Time For Canada To Go..NOW!

Look, I have literally been on board of the Matt Canada offensive coordinator train since he was first hired last season. But the time has come to ask for a refund from this debacle of a ride..or cut my loses.

Canada has been by far the worst OC that the Pittsburgh Steelers ever had. His mediocre, or somewhat “sophomoric” play calling has the Steelers becoming the Laughing Stock of the National Football League.

Entering yesterday’s game versus the Cincinnati Bengals, Canada had the offense running like a very “un-oiled” machine. Ranking at the bottom at both Points Per Game(15.6) and Yards Per Play(4.7).

With Red Zone TD Percentage ranking T-28th(46.2)..he has also plummeted the offense to the 29th ranking in 3-And-Outs(28.7) This of course should have the Pittsburgh front office extremely concerned.

We all were fooled last season when the Steelers went 11-0 to start, only to falter in the end. But what most people don’t understand that it wasn’t Canada calling the plays during that run, it was in fact Ben Roethlisberger.

Even Bengals linebacker Germaine Pratt took a shot at Steelers offensive coordinator Matt Canada. Saying that his play calling was “ELEMENTARY.”

“Just settling down,” Pratt told CBS Sports. “It was us giving them plays. We knew what they were going to do. They like to do the same plays over and over.”

Now how embarrassing is that? Honestly, I don’t think it can wait until the end of the season, Matt Canada should be fired now! No ifs..ands or buts. #HereWeGo

Matt Canada Has Got To Get Pickens Involved More

Photo courtesy of Sporting News

Look, I don’t know if it is part of the plan or if Pittsburgh Steelers offensive coordinator, Matt Canada has no idea what he is doing. But rookie wide receiver, George Pickens is not being utilized they way he should be.

The University of Georgia standout was a steal in the second round in the 2022 NFL Draft, and showed his talent in both training camp and in preseason.

George Pickens preseason debut vs Seahawks

Steelers quarterback, Mitch Trubisky even mentioned his distain in the play calling of OC Canada telling ESPN he wants the play calls to “open up” and wants to answer the bell.

“I like to throw the ball down the field,” Trubisky said Tuesday. “Why I haven’t given the certain looks, especially during the game, I can’t tell you exactly. But we’re looking for that. I’m looking for that.”

The boos came out on Sunday against the New England Patriots, and Pittsburgh fans began to chant “KENNY..KENNY” as in wanting Mitch pulled and Kenny Picket put in the game. But it wasn’t Trubisky to blame..it was the OC.

In two(2) regular season games, Pickens has been targeted only six(6) times, pulling in two receptions, averaging 13 yards per catch. This because Matt Canada is not using him as he should, which is having Pickens stretch the field..giving Trubisky more options for the long ball.

Ben Roethlisberger was criticized for not throwing the ball deep and being less mobile, but here we have Trubisky..a mobile quarterback with a strong arm, and Canada is refusing to let him off of the leash. To utilize Pickens down field which is why he was drafted.

Long story short..the trio of Diontae Johnson, Chase Claypool and George Pickens should be unstoppable behind Mitch Trubisky’s arm..or even Kenny Pickett for that matter. But Pickens definitely needs to be more involved in the play calls to make it work. #HereWeGo

I’LL BE BACK: Says “Terminator” J. Watt To Steelers Fans

TJ Watt intercepts Bengals quarterback, Joe Burrow

The Pittsburgh Steelers had a serious scare this past Sunday when their Defensive Player of the Year..and All-Pro linebacker, T.J. Watt left the game with a presumed torn pectoral muscle. But news has spread that his injury was not as severe as it first seemed.

Doctors determined this Tuesday afternoon that Watt will not need surgery on his torn pectoral and us expected to miss about six weeks, a source told ESPN’s Adam Schefter.

Steelers head coach, Mike Tomlin said earlier today that the organization was “encouraged” about the injury update on TJ.

Dr. Brian Sutterer explains the pectoral injury to TJ Watt

“We’re probably in a lot better place than we were after the game,” Tomlin said Tuesday. “… I can definitively say that T.J. won’t play this week, but I won’t make any commitments beyond that.

“We’re encouraged, and we’ll just continue to look at the situation and gain opinions and do what’s appropriate.”

Watt, himself showed his excitement about not missing the entire season with a gif posted on Twitter. Depicting The Terminator mouthing his famous line “I’ll Be Back.”

Before leaving the game, Watt accumulated six ackles, one sack and one interception in the 23-20 overtime win over the AFC North defending Champions Cincinnati Bengals.

Last season, Watt had 22.5 sacks to tie the NFL’s single-season sack record. He has 73 sacks in his career.

MITCHBURGH OR KENNYWOOD: Who Should Be The Week 1 Starter

Photo courtesy of NFL Network

Look, I am not going to lie. When the Pittsburgh Steelers signed free agent quarterback, Mitch Trubisky I was not upset at all. Even more so after the untimely passing of Dwayne Haskins..(RIP DH), and truly believed Trubisky was the next in line.

Enter first round draft pick out of Pittsburgh, Kenny Pickett who has basically taken training camp and the first two preseason games by storm. Which brings up the QB debate:

WHICH QB SHOULD BE THE WEEK 1 STARTER?

Let’s of course start with Mitch Trubisky, who in his two preseason games was pretty solid. In five drives went 9 for 15, accumulating 123 yards and 1 touchdown with a 108.5 QBR. Only sacked once against the Jacksonville Jaguars. Anyone would be happy about those statistics, except the skepics.

Mitch Trubisky highlights week 1 preseason vs. Seahawks

Now, let’s move on to Kenny Pickett. In two preseason games (7 drives) threw for 171 yards, going 19 for 22 and 3 touchdowns..never sacked once, with a 138.6 QBR. And let’s keep in mind, two of the three touchdowns were under 2 minutes.

Kenny Pickett Orchrestrates a 1:05 drive for a Touchdown

Keep in mind, any team in the National Football League would love to have both of these options. Both Trubisky and Pickett were first round draft picks. Trubisky has a winning record in his career of 34-23, well above average obviously.

Pickett, the rookie who started all four years for the Pitt Panthers knows the stadium, and has shown amazing Pro-Level experience over the past two weeks of the preseason.

I see this conundrum as the Tommy Maddox/Ben Roethlisberger situation. Where the veteran starts the season, only to have the young 1st round draft pick rookie step in after an injury to run the show. Not saying I want that scenario to repeat itself.

I am however, saying that in week 1 versus the Cincinnati Bengals that Mitch Trubisky should be the starter. He has had experience with playing the AFC North, going undefeated against the Bengals, Baltimore Ravens and the Cleveland Browns.

But in my opinion, Kenny Pickett will become the starter within 6 to 8 weeks. And will be the future of the Steelers franchise. Let me know who you think should be the week 1 starter by taking the poll above. #HereWeGo

Steelers 2022 Initial Depth Chart

Photo created by Steelers World 1

HEAD COACH: Mike Tomlin OFFENSIVE COORDINATOR: Matt Canada DEFENSIVE COORDINATOR: Teryl Austin SPECIAL TEAMS: Danny Smith

#HereWeGo The 2022 NFL season is just around the corner, and the Pittsburgh Steelers have released their “initial” depth chart leading into this year. So without further ado..”LET’S GET IT IN!”

OFFENSE:

QUARTERBACK: Mitch Trubisky (1st) Mason Rudolph (2nd questionable) Kenny Pickett (3rd)

Photo courtesy of CBS Sports

RUNNING BACK: Najee Harris (1st) Benny Snell Jr. (2nd) Anthony McFarland (3rd) TBD

Photo courtesy of CBS Sports

(L)WIDE RECEIVER: Diontae Johnson (1st) Anthony Miller (2nd) Cody White (3rd)

Photo courtesy of Pro Football Talk

(R)WIDE RECEIVER: George Pickens (1st) Miles Boykin (2nd) Gunner Olszewski (3rd)

Photo courtesy of Steelers Now

(S)WIDE RECEIVER: Chase Claypool (1st) Calvin Austin III (2nd) Steven Sims (3rd)

Photo courtesy of Still Curtain

TIGHT END: Pat Freiermuth (1st) Zach Gentry (2nd) Connor Heyward (3rd)

Photo courtesy of Draft Kings

FULLBACK: Derek Watt (1st)

Photo courtesy of Sporting News

LEFT TACKLE: Dan Moore Jr. (1st) Joe Haeg (2nd) Chaz Green (3rd)

Photo courtesy of Steelers Now

LEFT GUARD: Kevin Dotson (1st) Kendrick Green (2nd)

Photo courtesy of Pittsburgh Steelers

CENTER: Mason Cole (1st) J.C. Hassenauer (2nd) Chris Owens (3rd)

Photo courtesy of Shutterstock

RIGHT GUARD: John Leglue (1st) Nate Gilliam (2nd)

Photo courtesy of Pittsburgh Post-Gazette

RIGHT TACKLE: Chukwuma Okorafor (1st) Trent Scott (2nd) Jake Dixon (3rd)

Photo courtesy of 247 Sports

DEFENSE:

DEFENSIVE END: Larry Ogunjobi (1st) Chris Wormley (2nd) DeMarvin Leal (3rd)

Photo courtesy of Steelers Now

NOSE TACKLE: Tyson Alualu (1st) Montravious Adams (2nd) Doug Costin (3rd)

Photo courtesy of Behind The Steel Curtain

DEFENSIVE TACKLE: Cam Heyward (1st) Isaiahh Loudermilk (2nd)

Photo courtesy of Still Curtain

(L)OUTSIDE LINEBACKER: T.J. Watt (1st) Genard Avery (2nd) Tuzar Skipper (3rd)

Photo courtesy of Sky Sports

(L)INSIDE LINEBACKER: Devin Bush (1st) Robert Spillane (2nd) Ulysses Gilbert III (3rd)

Photo courtesy of NFL.com

(R) INSIDE LINEBACKER: Myles Jack (1st) Marcus Allen (2nd) Buddy Johnson (3rd)

Photo courtesy of Behind The Steel Curtain

(R)OUTSIDE LINEBACKER: Alex Highsmith (1st) Derek Tuszka (2nd) Delontae Scott (3rd)

Photo courtesy of Steelers Wire USA Today

(L) CORNERBACK: Levi Wallace (1st) James Peirre (2nd) Chris Steele (3rd)

Photo courtesy of Behind The Steel Curtain

STRONG SAFETY: Terrell Edmunds (1st) Damontae Kazee (2nd) Karl Joseph (3rd)

Photo courtesy of Still Curtain

FREE SAFETY: Minkah Fitzpatrick (1st) Tre Norwood (2nd) Miles Killebrew (3rd)

Photo courtesy of CBS Sports

(R)CORNERBACK: Ahkello Witherspoon (1st) Justin Layne (2nd)

Photo courtesy of DK Pittsburgh Sports

NICKLE BACK: Cameron Sutton (1st) Arthur Maulet (2nd)

Photo courtesy of Sports Illustrated

Do you agree with this depth chart? How would you rearrange it? #HereWeGo

Trubisky Should And Will Be The Steelers Starter In Week 1

Steelers quarterbacks Mitch Trubisky and Kenny Pickett during OTA’s

The scenario is reminiscent of the 2004 NFL Season, when the Pittsburgh Steelers drafted Ben Roethlisberger in the first round to become the backup quarterback for Tommy Maddox. Now..18 years later, the past has come back to BLESS US once again.

Even after the acquisition of former Chicago Bears/Buffalo Bills free agent quarterback Mitch Trubisky, it was written in stone that Pittsburgh was definitely going to draft another QB. Basically because it had been very well documented that Mason Rudolph was not going to be Big Ben’s predecessor, even after the passing of Dwayne Haskins.

Mitch Trubisky embarrasses the Cincinnati Bengals

Enter Kenny Pickett, the 20th overall first round pick in the 2022 NFL Draft out of Pitt, and the next in line as the starting Steelers quarterback. That is after Trubisky gets to show his skills off of course.

Mitch Trubisky, a former first round pick  himself (2nd overall) in 2017 is more primed to take the reigns at the start of the season. Accumulating 10,652 yards, 64 touchdowns and only 38 interceptions, while rocking a 29-21 record. Might I also add that he is also 3-0 versus AFC North teams. Those 3 being the Baltimore Ravens, the  Cleveland Browns and the Cincinnati Bengals.

Pitt QB Kenny Pickett at NFL Combine

Like Roethlisberger, Pickett comes in with zero NFL experience but with the same major upsides as a rookie. He is mobile like Ben was..he can read a pro-style defense like Ben..and he has got an accurate canon of an arm like Ben did. Not to mention playing in the same stadium that he did in college doesn’t hurt either.

Hence the reminiscent of 2004. Trubisky is Maddox..Pickett is Roethlisberger. Mitch will start this season and continue to be the starter, barring some unforseen injury or lack of production. Until either of those come to fruition, Kenny Pickett will soak up all he can to be prepared to step in when need be.

In the 52 games Pickett played at Pitt University he went 32-20, including 11-2 in his 13 appearances in the 2021 NCAA Season, where the Panthers finished with an ACC Championship.

#HereWeGo