‘No Excuses’: NFL Analyst Challenges Steelers OC Matt Canada

When it comes to the Steelers offense in 2023, on paper, it looks like an improved unit from the one a year ago. A few signings seem to have the team on the right track up front, while the weapons group should get better. Kenny Pickett will have another year under his belt to really take that second year leap and improve from a year ago.

But one question that analysts seem to keep bringing up is Matt Canada. There seems to be a lack of belief in the Steelers offensive coordinator, and the tape seems to agree on a lot of the criticisms. Well, with the upgrade across the board, is this the year that Canada either has to sink or swim?

NFL Network’s Brian Baldinger joined the In the Huddle Podcast, and believes that Canada is out of excuses. For him, the Steelers offense has the potential to be a top 10 offense in the NFL this season. Canada seems to have all the tools at his disposal, and if the offense does not click, it will be at Canada’s feet.

“Matt Canada has come under a lot of heat in Pittsburgh,” Baldinger said. “Ben was at the very end and they weren’t very good, last year they had a young quarterback. But I think and I feel like Omar and Andy Weidl, front office, has given Matt anything he could ask for, let’s see what it looks like. I’m sure the run game with Najee and Jaylen Warren will be the foundation and it should. But George Pickens could be a bona fide star, he could really pop, the talent is unreal…. if Kenny Pickett takes any kind of step, this should be a top ten offense. They’ve got everything you need, big slot receivers, athletic guys, a running back who is size wise only second to Derrick Henry, a rebuilt offensive line, and a quarterback who knows what he’s doing. There’s really no excuses for Matt Canada.”

There’s a lot of merit to what he says, but the blame can not just be placed on Canada. Pickett has to take the step forward, and the weapons group must find more consistency. But Baldinger is right, Canada has everything he needs for a successful offense. Top 10 might be rich for my liking, but if they don’t perform this year, it’s hard to justify bringing Canada back for another season.