SCB Steelers Quick Hitters: The ‘Hear Me Out Cam’ Edition

Good Thanksgiving Eve Steelers Fans.

There’s a reason why Cam Heyward is a captain for the Pittsburgh Steelers. Not only has his play been exemplary on the field but he’s a pillar of the community off of it as well. Last evening on his podcast he discussed the human side of the decision to fire Matt Canada. Cam is exactly right when he says “this isn’t about ‘the witch is dead’ and so on” as many people tweeted (this author), it’s about a real person who is out of a job. While I agree with Cam and I appreciate his take 100% I want him to also consider a couple of things so hear me out. First, the NFL is a business and anyone who gets involved in it as a player or a coach knows that you’re always one day away from looking for a new job. That doesn’t make it easy by any stretch but that’s the life that’s chosen. Secondly, Cam needs to understand the frustration the fans have with this offense. Now I say knowing full well he’s probably more frustrated than we are, but I hope he understands that when fans celebrate a dismissal like this, it’s rarely personal. I don’t know Matt Canada personally so I’m in no position to cast judgment on him in that way. However, I am in a position to judge his performance as an offensive coordinator. While he is not the only problem with the offense, it begins with him first and foremost. So yes, Cam is absolutely right when he tells all of us this is more than just a guy getting the ol’ pink slip. There’s a human element to it for sure, but I hope Cam also understands the frustration we fans have had and I’m sure he does. Taking the approach he did on his show is another demonstration of the type of person he is which I certainly appreciate.

The Podcast

Episode 345 of the SCB Steelers Podcast presented by DEK Roofing Inc is available for your listening and/or viewing pleasure. Obviously the major topic of conversation was the firing of Matt Canada but there was a whole lot more to discuss so check it out!

Tomlin Presser

Coach Tomlin made it very clear that the decision to fire Matt Canada was his and his alone. That’s what leaders do. They take accountability and move on. I would bet my pay check however that this decision was not made exclusively by him. To suggest that Art Rooney II and Omar Khan weren’t involved would be silly. As for Tomlin’s demeanor yesterday, I found him to be almost “get off my lawn-ish” at times. I get it – these pressers have to be the worst part of his week – but he also has to understand the beat writers have jobs to do. I found him to be a bit terse and aggressive towards some. Is what it is.

Steelers History

Gordon has a great new piece up on the site looking back at a classic Steelers-Bengals game that ended up being quite a shootout with the likes of Bam Morris and Kordell Stewart involved. Check it out!

Kenny Time

Is it fair to expect that Kenny Pickett play better now that Matt Canada is on the couch? Yes it is but much like I said in a couple of articles yesterday, we cannot expect this unit to suddenly put up 30 points per game. Therefore we shouldn’t expect that Kenny Pickett suddenly turn into Dan Marino. I absolutely expect to see him play with more enthusiasm and confidence but whether that means he throws with better accuracy and sees open receivers is something I just can’t predict.

Happy Thanksgiving

On behalf of everyone here at SCB I’d like to wish you and yours a very Happy Thanksgiving! Never does a day go back when I am not grateful for all of you who take the time to read my thoughts here on the site. Best wishes to you