gridironheroics.com

‘Did Not Like That at All’ — Mark Kaboly Calls Out Mike McCarthy After Steelers’ Offensive Line …

Nov 8, 2015; Charlotte, NC, USA; Green Bay Packers head coach Mike McCarthy looks on during the second quarter against the Carolina Panthers at Bank of America Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jeremy Brevard-Imagn Images

‘Did Not Like That at All’ — Mark Kaboly Calls Out Mike McCarthy After Steelers’ Offensive Line Decision 1

The Pittsburgh Steelers have spent the preseason searching for answers up front; however, Mark Kaboly thinks Mike McCarthy may be creating a bigger problem while trying to solve the next one. With Week 1 getting closer, the Steelers’ offensive line still needs reps, chemistry, and clarity.

That concern became even louder after the Steelers’ latest preseason outing. They have shuffled pieces across the line while testing different combinations; however, Kaboly believes the time for experimenting is running out, and after what he saw, the longtime Steelers reporter was not hiding his frustration.

Mark Kaboly Calls Out Mike McCarthy After Steelers’ Offensive Line Decision

Jan 27, 2026; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers head coach Mike McCarthy looks on at a press conference announcing him as the new Pittsburgh Steelers head coach at PNC Champions Club at Acrisure Stadium.. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-Imagn ImagesJan 27, 2026; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers head coach Mike McCarthy looks on at a press conference announcing him as the new Pittsburgh Steelers head coach at PNC Champions Club at Acrisure Stadium.. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-Imagn Images

On August 25, Kaboly criticized McCarthy’s handling of the offensive line during the preseason. His biggest gripe was the Steelers continued movement along the front rather than giving its apparent starting five, Troy Fautanu, Mason McCormick, Zach Frazier, Spencer Anderson and Dylan Cook, extended time to build chemistry together.

“Status quo, man. Fautanu, McCormick, Frazier, Anderson, Cook. And I think that’s been the problem. I don’t think there’s many variables that are gonna change, so give those guys a month to work things out. I did not like what they did on Friday. No, I did not like that at all. Those guys need the time together. They’re either not comfortable or McCarthy is really, really worried about somebody might get hurt and where am I gonna put the next guy and where’s the pieces fit at? At some point, you have to figure out who the five are, and I think we’re at that point.”

Mark Kaboly critical of Mike McCarthy's handling of oline in preseason: “Status quo, man. Fautanu, McCormick, Frazier, Anderson, Cook. And I think that’s been the problem. I don’t think there’s many variables that are gonna change, so give those guys a month to work things out. I…

— Steelers Depot 7⃣ (@Steelersdepot) August 25, 2026

Kaboly’s argument comes down to one thing: chemistry cannot be built by constantly preparing for every possible injury scenario. McCarthy appears to value versatility and contingency planning; however, Kaboly believes that the Steelers now need to prioritize the players most likely to protect Aaron Rodgers when the regular season opens.

That makes the final preseason game against the Buffalo Bills particularly important. McCarthy said he views the matchup as another opportunity for players to make roster decisions difficult; however, Kaboly wants the coaching staff to use those snaps differently, and by letting the likely starters work together.

The concern is understandable. Offensive lines rely heavily on communication, especially when passing off stunts, handling pressure and adjusting protections on the fly. Pittsburgh also lost valuable practice time during training camp because of weather disruptions, making live repetitions even more important.

McCarthy has to balance depth with readiness; however, Kaboly’s message is pretty clear: the Steelers cannot keep rehearsing backup plans while their starting five is still trying to figure itself out.