How can you not like this coaching staff.......?

[i_just_dont_care]

Perhaps. Bengals Oline is suspect and action Jackson likes him some run around which opens him up for injury. He also isn’t a pure pocket passer like Joe so even if he stays healthy those wheels might have come off enough not to see favorable outcomes.

Both teams come with a lot of questions.

If my memory serves me, they’ve gotten pretty lucky with those two. I agree with your statements regarding Jackson’s play style and the integrity of the Bengals’ offensive line. The point that I was hinting at needs clarified. Relying on favorable matchups because of injuries is not a viable strategy.

 

[Drink IRON City]

If my memory serves me, they’ve gotten pretty lucky with those two. I agree with your statements regarding Jackson’s play style and the integrity of the Bengals’ offensive line. The point that I was hinting at needs clarified. Relying on favorable matchups because of injuries is not a viable strategy.

Unless you are talking about the fans, I’m pretty sure the Steelers are not counting on opponent’s injuries.

Those two QBs being healthy will definitely make the respective teams better, but those respective QBs can’t single handedly overcome every game played.

Aaa-Ron’s play would not increase to anything much better had we remained in last year’s scheme or staff.

I think Aaa-Ron’s age/short comings, will be offset to some degree with the new system / coaching staff.

ADD in the betterment of players we have signed, we should give very fair competition throughout the season.




Salute the nation

 

[Fiji Mariner]

Remember when Gunner tiptoed to make a catch of a kick inbounds , when touching it out of bounds would have gotten us it on the 40?

Lol good times...

Damn just when I had almost blocked Gunner’s absolutely embarrassing tarnishing of the Steelers
you had to peel the scab

Brings back all his bad memories just hearing his name.

Tombert were in rare form bringing in that sort of suck

 

[slashsteel]

Damn just when I had almost blocked Gunner’s absolutely embarrassing tarnishing of the Steelers
you had to peel the scab

Brings back all his bad memories just hearing his name.

Tombert were in rare form bringing in that sort of suck

Just reminded me of the Plax spike..

 

[Aussie_Steeler]

Let’s see how it all plays out. That schedule doesn’t look favorable to me and the Yinzers can’t keep relying on inter-division quarterback injuries. Eventually Burrow and Jackson are both going to be healthy for an entire season.

Baltimore and Cinci still need teams around Jackson (they only went 6-7 with Jackson in 2025) and Burrow. There's a reason Burrow and Jackson rarely make it through 17 games. Cinci haven't done much to improve the defence and Oline, and Baltimore lost their best Olineman (albeit they did draft the most highly rated guard), and have probably made only marginal improvement to their D. I would consider Cleveland to be a bit of a dark horse. They already have a very good defence and they had a good offensive draft. If Todd Moncken can find a way to rejuvenate DeShaun Watson (or get something out of one of the ragtag band of drafted quarterbacks), they could be a lot better than in 2025.

I'm also not sure how you can say that schedule doesn't look favourable. AFC North, AFC South and NFC South - it doesn't get much more favourable than that. Even with roster updates, I don't see NFC South moving much out of the cellar. And AFC South, I think Indy and Jacksonville actually outperformed in 2025 and will return to the mean. As for AFC North, like I said, I think Baltimore's and Cincinatti's 2025 deficiencies haven't been fully addressed, only moderated. The real barrier to Steelers success is whether the new coaching staff will bring the schemes, player development and the changed mindset, and the personnel updates bring the skills, for the Steelers to overcome their own deficiencies.

 

[i_just_dont_care]

I'm also not sure how you can say that schedule doesn't look favourable. AFC North, AFC South and NFC South - it doesn't get much more favourable than that.

Well, they could start 2-1 or 0-3. After the bye, week ten onwards, i see one game that has a high probability of being a win. Four more are coin flips and the rest are more likely to be losses. If it’s a coin flip, it’s more than likely 2-2. Again, I’m a realist. I don’t see how the divisions make a bit of a difference regarding wins or losses, unless, you know something that I don’t? From my perspective, it’s on a case by case basis regarding the team and the week.

 

[Drink IRON City]

Baltimore and Cinci still need teams around Jackson (they only went 6-7 with Jackson in 2025) and Burrow. There's a reason Burrow and Jackson rarely make it through 17 games. Cinci haven't done much to improve the defence and Oline, and Baltimore lost their best Olineman (albeit they did draft the most highly rated guard), and have probably made only marginal improvement to their D. I would consider Cleveland to be a bit of a dark horse. They already have a very good defence and they had a good offensive draft. If Todd Moncken can find a way to rejuvenate DeShaun Watson (or get something out of one of the ragtag band of drafted quarterbacks), they could be a lot better than in 2025.

I'm also not sure how you can say that schedule doesn't look favourable. AFC North, AFC South and NFC South - it doesn't get much more favourable than that. Even with roster updates, I don't see NFC South moving much out of the cellar. And AFC South, I think Indy and Jacksonville actually outperformed in 2025 and will return to the mean. As for AFC North, like I said, I think Baltimore's and Cincinatti's 2025 deficiencies haven't been fully addressed, only moderated. The real barrier to Steelers success is whether the new coaching staff will bring the schemes, player development and the changed mindset, and the personnel updates bring the skills, for the Steelers to overcome their own deficiencies.

Excellent post Aussie_Steeler, thank you.

That winning culture is a hard to figure thing as well. It simply can’t be turned on or off at a whim, and takes seasoning to develop. Quite simply put, it’s hard to sustain winning without it.

I think we have a good mix of vet / rook to somewhat off set some of the culture, but also remember that those vets have been exposed to mediocre for quite sometime as well. Cameron Heyward is not the leader intended, nor is TJ, maybe the new coaching will be able to instigate the needed culture by example of work & results.

We are in need of leaders, Aaa-Ron can be to a degree but the players know he is gone after this season. Perhaps our next QB will learn that art of leadership on the field as he is mentored this season.




Salute the nation

 

[Shane Falco]

It's been interesting to hear about the structure for OTAs (though I think there was hustle between drills at training camp).

A few things I'll be looking for:
-Physical nature of training camp - we knew it was tough under Tomlin, will it be the same? How will the team look playing hot September football? Practices will be earlier in the day under McCarthy.
-Specific drills - Bill Cowher had the goal line drill, it set the tone for being a physical football team. Tomlin did 7 shots, which was basically all passing. The writers LOVE the backs-on-backers drill and kept score...I thought it was a bit overrated. What will McCarthy's "famous" drills look like?
-Tomlin kept a watch on drills, but didn't get involved in too much coaching. That's fine, it's why you have position coaches. Is McCarthy going to be hands on?
-Soft tissue injuries. There was a training staff change recently and I don't think it went well under Tomlin. Will the Steelers have a better training staff this season?
-The competitive nature - A lot of years, it seemed like good competition between the offense and defense. It made sense, defensive players have that chip on their shoulder. What kind of edge will the defense have with an offensive-minded coach? Actually, will they regain the edge where they play to their talent level?

This too. Now I don’t expect McCarthy to be the next Gunnery Sgt Hartman and I don’t fully expect them to be Super Bowl bound. Though, the latter would be awesome. To me it is a breath of fresh air to hear McCarthy not slacking off and being as relaxed as HCMT sounds like he was. I appreciate the structured hustle approach. It sets the mindset and tone of the team and keep them focused

 

[i_just_dont_care]

This too. Now I don’t expect McCarthy to be the next Gunnery Sgt Hartman and I don’t fully expect them to be Super Bowl bound. Though, the latter would be awesome. To me it is a breath of fresh air to hear McCarthy not slacking off and being as relaxed as HCMT sounds like he was. I appreciate the structured hustle approach. It sets the mindset and tone of the team and keep them focused

Basically, the staff has a two year grace period. The first season is for initiation, install and evaluation of existing operations. The second season could (should) be evaluated by the front office and ownership. That being said, the Rooney family has not been one to **** can any fully guaranteed contract. They should be here for the long haul or duration of their deals. So, best to hope, pray that it’s good.

 

[stillwright]

Unless you are talking about the fans, I’m pretty sure the Steelers are not counting on opponent’s injuries.

Those two QBs being healthy will definitely make the respective teams better, but those respective QBs can’t single handedly overcome every game played.

Aaa-Ron’s play would not increase to anything much better had we remained in last year’s scheme or staff.

I think Aaa-Ron’s age/short comings, will be offset to some degree with the new system / coaching staff.

ADD in the betterment of players we have signed, we should give very fair competition throughout the season.




Salute the nation

I hear you loud and clear. ... SB BOUND!!!!!! Anything less is not acceptable!!!!

With A A ron and Magic Mike.....maybe.....just maybe......

 

[insaniti]

Let’s see how it all plays out. That schedule doesn’t look favorable to me and the Yinzers can’t keep relying on inter-division quarterback injuries. Eventually Burrow and Jackson are both going to be healthy for an entire season.

Based on what? History says you're wrong

 

[Fiji Mariner]

Based on what? History says you're wrong

Eventually Dri Archer is gonna take one to the house

 

[i_just_dont_care]

Based on what? History says you're wrong

The fact that it has not happened since 2024 and even then, Burrow didn’t play a full game in one of those meetings. Before that, I have no idea when the last occurrence was, maybe ‘21 or ‘22? You can only dodge so many bullets due to injury and attrition. Anomalies happen and eventually, it doesn’t work out in your favor or fall your way.

Eventually Dri Archer is gonna take one to the house

I’m not certain what that individual has to do with this and yes, that would’ve been an anomaly. On another note, I had nothing to do with that particular character. Also, I don’t particularly like the direction of this discussion. If it’s accusatory, you can’t try to shove that one down my throat. Moving Ryan Watts to safety with a late pick, ok. I’ll take the blame there. How about Jesse James in the fifth, ever been to Port Vue, Liberty, hung around Portsmouth? I think he was a pretty good value proposition. Two, since we’re on the subject of shoving, enjoying Jalen Hurts and the brotherly shove? It could’ve been a here thing, not a there thing. In fact, it was a here thing. You all are probably not old enough or knowledgeable enough to understand how that’s the case, but, that’s fine. Sorry, I really hate to use a Tomlin-ism, but, “bringing receipts” is sometimes an unpleasant necessity.

 

[Confluence]

Dri Archer always finds the soft spot.

 

[i_just_dont_care]

Whatever the hell that means, seems like a Tomlin special to me. Back to the subject at hand, Graham seems to have a nice demeanor. If McCarthy can help Arth and remedy the quarterback situation, lovely. Campen and Evans may have their work cut out for them. I guess we’ll see how it all shakes out.

 

[Fiji Mariner]

Indeed back to the subject at hand…DrI Archer

Dri Archer is the measuring stick for everything around here

Unless we’re talking helmet size, then Troy sets the standard…obviously

 

[slashsteel]

Indeed back to the subject at hand…DrI Archer

Dri Archer is the measuring stick for everything around here

Unless we’re talking helmet size, then Troy sets the standard…obviously

How fast was his 40
Did he have small hands
Was he a shorty?

In the draft how far
could he fall?
After the trade deadline
Could yinz
make that call

Would your vehicle
be one of luxury
Parked outside
Of the local pub

Well could you be
A better GM
bub?

Is that Mike T dartboard
still hanging in the basement?
Dusting it daily, not allowing
It to collect lent

 

[i_just_dont_care]

Dri Archer is the measuring stick for everything around here

Unless we’re talking helmet size, then Troy sets the standard…obviously

Fascinating… did he take up surveying or something as a second career? Snack may want to have a word on that.

 

[Shane Falco]

Indeed back to the subject at hand…DrI Archer

Dri Archer is the measuring stick for everything around here

Unless we’re talking helmet size, then Troy sets the standard…obviously

Poor Dri. He was never used properly

 

[Drink IRON City]

Eventually Dri Archer is gonna take one to the house

Did they pavement the field ???

If Dri has to run on grass, he will never make it………….. to many potential tacklers

Those blades of grass are killers when it comes to Dri………………………



Salute the nation

 

[Fiji Mariner]

Did they pavement the field ???

If Dri has to run on grass, he will never make it………….. to many potential tacklers

Those blades of grass are killers when it comes to Dri………………………



Salute the nation

Are all those “potential tacklers” why Mendenhall was always spinning, trying to evade them?

We just didn’t see the little guys lurking like he did

Also explains why Diontae always made his first move backwards, running from all those potential tacklers in front of him

 

[insaniti]

The fact that it has not happened since 2024 and even then, Burrow didn’t play a full game in one of those meetings. Before that, I have no idea when the last occurrence was, maybe ‘21 or ‘22? You can only dodge so many bullets due to injury and attrition. Anomalies happen and eventually, it doesn’t work out in your favor or fall your way.

You're missing some vital information here... Burrow can't stay healthy, and the Bengals refuse to improve the porous OL in front of him. That 2024 season that he was actually able to play the entire season, we split with them. The only reason we split, Tomlin went completely away from what was working in the second meeting. Burrow can put up all the stats in the world, until Cinci fixes that OL and Defense, they are not a threat. As for Jackson, his record against the Steelers speaks for itself, 3-7.

You seem to think we are beating the Bengals and Ravens because Burrow and Jackson are always injured when we play them, and that's simply not the case. Healthy or not, neither of those teams scare me. And that was even with the OLD coaching staff.