Get all your news in one place.
100’s of premium titles.
One app.
Start reading
USA Today Sports Media Group
USA Today Sports Media Group
Sport
Allison Koehler

With Matt Canada gone, how long of a leash does Steelers QB Kenny Pickett have?

In an unprecedented move, the Pittsburgh Steelers fired offensive coordinator Matt Canada leading up to their critical showdown with the Cincinnati Bengals.

The question now becomes, how long does head coach Mike Tomlin and the newly-crowned coordinator Eddie Faulkner give Kenny Pickett to turn things around?

This season, we learned that their offensive shortcomings were not solely the result of Canada. For Pickett stats that make you shake your head, look no further than PFF:

  • Uncatchable and inaccurate pass rate: 24.7% (worst)
  • Adjusted completion percentage: 67.8% adjusted completion percentage (2nd lowest)
  • Air-yards percentage: 46.1% (2nd lowest)

Will a new offensive coordinator, especially interim, help Pickett with finding open receivers and connecting with them? He’s been outplayed by three rookie opponents, C.J. Stroud, Will Levis and Dorian Thompson-Robinson. Giants undrafted QB Tommy DeVito (who interestingly enough has the same personal QB coach as Pickett) had an outstanding Week 11 performance in only his second start.

The pressure is high enough being a young signal-caller for a historic franchise such as the Pittsburgh Steelers. But with Canada out of the way, Pickett will be under tremendous pressure to show he can convincingly lead the offense.

There are no more excuses for Pickett being hindered by an offensive coordinator who never belonged coaching at the pro level. At some point, it has to become more than wins and losses.

Cast your vote and tell us how long of a leash Kenny Pickett as the starting QB.

Sign up to read this article
Read news from 100’s of titles, curated specifically for you.
Already a member? Sign in here
Related Stories
Top stories on inkl right now
Our Picks
Fourteen days free
Download the app
One app. One membership.
100+ trusted global sources.