Christmas came early all across Steeler Nation as all we wanted for Christmas was granted. While I’m sure he was a wonderful man Matt Canada’s offense was offensive. Eddie Faulkner was named interim OC and Matt Sullivan was given play-calling duties.
The offense got the kickoff and looked to be more aggressive. The first play from scrimmage was a 24-yarder completion to Pat Freiermuth. The play-calling all game was aggressive and seemed to let Kenny open up a bit more than under Canada. Kenny had what some are calling the greatest game of his career. He went 24 for 33 with 278 yards. He scattered the ball around to eight different receivers targeting Freiermuth the most. He hit Diontae for a 39-yard completion and Pickens for a 43-yarder as well. He did take two sacks and did his patented spin cycle a few times when trouble wasn’t imminent. Another Canada staple the three and out wasn’t seen all game. The team went 8/17 on third downs. They held the ball for 37 minutes. The one thing Canada did not take with him was the inability to finish drives. One touchdown and three fields was all we could muster but it was enough to win thanks to the defense.
The defense faces Jake Browning in his first career start. He had decent numbers passing but was sacked four times and threw one interception (by Trenton Thompson). The interception was crucial as the Bengals were driving to go up a potential two scores. They also held Joe Mixon to 16 yards on eight carries. TJ Watt had two sacks. Cam and Nick Herbig each had one.
I’m not sure if the offense will continue to improve. If Kenny will get better but I do know it’s gonna be exciting.