Kevin Clark Believes Steelers will Trend Backwards Entering Mike McCarthy Era

The Pittsburgh Steelers'2026 outlook has become one of the most polarizing topics in both the national and local media. Some believe the Steelers will return to the playoffs and even take a step forward. Others expect more of the same. Still, some believe the franchise is headed in the wrong direction. ESPN's Kevin Clark falls into that last group. Clark joined First Take and didn't hold back when the conversation turned to the Steelers' 2026 outlook. He believes the Steelers are in trouble. Not just because of their quarterback situation, but also because of the coaching transition.

“I'm concerned about the Pittsburgh Steelers. First of all, you look at some of these numbers last year for Aaron Rodgers, who is one of the most talented guys who's ever played the position. Still has a lot of good qualities, but he threw the ball quicker and shorter than basically anybody on record in the history of football last year. I don't think that was an Arthur Smith stat. I don't think that was a receiver stat, even though he has better receivers this year. I think it was an age stat." Clark Said.

Should the Steelers be worried about Rodgers?

Relying on a 42-year-old quarterback always carries significant risk. The steep decline that eventually catches up to aging athletes can happen at any time. Rodgers no longer moves the way he once did. However, he showed last season that he can still throw the ball effectively. Clark doesn't attribute the limited passing game to former offensive coordinator Arthur Smith. However, the evidence strongly suggests that Smith's run-heavy offense consistently limits the passing attack.

Smith's offense depends on the running game to create opportunities through the air. In 2024, the Steelers used play-action on a hefty 27.6% of their pass attempts under Smith. They maintained that approach in 2025, using play-action on 23.6% of their pass plays. While that philosophy creates opportunities off the run game, it also forces quarterbacks to get the ball out quickly once they turn around.

It's also worth noting that Smith's offense tends to attack either deep down the field or underneath, with relatively little in between. That approach worked in Tennessee because the Titans had elite skill-position talent. The Steelers, particularly at wide receiver, didn't have that same caliber of playmakers. By Clark's own argument, last year's offensive struggles weren't solely on Rodgers. The play-calling played a significant role as well.

Steelers entering an era of change concerns Clark

The biggest concern for many observers is the uncertainty surrounding the new coaching staff. Under former head coach Mike Tomlin, the Steelers consistently fielded a strong defense and never endured a losing season. Clark believes that defense slipped last year and questions whether moving on from Tomlin will improve that side of the ball.

"You add in the fact that Mike Tomlin is leaving, and Mike McCarthy is not anywhere close to Mike Tomlin as a coach in my book," Clark said. "You also add in the fact that the strength of the franchise has been defense for a long time, and that seemed to be trending in the wrong direction last year."

Clark's argument carries some merit. One interesting parallel between McCarthy and Tomlin is that neither coach has returned to the Super Bowl since facing each other in Super Bowl XLV. Both have struggled to find postseason success despite coaching future Hall of Fame quarterbacks. McCarthy built his reputation on offense, and the Steelers clearly prioritized improving that side of the ball when they hired him. He also brought in Patrick Graham to coordinate the defense, giving the team an intriguing new approach on that side of the ball.

Change inevitably brings uncertainty, which makes Clark's second concern understandable. The Steelers have long prided themselves on stability rather than constant turnover. The 2026 season will serve as a major test for the franchise's future.