Pittsburgh Steelers offensive coordinator, Matt Canada, spoke to the media today for his regular Thursday press conference.
He was asked how things will be different with rookie quarterback, Kenny Pickett coming back from a concussion, and if they'll change the calls to protect him. Canada said they do not scheme differently for this:
“It is either a go or a no go,” said Canada in a video posted by TribLive reporter, Chris Adamski.
ATLANTA, GEORGIA - DECEMBER 04: Kenny Pickett #8 of the Pittsburgh Steelers throws a pass against the Atlanta Falcons during the first half of the game at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on December 04, 2022 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Todd Kirkland/Getty Images)
“He is trending the right direction, continuing to ascend the way we want him to and we have to contine to help him with that.”
Canada did say he is happy with the progress Pickett is making and feels that he is right where he needs to be. On how to protect Pickett more, Canada was vague:
“Yes, of course I wish he was just going down, but can’t ask him to do that. He is who he is. He did a great job of shaking him off. We can’t let those things happen.”
According to Canada, the other 10 men on the field need to make sure he stays protected, to avoid hits like his most recent one against Baltimore. On that play, left guard, Kevin Dotson missed his block. Dotson told reporters he knew he got the play wrong immediately, but there was nothing he could do to fix it, it was too late.
These comments certainly do not bode well for a receiving group that is chomping at the bit to get more targets. While the Steelers run game is finally heating up, the passing game remains stalled out when Pickett is on the field.
Steelers Canada Hints that Pickens Will Stay Hungry
Frustration has been mounting for the rookie wide receiver, George Pickens. Pickens was seen exploding on the sideline in Atlanta, frustrated he is not being targeted more often.
George Pickens (14) catches a two-point conversion to give the Pittsburgh Steelers a 24-17 lead on MNF. | Photo Credit: Karl Roser/Pittsburgh Steelers
Based on the comments made by Canada today, it doesn’t seem likely to change anytime in the near future. Canada was very clear during the press conference that the Steelers aren’t scheming differently with Pickett coming off his second concussion. That also implies that the ball will not be getting sent in Pickens' direction more often.
Dale Lolley reported that Canada said the coverage dictates where the ball goes. That directly contradicts his comment after the game against Carolina about Diontae Johnson. Johnson has also been complaining about his lack of targets. However, he caught 10 passes last Sunday with backup Mitch Trubisky in for Pickett. After the game, Canada said, “Diontae was open…the ball found Diontae.”
It seems as though Pickens has a right to be frustrated. According to Player Profiler, he only has 15.5% of the targets on the team for the season. This is especially confusing when he seems to be the best receiver on the team with a freakish ability to pull in contested balls, at a 62.5% rate. However, Player Profiler also has him winning only 32.9% of his routes.
Canada seems to be letting all of our remaining opponents know that we are going with the same, confusing game plan we have been using all season. While the offense, like Pickett, is trending in the right direction, Canada needs schemes that get the ball in the hands of these young receivers.
What do you think of Canada’s comments today? Do you think George Pickens is open as often as he seems to think he is? Should the offense be making changes based on the fact that Pickett has two concussions? Click to comment below!
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