Steelers fans break out in 'fire Matt Canada' chant during Ravens game
Matt Canada has once again caught the ire of Pittsburgh Steelers (2-2) fans during the Week 5 home tilt against the Baltimore Ravens (3-1).
The Steelers offensive coordinator, public enemy No. 1 in the “Steel City,” has led another disappointing offensive showing Sunday. Steelers fans have quite simply had enough, and are letting Canada know how they feel. For the second consecutive home game, fans are chanting in unison, “Fire Canada.”
The Steelers entered the half down 10-3, and with the third quarter winding down, have just 124 yards of offense and eight first downs. Pittsburgh hasn’t reached the end zone since the third quarter of the 23-18 Week 3 victory over the Las Vegas Raiders.
At this point, it’s fair to wonder just how long head coach Mike Tomlin is willing to ride it out with Canada. Tomlin vowed there would be change following the 30-6 defeat to the Houston Texans in Week 4, but all that resulted in was an increase in physicality during practices. Asked if he was considering making a change on his offensive staff, Tomlin said not “at this juncture.”
The Steelers entered Sunday’s contest owning the league’s 29th ranked offense. In the two prior seasons, Canada’s offense has ranked 23rd in the NFL.
Could Mike Tomlin, Matt Canada both be on the hot seat?
Some have even wondered if Tomlin could be on the chopping block if he doesn’t act quick enough with regards to Canada. Given the way the season has started, Tomlin is in danger of suffering his first sub .500 season in 17 years at the helm in Pittsburgh.
During the Tuesday edition of his show, Pat McAfee wondered out loud if the Steelers’ brass could make some major changes at season’s end.
“It feels like this year, the reactions from the people that are normally on his [Tomlin’s] side — because there’s always been detractors in Pittsburgh — the people that are normally on his side, seems like they’re getting a little bit quiet. Could you imagine [Art] Rooney [II] decides, ‘Alright, it’s time to move on from Mike Tomlin.’ It feels like there’s a chance for that this year, and I’ve never felt like that,” McAfee said. “… It’s getting hard, I think that’s the point that I’m trying to make.
“All the people that have defended Tomlin — and I think we’re part of that group — it’s getting to a point where it’s like, ‘Hey, you’re the only human not seeing what everybody else is seeing here. You’re the only one. And when it becomes that, and we appreciate him dying on his shield and everything like that, there might be some changes at the end of the year.”