Steelers Fans Chant ‘Fire Canada’ at Acrisure Stadium

The Pittsburgh Steelers defeated the Cleveland Browns, 26-22, on Monday night at Acrisure Stadium, but they nearly blew it due to a head-scratching play call by offensive coordinator Matt Canada. With the Steelers holding onto a 26-22 lead late in the fourth quarter and facing a third-and-1, quarterback Kenny Pickett off a read-option was tackled for a 3-yard loss by Browns defensive end Ogbonnia Okoronkwo, and the Steelers were forced to punt with 3:02 remaining.

Fans at the game were so outraged by the play call on third-and-1 and the overall performance by the offense that “Fire Canada” chants erupted throughout Acrisure Stadium. There was even a massive “Fire Canada” sign at the game.

The loudest “Fire” a coach chant I’ve ever heard at a Pittsburgh Steelers game. Or Pittsburgh sporting event. pic.twitter.com/gtp95xHSiF

— Andrew Fillipponi (@ThePoniExpress) September 19, 2023

Below is the play that Canada called on third-and-1 with the game in the balance.

WTF was this on 3rd & 1 game in the balance pic.twitter.com/TbQ9MN5wX0

— Warren Sharp (@SharpFootball) September 19, 2023

The Steelers’ defense held their ground and prevented the Browns from a game-winning touchdown. The defense bailed out the offense all night. In fact, the defense scored more points than the offense, as Alex Highsmith had a 30-yard pick-six and T.J. Watt recorded a game-winning 16-yard scoop and score. The offense mustered just 12 points, nine first downs, 255 total yards and were 4 of 14 on third down. The Steelers entered the fourth quarter trailing the Browns by 3. Pittsburgh generated -7 yards of offense in the frame, and they still won the game.

With the offense struggling mighty, talks of Canada getting fired will just continue in Pittsburgh. They’re fortunate that they escaped with a win over Cleveland.

Pickett had another poor performance, as well. He completed 15 of 30 passes (50%) for 222 yards with one touchdown, one interception and a quarterback rating of 71.8.

The offense has scored just 19 points in two games. In Week 2, 24 teams scored 20 points or more. If the offense doesn’t improve quick, Canada could be out of a job by the bye week. If not earlier. Steelers Nation definitely would welcome it, as it was clearly displayed at Acrisure Stadium on Monday night.