Steelers' Mike McCarthy Sends Sneaky Message About How 2026 Will Differ From Mike Tomlin's Teams

The Pittsburgh Steelers are going to look like a much different type of football team now that Mike Tomlin is no longer leading the franchise. For 19 seasons, Tomlin was the man in charge, and he never had a losing season. Unfortunately for Tomlin and Steeler Nation, he felt his voice had grown stale, so he decided it was time for players such as Chris Boswell, TJ Watt and Cam Heyward to experience the excitement and optimism that comes with new leadership.

The Steelers hired Mike McCarthy, and he comes to the Steel City hopeful he can help end the playoff drought. Pittsburgh has not won a playoff game since the 2016 season. McCarthy is confident he can change that in 2026 with Aaron Rodgers playing what is expected to be his final season in the NFL. Rodgers did a solid job in 2025, but ultimately the result was another one-and-done appearance, ending with a 24-point home playoff loss. Rodgers will certainly hope to end his NFL career with at least a playoff victory, and Steelers fans would love that as well.

One of Pittsburgh's most respected beat writers, Mike Prisuta, joined The Steel City Insider on Friday to reveal an interesting nugget regarding the key differences McCarthy is bringing to the Steelers offense.

"The things that kind of hit me in the face with the offense, a little nugget about the goal is 55 combined rushing attempts and completions in a game," Prisuta explained. "McCarthy said he upgraded that from 53 to 55. They didn't do that very often last year. That is an overly ambitious goal, but as McCarthy went on to explain it, it's more of a mindset type of thing. They want to play fast. They want to play efficient. You know, if you shoot for the moon, then maybe you can reach the stars type of thing."

During the 2025 season, with former offensive coordinator Arthur Smith and Tomlin in charge of the offense, the Steelers averaged 45.41 combined rushing attempts and completions per game. 

McCarthy is hoping to make a significant jump in that category in 2026, with his target sitting at 55 combined rushing attempts and completions per contest.

"That's an interesting thing to me," Prisuta said. "Another thing is how much they're really planning on two backs and a fullback. McCarthy has been very adamant that he is not just a three-wide receiver and throw-it-over-the-yard guy."

Of course, simply setting a goal and actually achieving it are two completely different things. Reaching 55 combined rushing attempts and completions per game would represent a dramatic increase from where the Steelers were in 2025, but McCarthy appears to believe the philosophy behind the number is just as important as the number itself. He wants Pittsburgh to play with tempo, efficiency and physicality. That's critical for Steelers fans to hear.

Steelers' McCarthy Plans To Unleash Exciting Offensive Formula In 2026 Season

That approach would also explain why McCarthy has repeatedly talked about utilizing multiple running backs and a fullback. While much of the NFL has shifted toward three-wide receiver sets and pass-heavy attacks, McCarthy seems intent on building an offense that can dictate the pace of the game and wear opponents down over four quarters.

Whether that formula ultimately translates into postseason success remains to be seen, but one thing already appears clear. Steelers fans should expect a very different brand of football in 2026. 

Please feel free to share your Steelers takes with me on X (@anthonyghalkias) and consider following for more Steelers-related content and discussion. I’m always open to hearing different perspectives, breaking down games, and talking all things Pittsburgh football. 

#SteelerNation