SCB Steelers Quick Hitters: The ‘Acceptance’ Edition

Good Thursday to you Steelers fans.

You’d think at my advanced age I would be able to recite the 12 steps of grief. Or is it six? Five? Hell, I don’t know but what I do know is that “acceptance” is one of them. And while I’d really like to be able to tell you otherwise, it’s time to accept that Matt Canada isn’t going anywhere. While Cam Heyward said as much on his podcast this week, that’s just one more reason why I say Canada isn’t going anywhere. Firing a coach during the season is one of the most “un-Steeler-like” things that could ever be and nothing will change here. You may get the feeling that I’m attempting to use reverse psychology in an effort to actually make it happen but honestly I’m not. Mike Tomlin is going to ride with him and Art Rooney II, regardless of what he may think privately, isn’t making the change until after the season. Therefore, all we can hope for is that Canada figures out how to run a competent offense. Stranger things have happened right?

M*A*S*H Unit

The injury report from yesterday is long but may not be quite as bad as it looks when you consider the guys getting some rest. That said, several of the guys will likely be in doubt through the weekend.

Center of Attention

Mason Cole was better last season than I had expected last year but I’m not feeling as confident this year. The interior pressure on passing plays is killing Kenny Pickett’s ability to step up in the pocket. Cole has also been a liability on runs. He’s not getting the push necessary which is creating a domino effect of sorts. To be fair to Cole, his O-Line mates aren’t exactly tearing it up either but football success begins in the middle and offensively the Steelers are struggling.

Where are the Tight Ends?

They say a young quarterback’s best friend is a strong running game. I would agree with that but I’d also say that a young QB could benefit from utilizing his tight ends too. To this point, Kenny Pickett has just two completions to his tight ends and both at to Pat Freiermuth. Connor Heyward, who is ‘classified’ as a tight end, has two receptions as well while Darnell Washington has zero. I’m honestly not sure what’s more surprising, that Freiermuth has just two catches or that Washington has none. I just don’t get it to be honest but then again you have to get into situations for tight ends to be used and this offense has struggled to do that.

Fehoko

This should not come as a shock that Breiden Fehoko has been elevated to the roster from the Practice Squad. The Steelers’ run defense has been atrocious and they need help especially at the point of attack which is where Fehoko shines. He is primarily a nose guard and will only be used on early downs. I honestly thought he would have been elevated after week one but here he is.