Critical Hint About Steelers' Offense Under Mike McCarthy Detailed

The Pittsburgh Steelers' 2026 offseason is starting to progress as players come together for Organized Team Activities (OTAs). With mandatory minicamp about starting Tuesday, things are going to start to really ramp up with training camp beginning at the end of July. For new head coach Mike McCarthy, he has been deployed some new weapons acquired by the front office for the upcoming campaign. The organization made several moves to help add playmakers on both sides of the football. It is not clear what may change, but it was revealed on Monday what may be seen in one specific area.

Monday morning, Gerry Dulac of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette joined the morning show on 102.5 FM WDVE. He answered questions about some things he has seen between rookie minicamp as well as OTAs. Another question Dulac discussed responded to was regarding how the offense may run in 2026 in the Steel City under McCarthy and his new staff.

"Now, you know, are they just going to be run heavy? No," Dulac said. "I don't think there's any question they'll lean more towards the run because that's the way, you know, because you know what [Mike McCarthy] grew up in. Even though he's a passing guru, the quarterback whisperer if you will, he's a Western Pennsylvania guy who relies on the run." 

The franchise lost 2025 team MVP Kenneth Gainwell in free agency when it opened up. However, it did a great job of quickly filling the void of his departure, signing running back Rico Dowdle to take over in Gainwell's place. He will now share carries, similar to last year's team MVP, with Jaylen Warren in the 2026 season. The fifth-year veteran is coming off back-to-back 1,000-yard rushing seasons, most recently coming with the Carolina Panthers.

McCarthy has his work cut out for him in his first year with the Black and Gold, looking to help justify the decision by the organization to retool rather than commit to a rebuild. The offense was pedestrian at times in 2025, so an improved and more modern unit could help move the needle to back the franchise's approach. The team also did a great job to add weapons on offense outside of just the running back position, which is probably why Dulac's comments lean to the idea of the offense not being run heavy, but instead simply relying on the run.

Steelers' Offensive Turnaround May Not Be Difficult To Achieve

While many people with ties to the league have chimed in about the offseason acquisitions in Pittsburgh, the moves have been met with a lot of optimism. The team struggled in 2025 on offense, and its 25th overall finish in total offense backed that up. However, the front office added a weapon alongside wide receiver DK Metcalf when it traded for Michael Pittman Jr. to give Metcalf a tall running mate on the field.

In a move to add even more help to the wide receiver room, the organization traded up to add pass-catcher Germie Bernard from Alabama. Bernard has a great ability to make plays, especially with the yards after the catch. He also was featured at times at the running back position during his time in college, which really speaks volumes to the versatility he brings.

For an offense that needs to improve quickly, the decision-makers definitely made proactive strides to give McCarthy some key pieces for improvement. He has a rich history of coaching some great NFL quarterbacks, including Aaron Rodgers, who he will reunite with. For a team that finds itself in cold weather games often later in the season, it makes perfect sense for to favor the run game even if it is not necessarily a run-heavy offense.

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