PITTSBURGH (93.7 The Fan) – In his time as Steelers offensive coordinator Matt Canada would step to the podium and start with questions. After the opening loss to the Niners, he started with a statement outlying their issues Sunday.
“The start of the game was not what we wanted,” Canada said. “Five three-and-outs was not what we expected and not acceptable. Once that occurred probably the only high point of the game for us was the two-minute, 95-yard drive. It got us in it a little bit.”
“We were always playing from behind. Did not get into our routine, our plan. That’s just the facts of how it went.”
It was bad, for much of the first half only one yard of offense and while they moved the ball a little in the second half, it was mostly check-downs with San Francisco in prevent defense. Even when they got a turnover from TJ Watt, they couldn’t score on a first and 10 from the San Francisco 14-yard line.
“It’s not what we expected,” Canada said. “It’s not how we practiced. It’s not how our guys have played. We have no concern that will continue. I appreciate that’s what we did and it was disappointing, but we have to move on.”
Canada said the team has taken ownership of their issues. It got away from them fast and they need to focus on a better start. He took blame saying he’s looking forward to watching the offense work.
“Everything we’ve done in the spring and summer, I don’t have any doubts or concerns it will be better,” Canada said. “How much better? When? I’m not making any big, bold predictions.”
“We didn’t play like we’ve played or practiced. I don’t have the answer why. We are certainly working on it. We are evaluating like you do, win or lose. For sure surprised with the whole deal. You can’t run from it. You have to be better and we will be.”
Pickett problems
Canada said it’s not just on quarterback Kenny Pickett, everyone has things to clean up. He said he appreciated how Pickett took responsibility, adding there are throws he would want back. He noted in every game, every player has plays they which they would want a do over. Pickett never got into a rhythm and while the quarterback can improve, the offensive coordinator said it’s on all of them.
No Diontae
It will be a committee approach to making up for the loss of Diontae Johnson, out with a hamstring injury. While Calvin Austin will have a bigger role, the reps will be doled out among the group.
“Not just Calvin, all of our wideouts roles are going to increase,” Canada said. “Calvin made some plays, did some things. All will have to step up. Diontae is a big part of our offense, it’s not just going to be one guy.”
Why not more 2-minute?
“We obviously work on it like everyone does,” Canada said. “That showed a lot of character for the offense. What we did wasn’t good enough, but I want to credit Kenny that we were down 20-nothing and found a way to get a touchdown and at least to a two-score game.”
That being said, they weren’t able to get anything going in other parts of the game to where they could build momentum and run no-huddle.