The Pittsburgh Steelers begin the 2026 season in a familiar place. Playoff contenders with a roster filled with veterans ready to win now. New head coach Mike McCarthy is the biggest change, but the team added offensive firepower in Michael Pittman Jr and Rico Dowdle. Aaron Rodgers is set for one last run at a Lombardi, but what is something that needs to change for the Steelers?
Defensively, the Steelers are loaded. Despite the Joey Porter Jr negotiations, the defense boasts impressive names, and opposing offenses know this. Offenses know the ball has to come out quickly, and the Steelers face the second-fastest time to throw against and the third-lowest average depth of target against while having the fifth-fastest time to pressure.
Teams are going to continue to throw the ball quickly, which would necessitate good tackling on the outside from the defensive backs. Putting teams in third-and-long situations will let those pass rushers have some fun. The change needs to be on early downs for the Steelers.
For now, here is Thursday’s Three Rivers Report.
Steelers coverage from Behind The Steel Curtain
Aaron Rodgers criticizes his NFL media friends: Oh, Aaron
Cam Hayward isn’t a fan of the franchise tag: I bet he’s not alone
Joey Porter Jr is the only name on the injury report: Well, that’s curious
Steelers discussion: Are you smarter than Jarrett Bailey and Todd Haley?
Pick games against me and Todd Haley
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Pittsburgh Steelers news and notes
Aaron Rodgers speaks about challenges with Mike McCarthy: The duo has been together a while
Shocking update on JPJ: Oh, brother
News from around the NFL
The Rams plan to Australia doesn’t make sense: Tonight is the night
What four teams are overrated: Have to get the last predictions in
AJ Brown injured in Patriots debut: That’s a bummer
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