Secret To Steelers' Success In 2026 Has To Do With Getting "Nasty"

The Pittsburgh Steelers' offense was meant to take a step forward in 2025. Instead, it was rather inconsistent and stagnant. There were many weeks when the run game had trouble getting off the ground despite that being the team's bread and butter, and the passing game was mostly check-downs with go routes mixed in. Now, the hope is that new Head Coach Mike McCarthy can help the group reach its full potential, and that includes finally developing a starting-caliber quarterback for the first time in a very long time. 

Reporter Ray Fittipaldo gave his take on what the Steelers need to do to take a big step forward in the 2026, and it starts with probably the youngest positional group on the team.

"Overall, the line took some steps forward in 2025. They protected quarterback Aaron Rodgers extremely well, especially in the second half of the season," Fittipaldo wrote. "That’s important when your quarterback is 42 years old. They kept Rodgers upright, allowing him to start 17 of the 18 games the Steelers played. But the Steelers didn’t invest all those draft choices in the young linemen merely to pass protect. A stronger running game and a gritty physical style was and remains the ultimate goal. Maybe new offensive line coach James Campen and assistant Jahri Evans can help bring out the nasty in them. The Steelers have been searching for a better running game for years now to no avail."

If the Steelers can't run block effectively, it will be very hard for their offense to get going no matter who is at quarterback or who the head coach is. Even with a pass-heavy coach like McCarthy, Pittsburgh thrives on having a dominating run game that can wear out an opposing defense. There will be quality running backs to use, and a lot of high-end talent on the offensive line. They just need to put it all together. 

In 2025, the Steelers' offensive linemen received plenty of individual praise for how much they have grown and developed at the NFL level. However, there were still a bunch of issues as a collective unit, as they struggled to gel at certain points. They also received a lot of help from the jumbo personnel, as well as Aaron Rodgers getting the ball out as quickly as possible. 

Another hope that the team has is that offensive line coach James Campen can be a major boost to that unit and be a direct upgrade to Pat Meyer. If he can really bring out the nasty in the group, there is no telling how far these young studs can go in their development. They have the makings of an elite line, but they need the right man to show them how to reach those highs and truly be great. 

If Campen can't help them out in that regard, then 2026 will look too much like 2025. Jaylen Warren had such a high missed tackle rate, and Kenneth Gainwell was also in the Top 10 in that regard. Part of the reason they broke so many tackles was because they had to just to get any sort of positive yards. That can't be the case again. They should be able to get a couple yards before contact regularly.

Steelers May Go Back To The Draft To Find Answers

Between Broderick Jones' injury, Isaac Seumalo likely leaving for free agency, and the inexperience of Dylan Cook, the left side of the offensive line is very questionable at this point. Cook and Spencer Anderson could be solid starters, but the Steelers shouldn't put all of their eggs into that basket. Getting some depth and competition would not hurt, especially if things don't go according to plan.

What do you think about Campen needing to "bring out the nasty" in the offensive line? Let us know in the comments or on X at @Steelers_ChrisB.

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