The Dallas Cowboys and Kellen Moore recently decided to mutually part ways, and the Pittsburgh Steelers should get an immediate upgrade over Matt Canada.
Pittsburgh Steelers fans were disappointed when they heard that the team intends to bring back offensive coordinator Matt Canada for the 2023 season. Though Pittsburgh made some minor improvements in the second half of the season, the offense still struggled to put points on the board and the passing game put up unspectacular numbers.
When the season came to a close, the Steelers ranked 26th in the NFL in points per game (18.1) and 23rd in yards (322.6), per ESPN stats. Even if we prorate the second half of their season over the course of a year when they went 7-2 since the bye, their offense still would have been ranked 19th in the NFL — scoring just over 20 points per contest.
Because of these unspectacular results in two straight seasons since becoming offensive coordinator, many were hoping the team would part ways with Canada early in 2023. Instead, team president Art Rooney II confirmed noted that they want to keep some consistency between Kenny Pickett and the OC.
Perhaps it’s not too late for them to change their mind. On January 29th, The Dallas Cowboys and OC Kellen Moore mutually agreed to part ways, Tom Pelissero of NFL Network reports.
The #Cowboys and offensive coordinator Kellen Moore have mutually agreed to part ways, per sources.
— Tom Pelissero (@TomPelissero) January 29, 2023
Moore is a bright young offensive mind and will have options. But Dallas felt change was needed after a disappointing finish, and now is looking for a new OC. pic.twitter.com/rRPwCDkjhF
This move wasn’t a complete shocker, but it was certainly interesting. Though Dallas put up a dud on offense in their playoff loss to the 49ers, it was a mutual effort as QB Dak Prescott did not have a good game. What the Cowboys were able to do this past season under Kellen More, however, was impressive.
Dallas finished the 2022 season 4th in points scored, 10th in yards, and 10th in EPA per play. Additionally, this team had a 12-5 record and won a road playoff game before getting knocked out in the NFC divisional round.
Steelers should dump Matt Canada for Kellen Moore
I don’t want to beat a dead horse with the whole Matt Canada situation, and after what the team said, it’s highly unlikely they go back on their word. However, there’s no doubt in my mind that Kellen Moore would be an upgrade over Matt Canada.
Though Moore can get a bit conservative with his play-calling at times, his scheme capitalizes on protections and getting the ball in the hands of his best play-makers. Like Canada, Moore has had plenty of success moving the ball on the ground, but he’s significantly better in the passing game.
While his scheme does still include a lot of curls and comebacks, he’s much more willing to utilize the middle of the field with posts and seam routes. As a result, CeeDee Lamb was one of the most efficient receivers in the league in 2022. Moore helped do this without many viable receiving options in Dallas.
Moore becomes the latest in a long list of offensive play-callers to lose their jobs early in 2023. In 2021, Moore’s offense finished 1st in the NFL in points per game (30.4) and 2nd in yards (401.4). It’s hard to believe that some brilliant offensive minds are losing their jobs around the league while Canada remains.
As someone who has watched every Dallas Cowboys game at least once this past season, I can say confidently that Kellen Moore is better than Matt Canada. I don’t think the Pittsburgh Steelers will backtrack on what they said, but they should reconsider their plans now that Moore is available. If they don’t act now, Moore seems likely to land a job with the Chargers.