Steelers' offense enjoys prolific day in wake of OC's firing - ESPN

CINCINNATI — With 5:17 remaining in the Pittsburgh Steelers' first game since offensive coordinator Matt Canada's dismissal, running back Najee Harris took a handoff from quarterback Kenny Pickett and cut to the outside.

With a 13-yard run, Harris carried the Steelers over 400 yards, a threshold they hadn't seen in 58 regular-season games. Not only did the Steelers break that streak in their 16-10 win against the Cincinnati Bengals on Sunday — they also outgained an opponent (424 yards to the Bengals' 222) for the first time all season.

«We all know what we're capable of,» Pickett said. «We know we're capable of putting that kind of offense out there every week. We just weren't able to do it in these previous weeks, but it was awesome. It feels good to come together like that and put out a great game.»

The 424 yards was also the most gained by the Steelers' offense since they put up 429 against the New Orleans Saints in Week 16 of the 2018 season.

It was a welcome sight for an offense that ranked 28th in yards per game entering the pivotal AFC North matchup.

«I think we just kind of all looked at each other and knew that when some of this happened, we got to play for each other,» center Mason Cole said. «We all had a hand in Matt's firing. We didn't play well enough for him to keep his job, and we felt like we had to make it right now, for the guys that are still here.»

Following Canada's firing, running backs coach Eddie Faulkner took over day-to-day offensive coordinator duties, while quarterbacks coach Mike Sullivan called plays Sunday.

Pickett, who's close with Sullivan, said it took time to adjust to Sullivan's play calls.

«It's definitely different,» Pickett said. «It's a new playcaller, so you kind of get used to