Report: Kenny Pickett Reason Steelers Fired Matt Canada
PITTSBURGH -- The Pittsburgh Steelers saw an instant return on their decision to fire Matt Canada, but the reasoning behind the move was up for question, with multiple causes being named the driving force behind the decision.
Well, according to Pro Football Network's Adam Caplan, the reason the Steelers finally pulled the plug on their former offensive coordinator was because of their concerns with Kenny Pickett's regression.
"Pro Football Network talked to multiple league sources who have graded the Steelers’ offensive tape this season and cited the following issues with Canada’s offensive scheme: too many college concepts, poor spacing created, lack of an intermediate passing game, and lack of identity," Caplan writes.
"But even with those issues, the biggest problem was the lack of development from second-year QB Kenny Pickett, who team sources said had 'an outstanding offseason.'"
Pickett did have a successful preseason, and appeared ready to take a significant year-two leap this season. But once the struggles started, they just continued to get worse. And with his last two games working with Canada being two of his worst, the Steelers decided to move on.
The Steelers offense and their quarterback quickly found success without Canada. With Eddie Faulkner and Mike Sullivan leading the offense, Pickett threw for 278 yards and had a 97.8 passer rating. The team also eclipsed the 400-yard mark for the first time in 59 games.
After the game, running back Jaylen Warren said he credited the offense's lack of fear for helping them find success.
"More communication and more, I don’t know how to say this without being too explicit, but more willingness to take shots. Taking more risks," Warren told 93.7 The Fan.
The Steelers will look to continue their newfound success, and keep growing Pickett into a winning quarterback as he closes out year two.
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