After the disappointing end to their season, the Pittsburgh Steelers made some changes with their coaching staff. The most notable shake-up was offensive coordinator Randy Fichtner not receiving a new contract. His replacement will be Matt Canada, who served as the team’s quarterbacks coach in 2020, his first season in the NFL. While Canada clearly had an impact in 2020, many of his ideas weren’t fully utilized. That will change in 2021, and some Steelers players are set to benefit from his promotion.
Matt Canada Promoted, Three Steelers to Benefit
Anthony McFarland
The first choice feels like it’s an obvious one, for multiple reasons. Anthony McFarland was probably going to see a bigger role in 2021 before the coaching change. With Canada set to call plays, though, shoe McFarland in for more touches. James Conner likely won’t be back in Pittsburgh next season. Remaining on the Steelers roster are no three-down running backs. They will almost certainly use a committee in 2021, and McFarland will be a part of that committee. He will likely serve as the speed and receiving back on the team.
McFarland played at Maryland in college, where Matt Canada was his offensive coordinator and interim head coach in 2018. That connection probably means good things for McFarland’s stock. Further, his style as a running back should fit right into a Canada-run offense. There will be a lot of pre-snap motion and jet sweeps used by the Steelers under Canada. McFarland has the perfect skillset to use in that kind of offense. He is a scat back who can excel on end-arounds, jet sweeps, and short passes into the flats. In open space with the ball in his hands, McFarland will really be able to showcase his talents.
Ray-Ray McCloud
This one feels obvious too, given the way McCloud was utilized on offense in 2020. Though most of his work came on kickoff and punt returns, McCloud played a small role in the offense at times. He was used similarly to how McFarland will likely be used next year. McCloud is the perfect kind of receiver to use in motions, jet sweeps, and reverses. Matt Canada can get creative with wide receiver screens, a play that will have home run potential with McCloud on the receiving end. Combine that with physical receivers like Chase Claypool and James Washington to block, and there could be fireworks.
McCloud’s best work in 2020 came early in the season, when the offense appeared to be utilizing some of Canada’s ideas. As the offense moved away from the motions and sweeps, McCloud’s role decreased. The offense will look different next year, in terms of both personnel and scheme. With declining quarterback play, creativity will need to play an important role. Combining a coach like Matt Canada with a player like McCloud is a good start in that regard.
Chase Claypool
With JuJu Smith-Schuster as good as gone, all of Pittsburgh’s receivers should see an expanded role next season. This certainly includes Chase Claypool, who will be entering his second season off a strong rookie campaign. Diontae Johnson will assume the role of number one wide receiver, with Claypool taking over the number two spot. Like McCloud, Claypool’s best offensive production in 2020 came early in the season when it seemed like Matt Canada had more to do with the play calling.
Though one wouldn’t consider it while looking at his frame, Claypool has proven to be useful in the jet sweep game. At 6’4″, 238 pounds, Claypool is a nightmare to bring down in the open field with his speed. He, along with James Washington, will remain Pittsburgh’s top deep threats. But Roethlisberger’s deep ball declined in 2020. If that trend continues into 2021, Canada will get creative with Claypool’s skillset. Using him in motion and getting him the ball close to the line of scrimmage with room to operate is a good idea. Opposing cornerbacks will struggle to bring him down due to his size and strength. If he breaks one tackle, it’s off to the races. Most times, Claypool will win the race.
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