Full Breakdown
Steelers' Offense Falters in Week 2 Loss, Coach McCarthy Signals Possible Changes
By Drooid · · How we work
The Week 2 Offensive Collapse
In the Steelers’ second game of the 2026 season, they were held to 20 points on 235 yards against the New England Patriots. The offense managed only one touchdown—a 31-yard drive after a Jaquan Brisker interception—and converted just 5 of 25 third-downs. Quarterback Aaron Rodgers was sacked four times, fumbled twice, and finished 23-of-39 for 187 yards, no touchdowns, one interception, and a passer rating of 60.5. The rushing attack produced 58 yards on 21 carries against Atlanta and 65 yards on 18 carries against New England, with Rico Dowdle and Jaylen Warren combining for modest gains. The Steelers’ longest drive of the two-game stretch was 46 yards, and they recorded just one touchdown in 67 offensive snaps, averaging 3.5 yards per play.
Background & Context
Mike McCarthy was hired to revitalize an offense that had regressed under former coach Mike Tomlin. After a win over Atlanta, the Patriots’ defensive pressure exposed lingering issues on the line and in play-calling. Rodgers, reunited with McCarthy, entered expecting a more dynamic attack, but the unit struggled to establish the run and protect the passer.
Data & Statistics
- Total offense: 235 yards (3.5 yards per play)
- Points: 20 (Patriots 20)
- Touchdowns: 1 (31-yard drive)
- Passing: 23/39, 187 yards, 0 TD, 1 INT, rating 60.5
- Sacks: 4 (Rodgers)
- Fumbles: 2 (both lost)
- Rushing: 58 yards on 21 carries (vs. Atlanta), 65 yards on 18 carries (vs. New England)
- Third-down conversion: 5-of-25
- Longest drive: 46 yards
Official Statements & Responses
Coach McCarthy called the offense “herky-jerky,” taking personal responsibility and saying the team must “cut the volume” of the playbook to achieve cleaner execution. He noted that “everything’s correctable” if the same mistakes are addressed, and left the door open for changes on the right side of the line, where rookie Max Iheanachor and veteran Brock Hoffman have already seen snaps.
Criticism & Opposition
Former Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin questioned the unit’s ability to “hang their hat,” citing the lack of a consistent running game and third-down success.
Why It Matters
The offensive struggles threaten Pittsburgh’s competitiveness in a division with a potent Cincinnati Bengals attack. Issues on the line and limited playmaking could force early-season adjustments, especially at right tackle and guard, where starters Dylan Cook and Spencer Anderson have drawn criticism. McCarthy’s willingness to reduce play-calling volume and re-evaluate the depth chart signals a proactive approach, but the speed of any changes will be crucial as the Steelers prepare for their next matchup.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
Reports differ on the exact status of the right-side offensive line. Some sources describe Cook and Anderson as the season starters who “made mistakes,” while others note that Iheanachor and Hoffman were already receiving snaps and could become permanent replacements. No definitive roster announcement has been made, leaving the depth-chart outlook uncertain.
Verbatim Quotes
- “From my perspective, they don’t have a place to hang their hat,” — Mike Tomlin
- “Offensively, clearly not good enough. That starts with me,” — Mike McCarthy