Mike McCarthy's Displeasure Over Steelers' Hiccups Could Shape Preseason Approach

The first game-preparation week has arrived for the Pittsburgh Steelers under head coach Mike McCarthy. Although Thursday's preseason game against the Green Bay Packers is merely an exhibition, it gives the Steelers an important opportunity to evaluate their roster in a live-game environment. Live snaps can provide a more in-depth evaluation than training camp repetitions alone, even if preseason football often lacks the intensity and complexity of the regular season. For McCarthy, however, the preseason opener could provide an especially valuable opportunity to address a concern that has surfaced during camp.

While speaking to the media this week, McCarthy voiced his displeasure with the number of missed assignments and hiccups he has seen from his team. Nick Farabaugh of PennLive reported that McCarthy believes the issue has occurred more frequently than he would typically expect.

“Mike McCarthy says he 'doesn't like where we are' given the amount of missed assignments the team has had together. McCarthy admits the amount of missed assignments the team has already had in training camp is a 'little higher than normal.'” Farabaugh reported on X.

Steelers offense can't afford to get off to slow start in 2026

The Steelers hired McCarthy in part because they expect his offensive expertise and attention to detail to help the team take a step forward. That makes execution one of the most important areas to monitor during the preseason.

Pittsburgh cannot afford to spend the opening weeks of the regular season still trying to figure out basic schematics, details, and fundamentals. The Steelers are already in a season filled with change, and another slow offensive start could increase pressure on McCarthy and his staff. The preseason provides an opportunity to address those problems before the games count.

If players continue these hiccups, McCarthy will have to determine whether the issue comes from a shortcoming in coaching, communication problems, or simply the growing pains associated with installing a new offense.

Should preseason snaps be extended for starting units?

The Steelers could give their starters extended opportunities against Green Bay to see whether the missed assignments carry over into a game setting. Additional snaps would give the coaching staff more to work with and allow players to work through communication issues against an opponent rather than simply trying to correct them in practice. There is also a strong argument for keeping the starters on a normal preseason schedule.

Practice repetitions are where players can repeatedly work through assignments without the same injury risk that comes with game action. The Steelers also have an entire training camp to correct mistakes before the regular season begins. McCarthy's approach will ultimately reveal how concerned he is about the missed assignments. If the Steelers' starters receive more work than expected this preseason, it could signal that the coaching staff wants to accelerate the process of fixing those issues.

For now, McCarthy has made his expectations clear: the Steelers need to execute. Thursday provides the first real opportunity to see whether they are beginning to meet that standard.