Steelers Two-Time Super Bowl Winning QB Is Concerned About Mike McCarthy’s Practice Approach in 2026
The Pittsburgh Steelers are currently a week and a half into their offseason programs, and new head coach Mike McCarthy has already installed a complete mindset change in Pittsburgh. Many reporters and beat writers for the Steelers have noted that one of the biggest changes in McCarthy’s approach is the speed and intensity of his practices. Veteran linebacker T.J. Watt noted that there were no longer any benches at practice, stating that “change is good.” Having beaten the Steelers in Super Bowl XLV, McCarthy has established himself as a trustworthy, dependable coach who can build a good team. He’s had support since his signing in the Steel City, from former head coach Mike Tomlin to a number of former and current Steelers players. McCarthy’s reputation isn't in question, but legendary former Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger believes his practice regimen should be. In fairness, Roethlisberger has also been a supporter of McCarthy, dating all the way back to his first team press conference just three days after signing. ‘Big Ben’ stated, “There’s something about this that people aren't getting. They want this whole new shakeup. I think people are nuts. Give this guy a chance, he’s got a proven track record. He bled black and gold as a kid, to me, that trumps so much.”
For someone who played for the black and gold for his entire 18-year career, he’d know when someone feels right for Pittsburgh. That said, Roethlisberger has commented on McCarthy’s rigorous practices, calling them a double-edged sword. The 2004 Offensive Rookie of the Year said, “The new coaching staff has these guys like, they’re moving, grooving, and running. There’s no slowing down, there’s no sitting down. From what I’ve heard, it’s kind of eye-opening; it’s a change.” This change has been welcomed by practically every member of the Steelers. Defensive players like Watt and Nick Herbig have commented on the expansion of the defensive scheme and the requirements to understand the entire defensive line and pass rush, rather than just their specific position. Young quarterbacks Will Howard and Drew Allar have expressed the benefits of McCarthy working with them individually and molding them separately. Tight end Pat Freiermuth has commented on the team culture that the Super Bowl-winning head coach is bringing with him and the impact it’s had.
In prior years, McCarthy has been known to struggle once reaching the playoffs, but this typically isn't due to any fading or faltering in ability or level of play. One of Roethlisberger’s big concerns is about longevity, as he mentions, “From what I’m hearing on this staff, it’s like go, go, go, okay, what’s gonna happen on the backend of this? Are guys gonna be worn out by the time week whatever comes, because they’re going so much in camp?” The 18-year veteran quarterback is not the only person who has concerns over McCarthy’s practice and intensity. Mark Kaboly noted that “you can’t really do that throughout the whole season.” While these are simply offseason workouts and it is impossible to predict whether McCarthy’s minicamp will be as intense, they do raise concerns about the longevity of these players come playoff time. The Steelers are playing the long game right now, and the fans alike will have to wait and see if this intensity pays off.
