The Pittsburgh Steelers may have been handed the answer to a major offensive question before Sunday's game against the Cincinnati Bengals. Pittsburgh's passing attack needs a spark after producing only three points against the New England Patriots, and the most inviting matchup might be hiding in plain sight. Cincinnati has struggled against tight ends, giving Mike McCarthy a clear opportunity to reshape his approach in this divisional showdown.
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Pittsburgh Steelers Head Coach Mike McCarthy stands on the field and looks into the distance with his play sheet in hand as the team works out during a 2026 training camp practice at Saint Vincent College in Latrobe, PA.
That matters because Pittsburgh leaned heavily on three-wide receiver formations during its Week 2 loss. The Steelers operated from 11 personnel on 79.1% of their offensive snaps, even though that grouping did little to create rhythm or consistent separation. Continuing to force the same formula against Cincinnati could mean ignoring the weakest point of the Bengals' defense.
Chris Carter explored that issue with Bengals analyst Joe Goodberry during an episode of Locked On Steelers. Goodberry did not merely identify a favorable matchup for Pittsburgh. He also questioned why McCarthy's offense has been so committed to a personnel package that Cincinnati would apparently welcome.
"The Bengals gave up a lot of yards and catches to Dalton Schultz last week," Goodberry said. "We don't feel very confident that this team can cover tight ends. That may be the route to go. But when I saw how often the Steelers were in three-wide, I was like, 'Great, go ahead.' That works in our favor totally. I don't know why they're doing it."
Schultz supported Goodberry's concern with 12 catches for 140 yards against Cincinnati. Through two games, the Bengals are allowing an NFL-high 100 receiving yards and 6.5 receptions per game to tight ends. That is not a tendency Pittsburgh should file away for later; it is an advantage that should influence Sunday's game plan from the opening possession.
The Steelers have the personnel to attack it. Pat Freiermuth has nine receptions for 78 yards and a touchdown through two games, while Darnell Washington gives Pittsburgh a massive target who can punish smaller defenders and contribute as a blocker. McCarthy can place both on the field together, create uncertainty before the snap and force Cincinnati to reveal whether it plans to defend with size or speed.
More two-tight end packages could also help a battered offensive line. Freiermuth can work underneath as a dependable outlet for Aaron Rodgers, while Washington can chip an edge rusher before releasing into space. Pittsburgh does not need to abandon its receivers, but it should make Cincinnati defend every piece instead of playing into the Bengals' preferred matchup.
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Pittsburgh Steelers’ Aaron Rodgers is hit by Elijah Ponder at Gillette Stadium in 2026.
Goodberry's reaction makes the stakes even clearer. When an opponent sees Pittsburgh's primary formation and responds with relief, McCarthy should take that personally. The Steelers' offense was too predictable and disjointed against New England to dismiss such an assessment.
Steelers Cannot Ignore This Blatant Cincinnati Issue
There is also a broader identity question surrounding this offense. Pittsburgh hired McCarthy partly because his experience was supposed to produce answers, flexibility and cleaner execution. Attacking Cincinnati through Freiermuth and Washington would demonstrate that the Steelers are willing to build a plan around the opponent rather than stubbornly protecting their preferred tendencies.
The adjustment does not have to become complicated. Use heavier personnel, establish credible run looks and let Rodgers punish linebackers or safeties when they hesitate. If Cincinnati crowds the middle to stop the tight ends, opportunities should naturally open outside for DK Metcalf, Michael Pittman Jr. and the rest of Pittsburgh's receiving room.
This is the kind of matchup advantage that can help an offense rediscover confidence quickly. The Bengals have already shown where they are vulnerable, and one of their own analysts essentially invited Pittsburgh to keep doing something else. If McCarthy continues flooding the field with three receivers while Freiermuth and Washington remain secondary pieces, the Steelers will have only themselves to blame for wasting the clearest opening on the board.
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