PHILADELPHIA -- The Steelers' offense has been quite poor this season, and that remained very relevant during Sunday's 35-13 blowout loss to the undefeated Eagles.
But, for just one play, Matt Canada drew up a play that was rather genius, even to his worst critic.
After the Steelers' offense predictably flopped with a three-and-out on the opening drive of the game, the Eagles marched right down the field and took a 7-0 lead on A.J. Brown's first of three touchdowns on the day. The Steelers needed an answer in order to avoid the game getting away from them early, and they managed to succeed in that endeavor.
The Steelers nickel-and-dimed their way down the field on the ensuing drive, using 12 plays to cover 73 yards to get down to the Philadelphia 2-yard line. Initially, the Steelers failed to get in the end zone and Mike Tomlin opted to take three points on fourth and goal at the 2. However, a chance at redemption presented itself when Brandon Graham was called for defensive delay of game, moving the ball back to the 1-yard line.
Tomlin then decided to take the risk of sending the offense back out onto the field. We've watched the Steelers struggle in short-yardage situations all season, and this was an opportunity for Canada to draw up something that could put the offense in the best position possible to come away with a touchdown.
And boy, did he deliver:
We have seen the jet sweep to Chase Claypool at the goal line before. But, the jet sweep turned into a wide receiver pass to the full back? Derek Watt is in his third season with the Steelers, and had six touches in a Pittsburgh uniform prior to Sunday.
Yeah. That's new.
Unfortunately for the Steelers, the offensive creativity and execution didn't last. The offense was unable to find the end zone again and only mustered two field goals while the defense failed to "keep a lid" on Jalen Hurts and A.J. Brown. Kenny Pickett was sacked six times, and he only averaged 5.0 yards per pass attempt. Najee Harris gained only 32 of the Steelers' 144 yards on the ground.
Overall, it was not a good day for the offense, which only brought up the question once again if Tomlin would entertain a change at offensive coordinator.
“We’re 2-6, guys. I’m not going to answer that question every week," Tomlin said. "I’m open to doing whatever is required for us to get better. That’s just how it is. We’re seriously committed to winning and being better and that’s just a component of it.”
Canada's job security may still be up in the air. But, for just one moment, he dialed up the perfect play in the perfect spot. However, that's probably not the feather he'd like to have in his cap.
