The Pittsburgh Steelers had a prime opportunity to establish dominance in the AFC North during their Week 11 matchup against the Cleveland Browns. The Browns were compelled to start rookie quarterback Dorian Thompson-Robinson, stepping in for the sidelined Deshaun Watson, who was ruled out for the remainder of the 2023 NFL season.
Despite the Browns’ quarterback situation, the Steelers faced unexpected challenges as their offense struggled to make headway against Cleveland’s formidable defense, resulting in a disappointing 13-10 defeat. The offensive woes, a persistent concern for fans over the past few years, prompted a significant decision by the organization – the termination of former offensive coordinator Matt Canada.
While Canada’s firing caught many by surprise, especially given Head Coach Mike Tomlin’s previous defense of him throughout the year, the news took an unusual route to reach wide receiver George Pickens. Notably detached from phone and social media usage, Pickens remained unaware of Canada’s dismissal until a day later when he arrived at the facility, where the team broke the news to him.
Pickens, displaying minimal reaction to Canada’s departure, hinted at a potential lack of favorability towards the now-former offensive coordinator and his strategies. The unanticipated change in coordinators, with Canada’s departure, raises speculation about how it might impact Pickens’ role in the offensive scheme. Given Pickens’ status as the team’s most skilled pass-catcher, the alteration could translate into an increased focus on featuring him prominently in the offensive strategies moving forward.
The Steelers, having relinquished a critical opportunity against the Browns, now face not only the challenge of regaining momentum in the AFC North but also the task of adapting to a revamped offensive coaching structure. As fans await further developments, the shift in leadership may bring a renewed emphasis on leveraging Pickens’ talents for a more dynamic and successful offensive performance in the coming games.
Leave a Reply