3 Pittsburgh Steelers to blame for degrading Week 14 loss to Ravens

Pittsburgh Steelers to blame: The coaching staff

It’s easy to blame offensive coordinator Matt Canada for most the Steelers failure, and I assure you, the fanbase will do that plenty. But Pittsburgh’s offense had performed fairly well the last few weeks, and he was dealt a tough hand with Kenny Pickett’s injury.

Still, Matt Canada made few if any adjustments to the gameplan when Mitch Trubisky entered the game. Even after Trubisky’s turnovers, Canada opted to make risky play-calls that involved putting the football in harm’s way.

If the last few weeks have proven anything, it’s that the Steelers need to be more run-oriented. Yet, Pittsburgh ran the ball just 20 times on Sunday. The Ravens had a lot to do with that, as they rank second in rushing defense per DVOA. But the Steelers lack of devotion to the running game made a bad offense even more easy to defend.

We also need to throw some shade Mike Tomlin’s way. As capable as he’s proven to be as a head coach, his lack of involvement in the offensive game-plan is concerning. Canada cannot and should not have free rein. Also, why not have a third QB on the roster, considering Pickett’s concussion earlier this season?

Pittsburgh was one Trubisky injury away from starting Zach Gentry at QB.