PITTSBURGH (93.7 The Fan) – Offensive Coordinator Matt Canada is excited about the depth with the offense this year, especially on the line. He likes the maturity of Kenny Pickett and George Pickens and the addition of receiver Allen Robinson and lineman Isaac Seumalo. All that being said, don’t expect a much different looking Steelers offense in 2023.
“We want to run the football,” Canada said during mandatory mini-camp on Wednesday. “We want to be physical. We want to be a good team that throws the ball down the field and takes advantage of what the defense gives us. I think our identity is well known. We will stay where we are at.”
I can feel the collective shoulder slump. Canada said they were able to build an identity with that style last year. He believes they keep that foundation that while improving in the red zone, scoring more points and the ultimate goal to win more games. If you don’t like that plan, don’t bring all the pitchforks in his direction.
“There is an identity that comes as an organizational plan from Mr. Rooney to Coach Tomlin,” Canada explained. “Obviously when I say we are going to run the ball doesn’t mean we are going to run it every play. In this league, quarterbacks make the plays to win the game at those key moments. We have great faith in Kenny, Mitch and Mason.”
Just because they want to be physical and run the ball, doesn’t mean they won’t allow Pickett to make plays downfield. Canada’s charge is to create a system where they can do everything, but do so while keeping their number one objective in mind—protecting the football.
“There is a balance,” Canada said. “There is a balance for us and we are going to continue to let that grow. But if you look at the stats, the games we turned the football over, we didn’t win.”
“That doesn’t mean you can play afraid not to make a mistake, but there is a line there. You can’t just go out there and wing it around. We have an organizational plan of what we are going to do. We have a tremendous defense standing out there that’s going to play really good. All of those things add up for us winning. Stats are great and we have to do our part, but ultimately it’s only about winning.”
Canada said he loves his job even though the pressure to figure out that formula and have more success must at times seem immense. He said he wouldn’t want any other job. Whether it’s the organization plan or not, what the offense does this year with the investments made, will determine if it keeps that job.