Steelers Making Moves - What's Next?

Story by Yinzer Crazy Contributor Andre Curtis

The Steelers trading away Chase Claypool to the Chicago Bears in exchange for a second round pick could be the start of a slew of moves this week. 

The Pittsburgh Steelers fell to 2-6 record Sunday with a 35-13 defeat to the Philadelphia Eagles, leaving the door open for Pittsburgh to make many decisions during their bye week. 

The loss sends Pittsburgh into their bye week with a bitter feeling in their stomach. Yet, now could be a turning point for the rest of the season. The top opinion amongst Steeler nation is that offensive coordinator Matt Canada must be fired this week. Canada, in his second season as OC of the Steelers has had remarkably poor results.  For instance, the Steelers 2-6 record comes with the 31st ranked offense in points per game this season at just 15.3. Even with a rookie quarterback and young offense all around, that isn't nearly good enough. If the Steelers want any chance of salvaging a very poor start to the 2022 season, Canada has got to go.

There is concern that switching offensive coordinators mid-season could stunt rookie Kenny Pickett's growth, but is it better to leave him with the worst offensive coordinator in the NFL? These are questions that the Steelers' front office must keenly look over as they prepare for the New Orleans Saints on November 13th.

Two weeks is plenty of time to promote or hire a new offensive coordinator and prepare your offensive for an NFL matchup. If Pittsburgh actually makes this decision, then there are plenty of reasons for optimism in the second half of the season. One to note is reigning defensive player of the year T.J. Watt returning from injury, which is probable to happen vs the Saints. Another is the light second half schedule that the Steelers have ahead. As of now, Pittsburgh stands to play just one team with a winning record for the rest of the season, the Baltimore Ravens. Add Kenny Pickett emerging as an accurate and dependable quarterback and there is definitely some hope.

What the Steelers absolutely cannot do is stay the course and stick with Matt Canada for the rest of the season. All this would do is ensure one of the poorest records in the NFL, discourage a young offense, and waste one of the most talented defenses in the league. A 2-6 record feels nearly impossible to make the playoffs, and it most likely is. Although, with different looking offensive schemes and the return of one of the most dominating defensive players in the game, the Steelers will do all they can.

The most important part of this season is obviously seeing how Kenny Pickett performs. Pickett has struggled through his first month as a starter in the NFL, yet he has played against two fringe playoff teams and two of the most complete teams in the league. With a light schedule ahead, it will be interesting to see how Pickett handles himself in these games. The rookie has shown glimpses of great accuracy and running ability, but also costly interceptions and an inability to reach the end zone. If Kenny wants to be a starter in the NFL, then he will have to start throwing more passing touchdowns. With just two passing touchdowns through his first 4 NFL starts, there is much concern here. So, will the Steelers give their rookie a chance and get him a new offensive coordinator? Let's hope so.