When the Pittsburgh Steelers promoted Matt Canada to
E'Twaun Moore Jersey offensive coordinator ahead of the 2020 season, there was optimism that the offense would shift into a more dynamic offense by utilizing more of a play-action pa sing attack. That optimism has proven to be faulty as the Pittsburgh offense has seemingly stepped back into the stone ages of offensive architecture.Many speculated that it was at least in part due to the fact that Ben Roethlisberger wasnt a fan of play-action and thats why the Steelers ranked 21st in the league in usage last season. However, even with fresh blood under center, the Steelers' play-action rate has actually declined this season.Entering Week 7, the Steelers were 25th in the league in play-action pa s rate. The Steelers' play-action pa sing game can best be described as unambitious. Not only are they rarely using it, but the numbers are also incredibly disturbing when they do.Heres where they rank league-wide in several key categories:Yards per attempt: 7.3 (23rd)Pa ser rating: 85.3 (27th)Average depth of target: 6.2 (26th)Expected points added: -1.38 (26th)It might be comforting to know that the Steelers are completing 81% of their pa s attempts in these situations, third-best in the league. Still, that number carries very little value on its own because its inflated thanks to the shallower routes being targeted on a regular basis. Take Week 7's Miami Dolphins game for example. Kenny Pickett went 8-8 on play-action throws, accumulating 47 yards at a 5.8 yards per pa s clip but with only one singular air yard to show for it with all of the pa ses coming at or near the
Nikola Mirotic Jersey line of scrimmage. Without pushing the ball down the field, the offense is putting limitations on their ability to generate explosive plays. As you can see above, most of Picketts play-action plays involve either setting up bootlegs or screen pa ses. In Canadas offense, bootlegs typically mean finding whichever receiver is working towards the flat and generating just a modest gain. The screen to Zach Gentry was poorly designed and the Dolphins were all over the play as a result.Calling a bootleg to get your young signal caller an easy completion is perfectly fine. Using a play-action fake to set up a screen is sensible. Those things can be components of a succe sful aerial attack but they shouldn't be the meat and potatoes of your play-action pa sing game. As of right now, thats e sentially what
Derrick Favors Jersey the Steelers are putting on film on a weekly basis. And when theyre not doing one of the things above, theyre misusing play action by negating the effects of the fake. Youre ideally looking for misdirection, either vertical or horizontal, from the second-level defenders.When Matt Canada does want to draw up a shot play after a play fake, he prefers an all-go concept to the boundaries. The problem with the concept itself is that the play fake rarely, if ever, is going to truly influence anyone of any importance. The secondary defenders that are being targeted in coverage dont have primary run responsibilities and can continue playing the pa s accordingly. The play-pa s element can be an e sential part of any offense's toolkit in part because it doesnt nece sarily require an elite, toolsy quarterback or a dominant running attack. Several quarterbacks such as Tenne sees Ryan Tannehill and Minnesotas Kirk Cousins make a pretty good living off of the
Anthony Davis Jersey play-action pa sing game. Both had significantly better pa ser ratings and yards per attempt when using play-action. No one outside of their prospective cities would consider those guys overly dynamic but they can orchestrate efficient offenses thanks to this element. Scroll to ContinueWhile those pa sers do indeed have dynamic running backs to lead the way, its been proven that play-action efficiency isnt strictly for teams with effective run games. For example, in 2021, both the Rams and Bengals were ranked in the top six in terms of yards per pa s on play-action attempts. Neither team was very efficient on the ground, however, with both teams landing near the bottom of the league in yards per rushing attempt. If you want a recent example of what a well-designed play-action game can do for a rookie quarterback, take a look at what New England has done for Bailey Zappe.In his limited appearances in relief of Mac Jones, Zappe has lit the world on fire, thanks to well-designed concepts off play action. Zappe is 16-19 for 327 yards and three touchdowns on play-action for a perfect 158.3 pa ser rating. New Englands been able to create splash plays in the pa sing game thanks to play fakes that have influenced second-level defenders. Pittsburgh would be wise to attempt to implement some form of succe sful play-action pa sing game
Josh Hart Jersey into their offense to make life easier on Kenny Pickett. Aside from the actual outcome of the games themselves, his development is the next important thing for the organization. Figuring out what concepts he likes and what he excels at is key to moving forward. Right now, there are more questions than answers surrounding Canada and his future. If he has any hope of returning for a third season in the Burgh, he must apply the nece sary changes to a struggling offense.Make sure you for the latest news, exclusive interviews, film breakdowns and so much more!Follow All Steelers on Twitter:
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