The Pittsburgh Steelers made a pretty significant change in Week 9, moving offensive coordinator Matt Canada from the coach’s box to the sideline in an effort to help quarterback Kenny Pickett.
The move had its success. The Steelers scored an opening-drive touchdown and nearly ended their streak of being out-gained yards-wise in a ballgame. Plus, they found their typical fourth quarter spark and marched down the field with just over four minutes left to take a 20-16 lead over the Tennessee Titans.
“We’re making moves with the intention of being better, so we’ll see as we move forward,” head coach Mike Tomlin explained.
For the players, they enjoyed the move from Canada. Whenever the offense was on the sideline, he would work with Pickett and then take a moment to go give his remarks to the wide receivers or the offensive linemen. And unlike a typical week, he was able to provide feedback to his entire group throughout the game.
“We communicate really well with the headset,” Pickett told All Steelers. “No one else really gets a chance to do that with him. So I think him being able to go over to each position group and kind of get on the same page with them and let them know what we’re thinking going into each drive, I definitely think it was a positive.”
After the game, running back Jaylen Warren and wide receiver Diontae Johnson agreed, stating that there was certainly a benefit to being able to discuss what they were seeing in-game with their offensive coordinator.
“Just trying to find a spark, see what he sees out there differently as opposed to being up top,” Johnson said. “That gives him more time to talk to Kenny and see what they see out there, little stuff like that.”
The change will likely continue for the Steelers as they look to steadily improve their offense in the second half of the season. And if the players see benefits in having Canada on the sideline, Pittsburgh won’t be sending him back up to the box anytime soon.
Source: All Steelers