Steelers' Jaylen Warren Now Has A Legitimate Bone To Pick With Mike McCarthy

Nothing is going to be even close to the same for the Pittsburgh Steelers with Mike McCarthy running the show. The team had a change at the head-coaching position for the first time since 2007, and fans will quickly learn that things are going to operate a lot differently. One of the more fascinating things that came out of the new leader's press conference on Tuesday was that there will be no live tackling as the players work out during training camp. This is almost the exact opposite of what Mike Tomlin believed in, as full pads and hard-hitting went on for several July and August practices in a row.

Veterans are probably stoked about the fresh approach. Guys in their 30s that are locks to make the team actually might feel a whole lot fresher when December and January roll around. Additionally, it could prevent some nagging injuries like concussions or other issues that might keep any given player out for a significant amount of time.

Fans attending camp might end up a little more bored than normal, particularly because there won't be a ton of true football going on. That could lead to some disappointment, but it's the way the new regime is going to run things. It will take a little bit of getting used to; however, it's hard to argue against it because it will preserve the bodies of the important playmakers.

On the contrary, not everyone is going to be happy about no tackling in practice. On the most recent episode of Steelers Collective, Ray Fittipaldo made a great point and noted that some guys need the heavy-hitting to prove that they deserve a starting job, or, at the very least, a spot on the 53-man roster.

"It affects the guys that are trying to make the roster who, you know, your Spencer Andersons," Fittipaldo said.

Fittipaldo then went back in time to the 2022 offseason. A certain undrafted rookie was not really on anyone's radar until he started demolishing people in camp. This is what ultimately led to him getting a chance, and he is still on the roster and a productive contributor to this day.

"How about Jaylen Warren," Fittipaldo asked. "You think Jaylen Warren would have had the rookie camp he had if he wasn't able to show what he could do?"

Jaylen Warren is now a veteran who might not care about being too physical in training camp; however, he knows what it's like to be on the bubble and have a dream of making a team. It might not sit all that well with him that the new staff is not going to give that same chance to plenty of other guys who are hoping to make an impression in the coming weeks.

This goes beyond just Warren. Tomlin did have a knack for finding diamonds in the rough over the years. One of the reasons for that was because of just how physical his training camp sessions were. With that element gone in 2026, certain bubble players aren't going to be able to win over the coaching staff until different colored jerseys are on the other side of the ball during preseason games.

It will be interesting to see if Warren has anything to say if and when he is asked about the big switch-up. He could go back to his rookie campaign and reflect on that, but he also is, by nature, a guy that loves to put his head down and run into people. It might not be a very attractive idea to him even though he is a complete lock to make the team.

Steelers Will Keep A Close Eye On Physicality In Exhibition Contests

While there could be some sort of hitting going on in training camp at some point, Pittsburgh will have to hone in on the borderline players in the three preseason matchups. There won't really be any other opportunities to see things at full speed and with live tackling. McCarthy is going to do things his way, but that doesn't mean guys like Warren aren't thankful that Tomlin did things differently for so many years.

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