With training camp just around the corner, the Pittsburgh Steelers will officially be preparing for the upcoming season in a brand new way. Head Coach Mike McCarthy has already shown how he and his staff are completely different from the previous group. The hope is that he can come in and finally turn this offense into a consistent, respectable unit, which has not been the case for many years. There should be some new wrinkles in the offense to help make sure it doesn't stagnate once again, but only time will tell.
Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers
New Steelers head coach Mike McCarthy stands on the field and looks off into the distance as he watches players take part in rookie minicamp during a workout in Pittsburgh, PA.
That's also a big reason why Aaron Rodgers came back to Pittsburgh. If anyone is going to get the best out of him, it's the coach that he won a Super Bowl with many years ago. Despite their rather bombastic breakup with the Green Bay Packers, they have clearly reconciled and are ready to work together for one last ride before the veteran quarterback rides into the sunset.
Just because the two are reunited doesn't mean Rodgers is just going to do whatever his coach says without giving his two cents, however. In his recent press conference, the passer explained what he wants to see from McCarthy's offense in 2026.
Aaron Rodgers says the Steelers have to be under center more this year on early downs. He points to some of the top offenses in the league going under center on early downs and getting the play action game going.
— Nick Farabaugh (@FarabaughFB) July 28, 2026
The idea of going under center is very clear: it makes the running game more potent, which will lead to play-action plays being more believable. Every offensive-minded coach says the same thing: you have to be effective on first and second down to truly thrive in the NFL. If you're looking at 3rd and 7+ on a regular basis, the offense just isn't going to get anywhere without some luck.
McCarthy has spoken about having a combined 55 total runs and completed passes per game, which can be a lot. If he is going to hit that mark, those early downs are going to be key. Jaylen Warren may have been the best running back at making defenders miss in 2025, but that doesn't mean the Steelers don't have to make his life easier by letting him get that head start from the I-formation.
Justin Guido / Pittsburgh Post-Gazette
Steelers running back Jaylen Warren rushing past a Miami Dolphins defender during Week 15 win.
On top of that, Rodgers has made it clear with his actions that he has no interest in hanging in the pocket and taking hits anymore. If there's any way he can buy some time without fear of getting plowed by some 300-pound defensive lineman, he's going to take it. That includes getting defenders to bite on the play action, so he has time to read the field and find the open man.
It does make sense to run a lot of I-formation, especially if McCarthy is going to run a lot of 11-personnel and not a lot of Pittsburgh's overpowered jumbo set from 2025. Spread the defense out, then run it up the gut with two running backs that are very hard to tackle. In theory, that should help open up the pass game a lot and make this offense finally get going on a consistent basis.
Steelers Need To Avoid Being Too Predictable With Going Under Center
When quarterbacks go under center, it can sometimes be harder for them to get a good read on the defense as they take their drop into the pocket. That would lead to the defense knowing that it will either be a run or a play-action pass if that ends up being the case.
Rodgers has a very high football IQ, so if he successfully convinces McCarthy to go under center more, he will have to convince him to throw more passes from that formation to help keep the defense on its toes.
What do you think about Rodgers already having a demand for McCarthy's offense? Let us know on X at @Steelers_ChrisB.
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