Diontae Johnson Drubs ‘Fire Matt Canada’ Chants: ‘It Sucks to Hear’

Steelers offensive coordinator Matt Canada has remained under scrutiny throughout his tenure as offensive coordinator, but it has reached a fever pitch over the last few weeks. The ‘Fire Canada’ chants have echoed across college campuses, sporting events, and more. The Steelers players are not naive and have heard it, too.

Whenever given a chance, the players have gone to bat for Canada. Joining The Arthur Moats Show on Friday, wide receiver Diontae Johnson followed the lead of many others, such as Najee Harris, before him. He defended Matt Canada, stating that much of the struggles are execution related rather than play-call-related.

“It sucks to hear because it’s not like he’s intentionally trying to f*** up,” Johnson said.”I just feel like it’s my job to be that person he can talk to about stuff like that. When I see the OC man, I can’t do nothing but go over there and talk to him about certain stuff. I try to take his mind off stuff like, ‘I’m on your side at the end of the day. Don’t listen to whatever they’re saying out there. They’re gonna say what they gotta say, but we’re gonna make you look good.”

Matt Canada certainly has struggled in his tenure, but there is not much the team can do now, and they will likely ride him out until the end of the season. The team hopes that the return of Johnson can be the spark this offense needs, and they were much better against the Rams on Sunday.

“People might not agree with his play-calling, but you ain’t got no choice. He’s calling plays,” Johnson said. “He’s the boss on offense. We’ve got to do what he says and we don’t have a choice. You don’t have to like them, but you got to respect them. That’s how I go.”

Jacksonville is a tougher task that will test how far they have come after a promising start after the bye week. Earlier this week, former NFL quarterback Alex Smith roasted Canada, just like many others before him. So, even after that game, the criticism is still pouring on.

“I think the better question is what’s not wrong with this offense. I mean, it’s that bad,” Smith said. “It’s about as vanilla as it gets. They’re the anti-Miami Dolphins. They think that shifts, motions, and disguises are illegal. I mean, what you see is what you get. It’s so plain.”

Of course, if Canada and the Steelers’ offense struggle, it is hard to see him back after this year. They started to find some rhythm on Sunday. But that’s not going to be enough to put everything together. Regardless, Pittsburgh’s players are likely going to have to make most of the margin for improvement, though the Steelers have started to experiment with some newer things.