The Pittsburgh Steelers began the Mike McCarthy era with a Week 1 win against the Atlanta Falcons. However, there were still plenty of issues and growing pains with the team, particularly regarding the offense. The unit struggled to get into any sort of rhythm until late in the fourth quarter and this was due to a combination of issues. The main one was the offensive line struggling all game long. The running game was nonexistent until the final couple drives, and quarterback Aaron Rodgers was constantly having to roll out of the pocket to buy himself time.
Barry Reeger / Imagn Images
Steelers' Aaron Rodgers looks to pass during the 2026 season opener at home against the Atlanta Falcons.
The Steelers went away from they typically want to be. Outside of the three kneel-downs to end the game, the Steelers ran the ball 18 times while calling 42 pass plays. That does not look like a team that can or wants to get physical in the trenches. That's not typically the game plan that a team would want for a 42-year-old quarterback with mobility issues.
McCarthy appears to have a method to his madness. During his postgame press conference, he explained how he is getting ready for the playoffs with a game like this.
"You definitely got to give your passing game a little more of an opportunity at this time of year if you think you're going to come out here and throw it in January, so I am cognizant of that," McCarthy said.
McCarthy spoke about how he would like to run the ball more often, but he seems to be playing the long-range game here. Instead of trying to take everything week-by-week, he seems to be conditioning his team for the postseason. After the first game, the defense definitely looks strong enough to take the Steelers to January football, but the brakes may need to be pumped just a bit.
It was a one-score game against a third-string quarterback, and the only reason that the Steelers won that game was the front four wreaking havoc, which was highlighted by TJ Watt's pick-six. The offense didn't do nearly enough to win the game, as it struggled to sustain drives all game long. Even if McCarthy was trying to cover something up, talking about the playoffs after a Week 1 game like that is a bad look.
Charles LeClaire / Imagn Images
Steelers' Mike McCarthy speaks to the official during Pittsburgh's Week 1 over the Atlanta Falcons in 2026.
The fact of the matter is the Steelers' bread and butter was not there. Rico Dowdle averaged just under two yards per carry, and Jaylen Warren was around that same mark before lighting it up on the final two drives to burn clock. McCarthy may want to throw the ball more, as opposed to running it.
Steelers' Issues Point Directly To One Group In Particular
As mentioned before, the offensive line was arguably the least effective unit on the field for Pittsburgh. It rarely created a clean pocket for the quarterback, and there were not nearly enough rushing lanes for the two running backs. Instead of McCarthy hoping to have his quarterback throw 40 passes, he seems resigned to that idea with how often the Steelers lost in the trenches offensively.
After a solid season from the offensive line in 2025, the coaches had everyone flip sides so it could accommodate first-round rookie Max Iheanachor, who supposedly can only play on the right side. That looked like a disaster during the preseason, and it didn't appear to be much better against the Falcons. This unit has to get better sooner rather than later.
If it doesn't get better, McCarthy can forget about preparing for the playoffs. The defense had a great game against a third-string quarterback who was more predictable due to the last-minute starting nod, but how will they fare against a normal starter? At very least, expecting that group to help carry a team to January with poor offensive line play is not a recipe for success.
What do you think about McCarthy talking about throwing the ball a lot in the playoffs? Let us know on X at @Steelers_ChrisB.
#SteelerNation