especially when it comes to coaches and making staff changes, let’s take a closer look at why the Steelers’ faithful may be feeling the way they do.
When you take a closer look at the numbers of this Pittsburgh offense, it isn’t hard to understand why fans may be looking for a change at play-caller. Despite having young talent that includes an intriguing quarterback, playmaking pass catchers in Diontae Johnson, George Pickens, and Pat Freiermuth, and a young, quality running back in Najee Harris, the Steelers were ranked 23rd in total offense in 2022.
They finished the season averaging 322.6 yards per game while only scoring 18.1 points per game. Pedestrian numbers that placed them in the bottom third of the league in those categories.
More of the Same So Far in 2023
While it looks like more of the same so far this season, they are actually on a worse pace than last year. Pittsburgh only mustered seven points against the San Francisco 49ers in Week 1, and after Monday night’s total of 26, they only average 16.5 points per game on the year so far.
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In Week 3, the Steelers will visit the Raiders in Las Vegas, and if things don’t change quickly, Pittsburgh’s disdain for their play-caller is only going to grow louder.
A Change for Canada Happened, But Not One the Fans Will Like
Sources: The #Steelers are moving
OC Matt Canada to a more prominent role working with QB Kenny Pickett.Canada will continue calling plays, but will also be working directly with Pickett on a daily basis.
The 51-year-old was hired in 2020 as QBs coach, and then promoted to… pic.twitter.com/5eWIQI4T6P
— Jordan Schultz (@Schultz_Report) September 24, 2023
It is being reported that the Steelers are moving Canada to a more prominent role working with QB Kenny Pickett on a more consistent basis. Canada will continue calling plays as well but will be adding working directly with Pickett on a daily basis to his workload.