Former Steelers player defends OC Matt Canada

Pittsburgh Steelers offensive coordinator Matt Canada has at least one person coming to his defense.

Canada has become public enemy No. 1 in Pittsburgh for the team's abysmal offense, but former Steelers defensive lineman Chris Hoke pointed out on Thursday that a lot of the problems go beyond the play-caller.

During his weekly appearance on 93.7 The Fan, Hoke pointed out the issues with players executing what is called. 

That includes rookie quarterback Kenny Pickett, who had an especially tough game this past Sunday in Philadelphia.

Said Hoke:

"You go back and watch that film, and everybody can say what they want, but guys are open. Kenny's not seeing them. This game, Kenny missed throws. Third-and-10 he has Pat Freiermuth open for a first down, and he sails the ball. Is that on Matt Canada? You tell me. On a third down, you have Diontae Johnson and he throws the ball to him, yet he had Pat Freiermuth wide open down the seam for a touchdown. He does not even look at him. Another time it is third down, he has the safety on the hash to his right, he throws the ball to George Pickens, who beat his man off the ball. Throw the ball up in the air and let him right under it, but he throws the ball on a back shoulder fade, when he has the guy beat. Ball falls incomplete. That is not on Matt Canada. Those are plays that are called that are not being executed."

You can hear more of his comments here.