Home Quick Hitters SCB Steelers Quick Hitters: The “Tea Leaves” Edition

SCB Steelers Quick Hitters: The “Tea Leaves” Edition

by Steeldad

Good Tuesday to you Steelers’ Fans.

I’ve now had about a week to contemplate the Steelers’ signing of Matt Canada to be the new Quarterbacks’ Coach. During that time I’ve watched some tape of Canada’s offenses at Pitt, NC State and Maryland. These aren’t exactly premier college programs (sorry Pitt fans) but what Canada does offensively is pretty interesting and it fits with what is going on with the league right now. His use of motion and re-positioning players pre-snap is evident and so too is his use of multiple personnel groupings or simple ‘in and outs.’ While I continue to think his primary job will be to mentor Mason Rudolph and potentially Duck Hodges, the tea leaves are telling me he’s going to be more involved than that. I say this for two reasons. First, why wouldn’t you utilize a guy who has so much experience? This doesn’t mean Randy Fichtner changes his entire offense, it just means why not use some things that will make your current offense better? Secondly, Mike Tomlin likes to promote coordinators from within and with Canada on board now, it would be a likely move when Ben Roethlisberger retires. The more people I talk with and the more things I read from legitimate sources, the more I think Canada will be more than just a QB Coach in 2020.

Under the Radar

You may not have seen this news or maybe you didn’t care but the Steelers saw one of their most important salary cap people leave for Carolina last week. Samir Suleiman was the right-hand man of Steelers’ financial cap guru Omar Khan. Personally, it’s a great move for Suleiman as he was likely buried in terms of professional advancement in Pittsburgh behind several others. For the Steelers, it’s a tough loss but not as big as if Khan had left. I don’t expect many changes with this but it’s worth noting with the Steelers once again in ‘salary cap hell.’

Tweet of the Day… Good stuff in case you missed it.

Colbert

One thing to also watch this offseason is General Manager Kevin Colbert. His contract expires in April. Most of the talking heads believe it’s a matter of time before a new extension for him is announced but I’ve also been told he’s little bit worn out from the Antonio Brown saga and the push for analytics. I think he’s back personally, but the way the last 12 months have gone nothing would surprise me.

Coaching Vacancy

As the Steelers’ contingent heads to Mobile, Alabama for the Reese’s Senior Bowl this week there is more than just potential draft picks on their minds. There is also a need for a permanent wide receivers’ coach and there will no doubt be several conversations with potential fillers of that job and those who “may know someone” too. Ray Sherman was put in a very difficult spot in replacing the late Darryl Drake but it appears the Steelers need something better in that role either way.

Have a great day Steeler Nation!

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3 comments

Briansteelerfan January 21, 2020 - 4:29 pm

I keep hearing that the Steelers are in salary cap trouble, but I thought the dead money from Antonio Browns contract comes off the books? If I remember right that dead money was 21 million. Am I wrong?

steeldad January 22, 2020 - 8:25 am

That money does indeed come off the books but they still have some cap issues. Ben is about 17% himself, then you throw in Tuitt, Heyward, DeCastro, Pouncey, Haden and Nelson and they make up another 40% (roughly) of the cap. They can gain some space by cutting guys like Chickillo, Barron and Foster. This “cap hell” isn’t as bad as some years but it’s still going to be difficult to sign any big name FAs.

SCB Steelers Quick Hitters: The ""Tea Leaves” Edition January 21, 2020 - 5:46 pm

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