The Steelers Have the Pieces to Contend in the AFC

· Yahoo Sports

The Pittsburgh Steelers have undergone a lot of change during the 2026 offseason. While the team has not answered the question of who their franchise quarterback is, they are focused on gearing up for a deep run next year.This will not be easy. The AFC is a bloodbath of a conference, with teams trading body blows with each other. Winning the AFC North is never an easy feat either, with Pittsburgh needing to face Lamar Jackson and Joe Burrow twice every season.The Steelers, though, sneakily look better than they did going into last year. An improved roster and a complete shift in the coaching staff will make the new-look Steelers a potential threat in the AFC next year.For that to happen, three things must fall into place: dominance on both sides of the line of scrimmage, a vastly more successful offensive scheme, and positive production from a quarterback familiar with the new system. If all three things click, Pittsburgh will be lethal.

Steelers Can Dominate Both Lines of Scrimmage

The consistently successful NFL franchises develop the trenches. The Eagles built a perennial contender thanks to a stout offensive line and powerful defensive front. More recently, the Seahawks’ protection kept Sam Darnold clean, while the front seven rattled opposing quarterbacks en route to a Super Bowl victory.The Steelers have all the pieces for a strong front on both ends. The defensive line is already high caliber with players like Cameron Heyward, T.J. Watt and Derrick Harmon. With young phenoms like Zach Frazier, Mason McCormick and Troy Fautanu, the future is now for the Steelers’ offensive line.

An All-Pro defensive line and a rising star offensive line are the perfect blend for a contending team. While a pass-heavy approach will test the young linemen, all signs point to them being up for the challenge. Everything about this team will build off of the lines’ success next year.

Mike McCarthy Brings a Proven Offensive Track Record

Mike McCarthy is the best offensive mind the Steelers have had in a while. His offenses in Green Bay and Dallas always produced, ranking top ten in yards 11 times and top ten in scoring 12 times. For reference, the last time Pittsburgh’s offense was top ten in yards was 2018 (6th).McCarthy will bring aggressiveness to an offense often criticized for being too conservative and predictable in its playcalling. The new air-heavy scheme will have plenty of exciting weapons, including D.K. Metcalf and Michael Pittman Jr.

After multiple years of middling-at-best offenses, McCarthy’s presence is a breath of fresh air for Pittsburgh. With McCarthy also seen as a quarterback developer, hope for a future franchise passer arriving soon is also alive.

Aaron Rodgers Reunites With McCarthy for One Last Run

Who better to pilot Mike McCarthy’s offense than the 42-year-old future Hall of Famer Aaron Rodgers? Rodgers’ last ride will hopefully end on a better note than his brutal playoff loss against the Texans. However, he still has some juice left in the tank and had his best years under McCarthy’s scheme.

 

According to Grant Gordon with NFL.com, Rodgers said it was “stuff we used to run (in Green Bay),” later on emphasizing the “quarterback’s timing” as a key aspect of the offense. Rodgers will practically be an on-field coach for every other player while executing the game plan like McCarthy wants to.There is no guarantee that the Steelers improve upon their 10-7 record and repeat as division champions. The Ravens and Bengals are always lurking threats within the division. Meanwhile, the top dogs of the AFC have their franchise passers, while Rodgers is in the twilight of his career.Regardless, the Steelers have proven time and time again to always make the dance or be left right at the door. With strong trenches, an improved offensive scheme and the right quarterback to run it, there is no denying the Steelers can thrive in the AFC and give the juggernauts a run for their money.

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