Steelers interim OC: We feel like we let Matt Canada down

Pittsburgh Steelers interim offensive coordinator Eddie Faulkner says the unit feels a sense of responsibility for Matt Canada's firing.

"I couldn't say enough good about Matt Canada," Faulkner said, according to ESPN's Brooke Pryor. "It's a little bit bittersweet in that way because when you sit back and you see all that goes on, and all that's being said about him and the offense, we all - and I'm speaking for the offense when I say this to staff - we all felt that we're all part of that.

"Nobody's absolving themselves from anything that's happened in that regard. We feel like we let him down."

Canada's dismissal came amid a historically poor stretch for the Steelers' offense. The unit was outgained in all 10 games this season and averaged just 16.6 points despite compiling a 6-4 record. Head coach Mike Tomlin cited a lack of "rapid" and "consistent" improvements as his reason for firing the offensive coordinator during his third season in the role.

Canada was also criticized for second-year quarterback Kenny Pickett's lack of progression. The 2022 former first-round pick has thrown for just six touchdowns to four interceptions this season but has struggled with his accuracy and pocket presence.

Pickett said Wednesday that it's too late in the season to expect "wholesale changes" from the Steelers' offense schematically, and Faulkner agreed.

"Here we are in the middle of the season," Faulkner said. "I mean, you got to roll with what we've been doing, putting game plans together, what our guys can execute. We're going to continue to do that."

Though Faulkner will coordinate the unit, quarterbacks coach Mike Sullivan will call plays. Their first game running the offense comes Sunday against the Cincinnati Bengals.