Mike Tomlin spent his entire 30-minute, end-of-season news briefing Monday avoiding even the most innocuous questions, hiding behind, to paraphrase, "The season just ended and I haven't had time to evaluate anything."
Of course, Tomlin didn't answer the only question that really matters as the Steelers head into the offseason.
How would you evaluate the job Matt Canada did and do you expect him to be back next year?
"I thought he got better just as our team got better," Tomlin said. "[But] I'm not going to speculate about him or anyone as I stand here today. I'm just beginning the process of transitioning in terms of wrapping a bow around [the 2022 season]."
Evasive, right?
But, just for comparison sake, Tomlin was much more effusive about the wonderful job offensive line coach Pat Meyer did this season with a unit that started the season looking as if it might be the worst in the NFL. Tomlin left no doubt he was pleased and that Meyer would be back next season.
But don't be fooled by that lukewarm response about Canada.
I'm guessing there is at least a 70% chance the much-maligned Canada will return.
I don't like that at all.
Yes, I know Kenny Pickett and Najee Harris have spoken highly of Canada, especially Harris.
"We all believe in Canada," Harris told ESPN after the 28-14 win against the Cleveland Browns on Sunday. "Everybody's saying he called the same plays, but everybody calls the same plays. You can look at everybody everywhere.
"All that play-calling stuff, I think that's just a cover up for just the lack of stuff that we were doing on the field as players. I never bought into none of that 'cause I know at the end of the day, we're the ones who gotta make the plays."
I also know Tomlin is right about Canada's offense improving since the bye week when the Steelers seemed to make more of a commitment to the running game with Harris, Jaylen Warren and Meyer's improving offensive line. Harris averaged 45.1 rushing yards in eight games before the bye and 75.2 in nine games after the bye. The team averaged 1.25 touchdowns and 14.1 points per game before the bye, never scoring more than two offensive touchdowns in a game. It averaged two touchdowns and 20.1 points after the bye, scoring three offensive touchdowns on three occasions. It went 7-2 in those final nine games after going 2-6 in the first eight.
I'm thinking that improvement will be enough to save Canada.
I just can't get past the idea the Steelers could do a lot better with a more experienced play-caller than Canada, who has just three years of NFL experience. The team needs someone to better counteract the arms race in the AFC North division with Joe Burrow, Lamar Jackson and Deshaun Watson as the opposing quarterbacks. The Steelers aren't going to win many games by scoring two touchdowns a game. They aren't going to win many by settling for field goals, as so often happened this season. They need more "splash," to use one of Tomlin's favorite words. I still can't believe Pickett's 31-yard touchdown pass to George Pickens on Sunday was the team's longest offensive touchdown of the season. That's really pathetic.
I also can't get past the criticism Canada and his offense have taken from some smart football people.
From Merril Hoge earlier in the season: "Schematically, there is some stuff that doesn't make sense. Pitt's offense had more pro concepts. If you took away their gadgets and misdirection, half of their offense is gone. Those are usually wrinkles. They're not the foundation of an offense."
From Ben Roethlisberger earlier in the season: "Go down the field. Take some shots down the field. I kept sitting there like, 'Come on.' You've got to back a defense up. Every once in a while, take one shot. We're missing the explosive plays right now."
And former All-Pro wide receiver Steve Smith Sr. on NFL Network just a few weeks ago: "It's Saturday-ish. I'm saying his play-calling is Saturday. It isn't going to work here. Not on this level. He's calling Saturday plays on Sunday."
Is Canada really the guy you want leading a potentially dynamic offense next season with Pickett, Harris, Pickens and Pat Freiermuth?
I don't.
Unfortunately, I believe Tomlin does.
