The tide is changing in Pittsburgh in regards to the offensive side of the ball. The Steelers opted to not bring back Randy Fichtner as their offensive coordinator in 2021. That was the right decision by the organization to let him go because the 2020 Steelers offense was terrible. Instead of bringing Fichtner back in 2021, the Steelers decided to promote Matt Canada as their new offensive coordinator. He looks to be embracing his role with the Steelers quite well so far, but Ben Roethlisberger believes this offense will look like nothing seen before in Pittsburgh.
Ben Roethlisberger on the Steelers offense: “When you’ve had the same offense or similar offense for 17 years and then all of a sudden something looks the exact same but is called something completely different, it is very difficult, and it is a big challenge,” said Roethlisberger, 39. “But that’s the game of football, learning new things and new challenges."
Roethlisberger told the media he hopes Matt Canada's offense will be one that is good and the Steelers need to find a way to execute the plays that he calls. Ben hopes the Steelers will be better than they were in 2020 on the offensive side of the ball. I would hope Ben Roethlisberger would want to see a drastic difference on the offensive side of the ball heading into the 2021 season because if they look anything like they did in 2020 with their tough schedule in 2021 they would probably only win about 7 games to be quite honest.
Pryor believes this new offensive scheme with Matt Canada can help prolong Ben Roethlisberger's career. I would have to say she is right, but with the Steelers bringing in Najee Harris that will also help prolong his career in a big way. Why? because now Ben Roethlisberger doesn't have to throw the ball 608 times as he did in 2020. That is a lot to ask for from a 39-year-old quarterback who is not in his prime.
The Steelers will need to find a way to get very creative and during OTAs, it looks like that is what they're trying to do in regards to the offensive side of the ball. I would expect a ton of jet sweeps and pre-snap motion from the offensive line and wide receivers to disguise this offense while running the football. Najee Harris will be a major key heading into the 2021 season and if Ben Roethlisberger can find a way to stay upright in 2021 I would expect to see him back on the field with the Steelers in 2022 if they fall short of a Super Bowl this season. Hand the ball off to Najee Harris and let him work his magic in 2021.