Mark Madden: Steelers offense has limitations, but Matt Canada deserves blame, too

The Pittsburgh Steelers just aren’t very good. But neither are the New England Patriots.

If the Steelers offense is scared, scant, rotten and easy to defend because that’s what quarterback Mitch Trubisky’s limitations dictate, put in Kenny Pickett.

If the Steelers offense is scared, scant, rotten and easy to defend for any other reason, fire Matt Canada.

It’s extreme (not to mention shamelessly populist) to call for a change at offensive coordinator just two games into the season.

But two weeks of this nonsense is enough, not least because the Steelers offense is even more cowardly than last year’s.

At least Ben Roethlisberger took shots downfield. This offense won’t throw deep, won’t throw in the middle of the field, too often throws short of the sticks, isn’t deceptive enough and has put the Steelers’ rookie big-play threat on the side of a milk carton.

Wide receiver George Pickens had one catch Sunday, one last week. Pickens ripped camp apart. He flourished in the exhibition games.

Why would you get a shiny new toy and not play with it?

The Steelers have drafted nothing but shiny new toys in the first two rounds of the last two drafts: running back, tight end, quarterback, receiver. They ignored restocking the offensive line, even as Maurkice Pouncey and David DeCastro retired. Look where that got them.

More from Tim Benz and Mark Madden:

• Tim Benz: 'Airing of Grievances' as Steelers struggle in all phases against Patriots
• First Call: What in the world happened in the AFC North on Sunday?
• Madden Monday: 'Steelers offense has the stench of death. ... They should fire Matt Canada'

But as bad as the offensive line is, that’s not the whole problem. Or even the main problem.

The Steelers offense has the stench of death. It engenders zero confidence.

Throwing 33 times and getting only 168 passing yards is absurd. The stats reflect the fright.

This isn’t protecting the ball. This is turtling.

This isn’t playing smart. This is living in your fears.

If Pickett solves that, play him. If Mason Rudolph cures it, play him. If Trubisky makes Canada cowardly, bench Trubisky.

But here’s thinking that’s not the case.

Trubisky was asked what needs done to throw more passes in the middle of the field. His answer was telling: “Call concepts to get receivers there.” Loosely translated: “That’s not on me.”

Trubisky should be unsparing in his criticism of Canada and as outspoken as it takes. This is likely Trubisky’s last chance to be an NFL starter. He’s got nothing to lose, everything to gain.

Maybe Canada isn’t scared. Perhaps he’s just not good enough to be an NFL coordinator.

Hiring Canada was a stretch. He had no NFL experience before the Steelers made him quarterbacks coach in 2020. Canada’s main qualification seems to be, “He was here anyway.”

As for those who want Pickett to play, be careful what you wish for. Because Pickett would have zero chance in this offense, just like Trubisky.

If Canada’s bravery level would spike with Pickett in there, Pickett would be playing in the first place.

This isn’t about who the quarterback is. What’s you’re seeing is Canada’s offense, period. It shows no sign of jelling, no indication of being more dynamic.

If Pickett played, he might do better than Trubisky. But how much better would be limited. Chances are it wouldn’t be good enough.

Not using Pickens is mind-boggling. Pickens was the star of the preseason. There is no good reason for him not to be used. This feeds Pickens’ diva potential.

But at least Pickens caught something. Gunner Olszewski’s muffed punt return made the difference in the game, giving New England a possession that resulted in its final touchdown after a 10-yard drive. Connor Heyward augmented that same play with a 15-yard penalty for unnecessary roughness, so the two special-teams specialists soiled the bed on that one.

Those guys can’t make those mistakes. You had one job … (Were those sunflower seeds flying out of Olszewski’s mouth?)

T.J. Watt was missed badly. Duh. The Steelers had seven sacks at Cincinnati, none vs. New England. Alex Highsmith went from three at Cincinnati to being in witness protection Sunday.

Highsmith is a decent Robin. He’s no Batman. He’s just not that good.

Just like the Steelers. They’re just not that good.