One year ago, the Pittsburgh Steelers dismissed offensive coordinator Matt Canada after 44 games of underwhelming performance. During his tenure, the team scored over 30 points only twice, both in losses, and never exceeded 400 total yards in a single game. Since his departure, the Steelers have improved, averaging 330.1 yards per game in 17 matches compared to just 310.1 under Canada, and they’ve scored 371 points (21.82 points per game) since his firing.
By the Numbers
- Steelers scored 817 points under Matt Canada, averaging 18.57 points per game.
- Since firing Canada, the team has scored 371 points in 17 games, averaging 21.82 points per game.
- Steelers exceeded 400 yards of offense five times in 17 games post-Canada.
Yes, But
While the Steelers’ offense has improved since Canada’s firing, they still face challenges, particularly in the red zone. It’s important to note that the offensive line’s struggles and inconsistent quarterback play also contributed to the issues during Canada’s tenure, indicating that he wasn’t solely to blame.
State of Play
- The Steelers have averaged 23.3 points per game this season under new offensive leadership.
- Despite a slight uptick in offensive production, there are notable red zone efficiency concerns that remain unresolved.
What’s Next
The Steelers will need to address their red zone struggles as they move forward to compete effectively in the playoffs. Evaluating the quarterback situation and ensuring the offensive line’s improvement will be crucial for sustained offensive success.
Bottom Line
The decision to fire Matt Canada was necessary, but merely replacing him does not guarantee the Steelers will solve their ongoing offensive issues. A focus on comprehensive improvements is needed to achieve playoff success.