2023 Pittsburgh Steelers. Banged up team loses to Buffalo. Looking ahead to 2024 now (15 Viewers)

[crushedspirit]

I don't see Payton taking that Arizona job with so much QB uncertainty, so probably Flores, or maybe they keep things internal with Joseph.

Either way I agree Flores is as good as gone.

 

[5-ish Finkle]

I get that there are only so many HC jobs in the NFL, but why willingly go from one horrible ownership group in Miami to another in Arizona? I totally get you gotta interview where there are openings, but there HAS to be a better option for him than the Bidwells and a QB with an exploded leg who, reportedly, already didn't 't like to put in work to get better.

I suppose you can't be too choosy when you've sued the entity that employs you, but still....

 

[crushedspirit]

Depends on how much Flores wants that HC position. That Falcons DC job seems enticing, especially in that division.

 

[menobrown]

I think the Cardinals really like Flores but if he gets a head coaching job before his lawsuit is adjudicated consider me surprised but we still likely lose him to a DC role, if he wants it.

 

[steelers1080]

Noooo, Flores emerging as a favorite for the Cards HC job. 1 more year and we'd have gotten a pair of 3rd rounders.

Yeah. We kind of knew he was only here for a cup of coffee...

Yeah, but I was kinda hoping it'd be a cup of coffee that ended in 2 picks haha

 

[steelers1080]

I wouldn't be super shocked if the Flores rumors/interviews were mostly lip service at this point to be like, "See! No discrimination here!"

Also, Leftwich has been rumored to be fired, but latest news I saw was that was still speculative and not guaranteed.

But yes, I think he would be an upgrade over Canada. Maybe not a huge one, but still an upgrade.

 

[Steelers4Life]

7 Offensive Coordinator openings in the NFL.

Steelers aren't one if them, despite a vast majority of this year's final 8 teams have an offensive minded head coach.

More of the same coming next year. I don't understand where this sense that staying the course and not changing things will yield different results, especially after watching the innovative play calling and route running in the playoffs already.

 

[Drunken Cowboy]

I wouldn't be super shocked if the Flores rumors/interviews were mostly lip service at this point to be like, "See! No discrimination here!"

Also, Leftwich has been rumored to be fired, but latest news I saw was that was still speculative and not guaranteed.

But yes, I think he would be an upgrade over Canada. Maybe not a huge one, but still an upgrade.

Bucs Fire Coach Byron Leftwich Per Report; Could Commanders Hire?

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers are moving on from Byron Leftwich. Could he return home and join the Washington Commanders?

www.si.com

 

[5-ish Finkle]

Well, Flores won't be going to Cleveland as their DC. Seems they hired Jim Schwartz.

 

[irish eyes]

7 Offensive Coordinator openings in the NFL.

Steelers aren't one if them, despite a vast majority of this year's final 8 teams have an offensive minded head coach.

More of the same coming next year. I don't understand where this sense that staying the course and not changing things will yield different results, especially after watching the innovative play calling and route running in the playoffs already.

Hey, they finished over .500. That's all anyone seems to care about anymore. It's absolutely stunning they will go into next season with the most inept offensive coordinator in the league, well include college in there too. Going to be another long year.

 

[Bracie Smathers]

Steelers OC Decision on Hold as Mike Tomlin Tends Personal Matter
..."Decisions about the staff have been put on hold, according to two members of the organization who were not authorized to speak publicly, because head coach Mike Tomlin has been tending to a personal matter,"
...It's unknown what the personal matter is or how long Tomlin expects to be away from the facility

 

[steelers1080]

Steelers OC Decision on Hold as Mike Tomlin Tends Personal Matter
..."Decisions about the staff have been put on hold, according to two members of the organization who were not authorized to speak publicly, because head coach Mike Tomlin has been tending to a personal matter,"
...It's unknown what the personal matter is or how long Tomlin expects to be away from the facility

I saw quotes saying that exit interviews were expected to begin this week, and assumed he would be a part of that. But that's not guaranteed.

I'm one of the hopefuls wishing that the Bucs do fire Leftwich (still haven't seen official statement, just speculation), and that we sign him to replace Canada. A lot of people are dumping on him, but I think that losing O-line preseason, Brady turning into a lame duck, and the Bowles effect all had an impact on this year. I thought Bowles would be a good HC, but his offenses have all been similarly anemic. At this point I have to speculate that he has specific instructions on how he wants the offense operated because they all look very similar when he's at the helm. Also, the options based on reporter rumor seem to be Canada or Leftwich, and of the 2 I'd much rather Leftwich.

 

[crushedspirit]

Leftwich was truly deplorable this season, and any Buc fan is happy he's gone. He has the look of someone who was carried by Arians and then by Brady as well.

 

[5-ish Finkle]

Not championing him, really, but the Bucs put up good/great numbers in 2019....with Jameis freaking Winston. Had a top 3 scoring/yardage offense. Over 5k passing yards. 400+ total points. Etc, etc.

You want to put that all on Bruce, I guess you can, but they looked just fine pre-Brady with Leftwich calling plays. This past year, imo, was mostly about Brady not wanting to get hit. Their OL was depleted and it cost them.

Much rather see someone else's fresh take over another year of Straw Hat Matt's WPIAL offense.

 

[steelers1080]

Dulac reporting that the Steelers are keeping Canada. Seems like a done deal.

If we win next year it will be because players overcoming on offense or because of our defense. If you discount the garbage time scoring against the Bengals, we averaged 15 pts per game pre-bye, and 19.7 pts per game post-bye. Our pre-bye number is last in the NFL. Our post-bye number is 22nd in the NFL.

Bringing back Canada is idiotic and will delay Kenny by a year when Canada is not renewed after next season. The wins post-bye relied on luck and last minute heroics, or great defense, our offense still sucked.

Disappointed, but we learned this year that Canada will not be let go mid-season no matter what. Guess we just have to hope that Canada can dramatically improve after 2 years of sucking ***.

 

[fred_1_15301]

Is it Tomlin that has final say on retaining Canada? If so (and assuming Canada fails again next year), this is a major strike against Tomlin. I will be firmly in the camp of firing Tomlin if the Steelers fail to make the playoffs again next year.

 

[Godsbrother]

As I said before, my biggest problem with Canada wasn't the playbook as much as it was the calls in the red zone and overall predictability of the offense in general. I'm not sure if that can be fixed but I guess we'll see. I really would have preferred to move on though

 

[belljr]

FWIW - we need WR upgrades. I absolutely hated the Johnson contract. Would have rathered had JuJu and let Pickens open it up

 

[Godsbrother]

FWIW - we need WR upgrades. I absolutely hated the Johnson contract. Would have rathered had JuJu and let Pickens open it up

With Big Ben retiring, JuJu wanted to move on. i really don't think he was an option.

I think Pickens is better but I think Johnson is fine. They will need a third threat though.

 

[Steelers4Life]

Is it Tomlin that has final say on retaining Canada? If so (and assuming Canada fails again next year), this is a major strike against Tomlin. I will be firmly in the camp of firing Tomlin if the Steelers fail to make the playoffs again next year.

There's a reason why after 16 years of being a head coach, there are no examples of assistants who've been groomed by Tomlin who've gone on to be desired by or successful with another team. Canada isn't going to be the first. I'd be heavily that if Tomlin wanted him gone, he'd be gone.

No ingenuity, no aggression, and it's not because he was playing with a rookie QB. The 49ers showed more creativity and explosiveness with a 7th round rookie than the Steelers did with a 1st rounder.

 

[ignatiusjreilly]

Is it Tomlin that has final say on retaining Canada? If so (and assuming Canada fails again next year), this is a major strike against Tomlin. I will be firmly in the camp of firing Tomlin if the Steelers fail to make the playoffs again next year.

I think Tomlin is a great coach, but imagine your legacy being that you fired Bruce Arians and retained Matt Canada

 

[steelers1080]

Is it Tomlin that has final say on retaining Canada? If so (and assuming Canada fails again next year), this is a major strike against Tomlin. I will be firmly in the camp of firing Tomlin if the Steelers fail to make the playoffs again next year.

I think Tomlin is a great coach, but imagine your legacy being that you fired Bruce Arians and retained Matt Canada

If they had kept Arians Big Ben would have retired by 2015 after being beaten into a pulp. Most of Steelers nation wanted him gone because his plays took too long to develop and Ben was getting killed. It's pretty revisionist history to suggest otherwise.

 

[steelers1080]

FWIW - we need WR upgrades. I absolutely hated the Johnson contract. Would have rathered had JuJu and let Pickens open it up

Jordan Addison is projected to be picked after our 1st, what are the odds we take him?

Would not be shocked if the Steelers went WR, CB, OL, DL in the first 3 rounds, in that order.

 

[steelers1080]

The offensive coordinator we let go in the middle of last season (Klemm) might become the Pats OC.

 

[ignatiusjreilly]

Is it Tomlin that has final say on retaining Canada? If so (and assuming Canada fails again next year), this is a major strike against Tomlin. I will be firmly in the camp of firing Tomlin if the Steelers fail to make the playoffs again next year.

I think Tomlin is a great coach, but imagine your legacy being that you fired Bruce Arians and retained Matt Canada

If they had kept Arians Big Ben would have retired by 2015 after being beaten into a pulp. Most of Steelers nation wanted him gone because his plays took too long to develop and Ben was getting killed. It's pretty revisionist history to suggest otherwise.

Yeah, I was being flip. I don’t remember all the details of what happened in 2011. Still, it’s pretty remarkable that, in 16 years of coaching the Steelers, Tomlin has produced only one future HC, and it was a guy he fired.

Every coach has his weak points. Andy Reid, clock management. Belichick, drafting WRs. It’s pretty clear that Tomlin’s is hiring assistants

 

[humpback]

Surprised so many are clamoring for a WR. Johnson, Pickens, Muth, and the RBs are decent enough and this team has lots of holes to fill. Add someone in free agency maybe, but no way would I spend a high draft pick on one.

 

[menobrown]

Surprised so many are clamoring for a WR. Johnson, Pickens, Muth, and the RBs are decent enough and this team has lots of holes to fill. Add someone in free agency maybe, but no way would I spend a high draft pick on one.

I agree it's near the bottom of the "need" list. I think every team in the league could use more WR depth, and maybe Calvin Austin is part of that depth, but truly surprised as well at those who think it's a major need as that's not what I'd term the need for WR depth.

 

[Drunken Cowboy]

FWIW - we need WR upgrades. I absolutely hated the Johnson contract. Would have rathered had JuJu and let Pickens open it up

Johnson gets open better than any receiver in the league. This is a crazy take. That contract is a huge discount.

 

[Drunken Cowboy]

Is it Tomlin that has final say on retaining Canada? If so (and assuming Canada fails again next year), this is a major strike against Tomlin. I will be firmly in the camp of firing Tomlin if the Steelers fail to make the playoffs again next year.

I am a huge Tomlin fan, but this is a real concern if he doesn't move on.

 

[Drunken Cowboy]

Is it Tomlin that has final say on retaining Canada? If so (and assuming Canada fails again next year), this is a major strike against Tomlin. I will be firmly in the camp of firing Tomlin if the Steelers fail to make the playoffs again next year.

I think Tomlin is a great coach, but imagine your legacy being that you fired Bruce Arians and retained Matt Canada

If they had kept Arians Big Ben would have retired by 2015 after being beaten into a pulp. Most of Steelers nation wanted him gone because his plays took too long to develop and Ben was getting killed. It's pretty revisionist history to suggest otherwise.

Steelers fans constantly have terrible takes. Mostly I remember people were more upset they didn't run enough.

 

[Drunken Cowboy]

Surprised so many are clamoring for a WR. Johnson, Pickens, Muth, and the RBs are decent enough and this team has lots of holes to fill. Add someone in free agency maybe, but no way would I spend a high draft pick on one.

You need a good WR3 in today's NFL. I would rate it low on the need scale, but if VPA is a WR, I wouldn't hate it

 

[humpback]

Is it Tomlin that has final say on retaining Canada? If so (and assuming Canada fails again next year), this is a major strike against Tomlin. I will be firmly in the camp of firing Tomlin if the Steelers fail to make the playoffs again next year.

I am a huge Tomlin fan, but this is a real concern if he doesn't move on.

https://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/35475085/matt-canada-return-steelers-offensive-coordinator

 

[Drunken Cowboy]

Is it Tomlin that has final say on retaining Canada? If so (and assuming Canada fails again next year), this is a major strike against Tomlin. I will be firmly in the camp of firing Tomlin if the Steelers fail to make the playoffs again next year.

I am a huge Tomlin fan, but this is a real concern if he doesn't move on.

https://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/35475085/matt-canada-return-steelers-offensive-coordinator

A disaster that sets the team back years.

 

[humpback]

Surprised so many are clamoring for a WR. Johnson, Pickens, Muth, and the RBs are decent enough and this team has lots of holes to fill. Add someone in free agency maybe, but no way would I spend a high draft pick on one.

You need a good WR3 in today's NFL. I would rate it low on the need scale, but if VPA is a WR, I wouldn't hate it

Hardly anyone has a good WR3, there are several positions (that they need upgrades on) that are much more important in today's NFL.

 

[crushedspirit]

I knew that run after the bye would amount to this. They squeaked by other mediocrity with barely increasing their scoring and it gave them a renewed hope with Matt Canada. I'll say it again, he's running exactly what Tomlin wants. Run based led by a mistake-free QB to keep things close and pull wins out.

There's a limitation to this type of offense, and we need someone who can open up the passing game, not MC. I feel for Kenny Pickett honestly.

 

[steelers1080]

Surprised so many are clamoring for a WR. Johnson, Pickens, Muth, and the RBs are decent enough and this team has lots of holes to fill. Add someone in free agency maybe, but no way would I spend a high draft pick on one.

There are lots of holes to fill, but based on the Steelers' performance over the season, it's the offense that needs help. Kenny Pickett had 7 passing TDs in 11 games. I think that it's the scheme holding this team back, but if the Steelers' argument was that Canada's offense is fine, improving, on the right track, then something else has to change so that we score more points.

I don't think they just take any WR in the early rounds, but I think that there's a decent chance they take Addison to try and copy the Burrow/Chase combo. If not Addison, then I think WR earliest would be our 2nd 2nd round pick. Diontae is open all the time but has unreliable hands/focus. George isn't open all the time, but can catch almost anything. The rest of our WRs are special teamers, minus Calvin Austin who's unknown due to injury. Connor Heyward has looked great when used, but the TE seems to be used in fits and spurts in Canada's offense. Muth is really good, but he's been hurt a fair amount and had some key drops this year that cost us on 3rd downs. Also, Diontae's contract is for 2 more years, I would not be surprised if he's not re-signed because that would be close to when they're going to extend Kenny.

Yes, this team has lots of holes to fill, but a star WR can cover for a lot of issues, especially if they mesh really well with their QB.

 

[Godsbrother]

I knew that run after the bye would amount to this. They squeaked by other mediocrity with barely increasing their scoring and it gave them a renewed hope with Matt Canada. I'll say it again, he's running exactly what Tomlin wants. Run based led by a mistake-free QB to keep things close and pull wins out.

There's a limitation to this type of offense, and we need someone who can open up the passing game, not MC. I feel for Kenny Pickett honestly.

I am not sticking up for Tomlin because I think Canada should have been fired but what you wrote in the bolded part describes Chuck Noll's first 8 years and Bill Cowher's entire reign.

Historically this IS the Steelers way.

 

[Godsbrother]

Surprised so many are clamoring for a WR. Johnson, Pickens, Muth, and the RBs are decent enough and this team has lots of holes to fill. Add someone in free agency maybe, but no way would I spend a high draft pick on one.

There are lots of holes to fill, but based on the Steelers' performance over the season, it's the offense that needs help. Kenny Pickett had 7 passing TDs in 11 games. I think that it's the scheme holding this team back, but if the Steelers' argument was that Canada's offense is fine, improving, on the right track, then something else has to change so that we score more points.

I don't think they just take any WR in the early rounds, but I think that there's a decent chance they take Addison to try and copy the Burrow/Chase combo. If not Addison, then I think WR earliest would be our 2nd 2nd round pick. Diontae is open all the time but has unreliable hands/focus. George isn't open all the time, but can catch almost anything. The rest of our WRs are special teamers, minus Calvin Austin who's unknown due to injury. Connor Heyward has looked great when used, but the TE seems to be used in fits and spurts in Canada's offense. Muth is really good, but he's been hurt a fair amount and had some key drops this year that cost us on 3rd downs. Also, Diontae's contract is for 2 more years, I would not be surprised if he's not re-signed because that would be close to when they're going to extend Kenny.

Yes, this team has lots of holes to fill, but a star WR can cover for a lot of issues, especially if they mesh really well with their QB.

I agree that drafting a 3rd WR may be in the cards. Just please not with the first three picks. The holes on both lines, CB and ILB are more critical.

 

[crushedspirit]

I knew that run after the bye would amount to this. They squeaked by other mediocrity with barely increasing their scoring and it gave them a renewed hope with Matt Canada. I'll say it again, he's running exactly what Tomlin wants. Run based led by a mistake-free QB to keep things close and pull wins out.

There's a limitation to this type of offense, and we need someone who can open up the passing game, not MC. I feel for Kenny Pickett honestly.

I am not sticking up for Tomlin because I think Canada should have been fired but what you wrote in the bolded part describes Chuck Noll's first 8 years and Bill Cowher's entire reign.

Historically this IS the Steelers way.

Yes you are correct, issue is times and rules governing the offenses have changed. This is not the 80s and 90s anymore. Aside from the AFC North typical battle over the weekend, look at the QB play we all saw. Four of them topped 300 yards with multiple TD throws.

I do not have faith that the current offensive philosophy can compete with what we witnessed in the last few years thus far. Guys like Burrows, Mahomes and Allen are not going away in the AFC. There are also a few others waiting to step up. We need to get Kenny as much help as we can. I know some believe that Matt and Mike will open up the offense up as they go, but I severely doubt it, and maybe that's where we differ in opinions. I think what we saw down the stretch against mediocre teams is next season's exact same recipe, and that limits how far they can go.

 

[Leeroy Jenkins]

Surprised so many are clamoring for a WR. Johnson, Pickens, Muth, and the RBs are decent enough and this team has lots of holes to fill. Add someone in free agency maybe, but no way would I spend a high draft pick on one.

Agreed. Boykin isn't bad as a WR5 at all. Austin was the camp darling prior to injury and I really want to see Anthony Miller get a shot in the slot too (and they just re-signed him).

 

[crushedspirit]

I think Austin can be a wildcard when healthy.

 

[Leeroy Jenkins]

I hear Flores is staying.

 

[steelers1080]

Steelers losing their assistant WR coach to the Mountaineers.
Ravens OC "steps down".
Leftwich officially fired.

 

[5-ish Finkle]

I hear Flores is staying.

Hope it's accurate. Want those picks.

 

[belljr]

Surprised so many are clamoring for a WR. Johnson, Pickens, Muth, and the RBs are decent enough and this team has lots of holes to fill. Add someone in free agency maybe, but no way would I spend a high draft pick on one.

Make no mistake. We have more pressing issues to fill ahead of that. I just was not happy. How our corps ended up but I do like Pickens

 

[Wingnut]

The #Falcons interviewed #Steelers senior defensive assistant and linebackers coach Brian Flores for their vacant DC job, source said.

https://twitter.com/RapSheet/status/1616183396782194699?t=GOlRnOlUr7m1Jp2557kZew&s=19

 

[pghrob]

Surprised so many are clamoring for a WR. Johnson, Pickens, Muth, and the RBs are decent enough and this team has lots of holes to fill. Add someone in free agency maybe, but no way would I spend a high draft pick on one.

Agreed. Boykin isn't bad as a WR5 at all. Austin was the camp darling prior to injury and I really want to see Anthony Miller get a shot in the slot too (and they just re-signed him).

There is plenty of competition on the current roster to find 3rd - 5th WRs.

 

[Bracie Smathers]

Surprised so many are clamoring for a WR. Johnson, Pickens, Muth, and the RBs are decent enough and this team has lots of holes to fill. Add someone in free agency maybe, but no way would I spend a high draft pick on one.

Steelers Depot
@Steelersdepot

PFF Analyst Believes WR Over OL In Draft Would ‘Help’ Kenny Pickett More Entering Year 2 https://steelersdepot.com/2023/01/pff-analyst-believes-wr-over-ol-in-draft-would-help-kenny-pickett-more-entering-year-2/?utm_source=dlvr.it&utm_medium=twitter…

 

[humpback]

I mean, this is basically why Dallas sucked for so long- JJ was always chasing the "flash" instead of building a team the right way, through the trenches.

It doesn't matter who you have at WR if you can't give your QB enough time, if your play calling sucks, or if that QB can't get them the ball. Not to mention, Addison is no Chase, Pickett is no Burrow, their O-line isn't adequate, etc.

In any event, opinions may vary, but IMO WR is one of the last things they should be addressing with an early pick in this draft.

 

[fred_1_15301]

God I hope they don't use up the first pick on a WR. That would set the team back at least one more year. They have so many more glaring needs. Let's start by improving the defense and/or offensive line.