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With just three weeks until training camp, anticipation is getting higher about this new Pittsburgh Steelers team. For the first time in nearly two decades, there feels like there is real hope that this team can be a contender if a few things fall right.
The offense is the biggest question after years of mediocrity, new head coach Mike McCarthy has injected a new system and a new philosophy into this roster. But even with all that, here is one burning question for each positional unit on offense.
Last season wasn't great for Aaron Rodgers. He looked like an old quarterback with a strong arm but a tremendous desire to avoid contact. If the Steelers are going to win, Rodgers must play better and play with more confidence and a willingness to get a little dirty if it means making a play.
The Steelers have a tandem of running backs in Jaylen Warren and Rico Dowdle but running a two-man backfield isn't something McCarthy has ever really done during his career. It feels like going with one primary back is leaving production on the table but this is one position battle we want to see play out.
At first glance, the addition of Michael Pittman Jr. seemed like a slam dunk to improve the offense but after going back over his 2025, we aren't sure if he looks like a guy who will be a consistent weapon in the passing game. The preseason will be key to see if Pittman is fully healthy and has acclimated himself to this system.
Speaking of guys who can help the passing game, Freiermuth was grossly underused under Mike Tomlin. McCarthy has never been shy about throwing to the tight end, so we are keeping the faith that even with Darnell Washington's new contract, Freiermuth will still see a more expanded role in 2026.
As happy as we are for Dylan Cook and Spencer Anderson, this offensive line won't be at its best until Gennings Dunker and Max Iheanachor are in the starting lineup. Cook and Anderson's story at minicamp is great, taking over the right side but this isn't the lineup that makes this team a contender in the AFC North.
This article originally appeared on Steelers Wire: Steelers training camp: 1 burning question for every position on offense?
Continue reading...
The offense is the biggest question after years of mediocrity, new head coach Mike McCarthy has injected a new system and a new philosophy into this roster. But even with all that, here is one burning question for each positional unit on offense.
Quarterback - How much does Aaron Rodgers have left?
Last season wasn't great for Aaron Rodgers. He looked like an old quarterback with a strong arm but a tremendous desire to avoid contact. If the Steelers are going to win, Rodgers must play better and play with more confidence and a willingness to get a little dirty if it means making a play.
Running back - Will it be running back by committee in 2026?
The Steelers have a tandem of running backs in Jaylen Warren and Rico Dowdle but running a two-man backfield isn't something McCarthy has ever really done during his career. It feels like going with one primary back is leaving production on the table but this is one position battle we want to see play out.
Wide receiver - How much can Michael Pittman Jr. help the offense?
At first glance, the addition of Michael Pittman Jr. seemed like a slam dunk to improve the offense but after going back over his 2025, we aren't sure if he looks like a guy who will be a consistent weapon in the passing game. The preseason will be key to see if Pittman is fully healthy and has acclimated himself to this system.
Tight end - What will Pat Freiermuth's role be?
Speaking of guys who can help the passing game, Freiermuth was grossly underused under Mike Tomlin. McCarthy has never been shy about throwing to the tight end, so we are keeping the faith that even with Darnell Washington's new contract, Freiermuth will still see a more expanded role in 2026.
Offensive line - How fast can the rookies be ready?
As happy as we are for Dylan Cook and Spencer Anderson, this offensive line won't be at its best until Gennings Dunker and Max Iheanachor are in the starting lineup. Cook and Anderson's story at minicamp is great, taking over the right side but this isn't the lineup that makes this team a contender in the AFC North.
This article originally appeared on Steelers Wire: Steelers training camp: 1 burning question for every position on offense?
Continue reading...
