Matt Canada fired: Cam Heyward says offense ‘has to take hold of this’ after Steelers part with OC

Cam Heyward used to be no longer a few of the majority of Steelers lovers who most probably celebrated Tuesday’s news that the group had parted tactics with offensive coordinator Matt Canada. While he said that one thing had to exchange, the Steelers’ veteran defensive captain took no pleasure in seeing Canada lose his activity 10 video games into the 2023 season. 

“Coach Canada was a guy who, he tried,” Heyward said on the newest version of his podcast. “He was trying to get the offense back on point. The points weren’t there like we wanted. We all have to take accountability for it. 

“I may not ever rejoice any one getting fired. I simply do not assume that is proper as a result of I know the way a lot everyone places into this. I know the way a lot coaches learn about and what sort of they would like it for his or her staff. But it is not my determination to make. I will be able to proper the send and get in a position for this week.”

Heyward mentioned he discovered about Canada’s dismissal round 8:30 a.m. prior to getting his morning raise in. Steelers trainer Mike Tomlin issued a observation round that point informing everybody of his determination to cross in a unique path. During his weekly press convention later within the day, Tomlin mentioned that working backs trainer Eddie Faulkner and quarterbacks trainer Mike Sullivan will break up offensive coordinator tasks. Faulkner will oversee the offensive body of workers and lend a hand formulate the weekly recreation plan. Sullivan will function play-caller. 

It’s onerous to argue {that a} exchange used to be wanted in Pittsburgh. The Steelers offense is twenty eighth within the NFL in scoring, thirty first in passing and twenty fifth in 3rd down and purple zone potency. The working recreation had advanced in contemporary weeks, then again, gaining 166, 205 and 172 yards during the last 3 weeks. 

But Kenny Pickett’s regression in his 2d season could have been without equal issue at the back of Canada’s go out. Pickett threw for simply 106 yards in Sunday’s 13-10 loss to Cleveland and had a number of verbal exchange problems with wideout Diontae Johnson. 

“Only time will tell,” Heyward mentioned of the offense transferring ahead. “I feel whilst you have a look at the location, it comes down to execution first. Any one who thinks simply firing the OC and you might be mechanically going to get 10 instances higher, you might be unfortunately improper in our recreation. It comes down to execution at a top stage, it comes down to everyone being on one accord, so we’re going to see. 

“This week will prove a lot … but everybody in the offensive huddle has to take hold of this. You can’t run from this. Because if you lose your offensive coordinator, who are they going to next?”

When it comes to Pickett, Heyward mentioned that he needs his younger teammate to include the drive that comes with being the Pittsburgh Steelers’ beginning quarterback. 

“There is pressure there, but it’s not just him,” Heyward mentioned. “It’s the offense, defense and the special teams. The pressure only increases as you continue to win. … Don’t run from it, let’s run into it.” 

As a long way as what adjustments are coming, Heyward does not assume Pittsburgh’s offense will totally exchange path going into Sunday’s recreation in Cincinnati. 

“I think you’ve got to keep the same communication,” he mentioned. “There are some things we are doing right. Our passing game’s got to improve. We’ll see what happens. The good thing is you’ve got a running game that’s starting to find its way.” 

Just like he may not rejoice Canada’s firing, Heyward additionally may not take part in conversations detailing what Pickett must be doing with the ball. Heyward made that transparent when a remark used to be made about Pickett wanting to throw the ball extra over the center, a not unusual grievance heard from Steelers lovers this season. 

“I love our fans, but if it was that easy, everybody would be doing it,” Heyward mentioned. “There’s growth that needs to take place. Let’s not run from it. Whether it’s the side of the field, the middle of the field, let’s just win the damn game.”