Steelers' Big Issue That They Have Improved Is Receiving Recognition

The Pittsburgh Steelers' dominating 27-6 victory at home on Sunday against the Cleveland Browns has them entering their bye week on a four-game winning streak. It is something Head Coach Mike McCarthy had his sights set on accomplishing heading into the break. Now they sit alone atop the AFC North division and when they return to play in Week 10 against the Cincinnati Bengals, they can make more noise in the division. One thing that had plagued past teams is issues with fundamentals. However, those have been cleaned up very well so far this season and the team was given recognition for them.

One fundamental in particular that has plagued Pittsburgh teams of the past is constant lapses in communication on the defensive side of the ball. That would then lead to splash plays by opponents as the issue created a snowball effect. However, Defensive Coordinator Patrick Graham has done a great job leading that unit so far this season and is a strong driving force behind the improvement in that department.

On Monday, team insider Jim Wexell hosted the Steel City Insider podcast to discuss the game. During the episode, he made sure to give the entire coaching staff considerable recognition. While he mentioned it, he also emphasized the improvement in fundamentals he has seen through eight games played so far in 2026.

“There’s a lot of pure fundamental things that are improving,” Wexell said. “It’s not so much physical domination. It's mental. It's communication. It's beautiful play-calling. It's coordinated.”

Under his guidance thus far, Graham's group has shown tremendous growth and improvement compared to last season. The unit is currently sixth in all of the NFL in total defense, allowing an average of 305.6 yards per game. They are outside of the top 10 in passing defense, but the rushing defense is now third in the league, with 83.9 yards per game allowed so far this year. There has been noticeable change in the Steel City with McCarthy's staff and now it is being noticed in a big way.

With McCarthy's group improving fundamental issues so far in his inaugural season coaching for the franchise, it has helped paved the way for the talent on the team to perform to the level they have. For a team that is looking to snap a near-decade-long playoff winless streak, they are in excellent position as they get to rest up during their bye week ahead of another divisional showdown when they return to the field. Despite some issues in the passing game that have hindered the offense's ability to be consistent in putting points on the board, the fundamental improvement has done a great job to cover that up until news on the injury front improves.

Steelers' Improvement In 2026 Cannot Be Overstated

The 2026 season for the Steelers started off by alternating wins and losses, something that has been seen a lot in the past. However, they now own a four-game winning streak while playing a great brand of football for McCarthy and his coaching staff. Should they get wide receivers Michael Pittman Jr. and Roman Wilson back soon, their offense may really start to gel and make them even more formidable as the 2026 season plays out. Pittman recently admitted to dealing with injury more than he is used to, but also would like to get back on the field and help his team out as soon as possible.

With injuries piling up, as both the offense and defense have had to endure them through the first eight weeks, McCarthy's group is playing fundamentally sound football that gives true reason for optimism for the rest of the 2026 season. The bye week comes with great timing, as they look to get healthier, something that every NFL team battles on a yearly basis. This team deserves praise like they received from Wexell, and it will start to grow if they keep playing a fundamentally sound brand of football when they return off their bye.

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