Amidst Criticism and ‘Fire Canada’ Chants, Steelers Icon Hines Ward Weighs in on Matt Canada Before Thursday Night Football

The Pittsburgh Steelers‘ season has not gone like they wanted it to. They have followed a perfect pattern in the season, for the worse, losing one game for every two wins. The pattern continued last week when the Black and Gold were handled fairly easily by the Jaguars. There’s a lack of class and their usual dominance, which has not gone well with the Steeler nation, and they demand the dismissal of offensive coordinator Matt Canada.

One veteran, however, has been silently noticing all of this from a distance. It’s former WR Hines Ward, who is himself in his coaching reign. When the media contacted him, Ward cleared the cluster about his feelings about the current state of the team and Canada.

Hines Ward simplifies things for Canada by showcasing the ‘passion’ of the fans

When asked by Fox News about his opinion, Ward tried to put the chaos into perspective. “There’s always high expectations when you walk in the building and see the six Lombardi trophies. When things aren’t going well, our fans are very passionate. Steeler Nation is very passionate about their team. So, it’s a lot of high expectations”, Ward explained that the fans aren’t used to seeing the 6x Super Bowl champions struggle.

“For whatever reason, it seems like Pittsburgh has struggled early in the first half, not putting up a lot of points”, the Steelers great said, taking note of their 29th and 30th-ranked offense in scoring average and yards per game, respectively this season. “They just got to find an identity for Pittsburgh. Right now, I think with Matt Canada, they don’t really have an identity. Do they want to be a run team? Do they want to be a pass team? Do they want to be a balanced team?”, Ward was confused about their motto despite the team’s 4-3 run, ahead of their Titans game.

“I think fans sometimes get frustrated because it shouldn’t be that hard to score points.” He went on to talk about the change of hands in offense, “Like I tell all fans, ‘You just got to be patient. They’re a very young team. I think Kenny Pickett just going into his very early stage of his career, it’s tough to follow a legend like Ben Roethlisberger.” He also pointed out a simple solution for Canada, using more of WR George Pickens, “Get George Pickens the ball… I just think he’s one of those players you can start the game off with a screen pass. Just put the ball in his hands and see what he can do. Once he gets into a rhythm, then just watch out.”

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Ward concluded by raising his hopes for George Pickens, the team, and Matt Canada. Branding the former a “rising superstar” and “the next great one” who, once settled, can bring the golden days back in the ‘Black and Gold’ dynasty.

Should Matt Canada be taking notes?

Ward’s words may bring great value to the team management, who served them for 14 seasons, winning two Super Bowls, becoming the MVP in the XL edition, and now is a potential hall of fame candidate. Notably, Canada can implement the changes as early as within a few hours when the team takes on the 3-4 Tennessee Titans. But will he?

Earlier it was reported that Canada will be out on the sidelines for his call plays in the game and not in his usual booth, probably realizing the heat of the moment. Head Coach Mike Tomlin would also be nearby to assist him if he is on the sidelines, but the ultimate question remains. Will any of these break the Steelers’ losing rhythm in the season and prevent Canada’s exit from the franchise? We will have the answer in a few hours.

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