Matt Canada Fired: Steelers Fans and Antonio Brown Find Relief

• NFL

In a significant turn of events, the Pittsburgh Steelers have parted ways with their offensive coordinator, Matt Canada, amidst mounting criticism of the team's offensive performance. This decision, announced early Tuesday morning, has been met with a wave of relief and enthusiasm from Steelers fans who have voiced their concerns over the team's lackluster offensive displays throughout the season.

The Steelers' offensive struggles in the current season have been a source of frustration for fans and pundits alike. Ranked 28th in points per game, 31st in passing yards, and touchdowns, the team has faced consistent challenges on the offensive front.

Notably, they have been outscored in every game this season, a stark contrast to their defense, which has allowed the seventh-fewest points per game.

Kenny Pickett's Struggles

Quarterback Kenny Pickett, under Matt Canada's guidance, has failed to show significant progress, with 13 touchdowns and 13 interceptions in 22 career starts.

Pickett's quarterback rating has surpassed 80 in just 10 of these starts, raising questions about the effectiveness of Canada's coaching. Head coach Mike Tomlin, despite the team's 6-4 record and playoff contention, made the decisive move to relieve Canada of his duties.

The Steelers' recent Week 11 loss to the Cleveland Browns, where they managed only 77 yards passing and 249 total yards of offense, served as a stark reminder of the team's offensive woes. Matt Canada had been a part of the Steelers organization since the 2020 season when he assumed the role of quarterbacks coach.

He was subsequently promoted to offensive coordinator ahead of the 2021 season. However, the team's offensive rankings dropped from 23rd in yards in his first two seasons to 28th this season. As Canada's replacement, the Steelers have tapped into their coaching staff, appointing running backs coach Eddie Faulkner and quarterbacks coach Mike Sullivan.

While this marks Faulkner's first stint as offensive coordinator, Sullivan brings experience from his previous roles as offensive coordinator with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers (2012-2013) and the New York Giants (2016-2017). In their new roles, Sullivan will take charge of play-calling responsibilities, while Faulkner will coordinate the offense.

Steelers fans eagerly await the debut of the revamped offensive strategy under Faulkner and Sullivan as the team faces the Cincinnati Bengals in Week 12, a critical juncture in their quest for postseason success. The shake-up in the coaching staff signals a determined effort to rejuvenate the Steelers' offense and rekindle hope for a strong finish to the season.