Mike McCarthy thinks less is more to get the Pittsburgh Steelers’ offense going. Speaking to reporters postgame, McCarthy didn’t commit to making personnel changes but vowed to reduce the “volume” the offense is carrying.
“It’s two weeks,” McCarthy told reporters when asked about personnel changes via the team’s YouTube channel after a 20-3 loss to the New England Patriots. “If you’re making the same mistakes, whether you’re young or a veteran, that’s what we have to address.
“We gotta look at the volume too. Marty Schottenheimer, that was his thing is, and it was a great lesson for a young coach to learn. Here I am, some old bastard that didn’t do it this week. If it’s not clean, you cut the volume down. And we’re not clean on offense, so the volume’s getting cut down.”
“Volume” meaning the number of plays in the game plan. McCarthy reuniting with QB Aaron Rodgers brought plenty of on-paper benefits and Rodgers has the experience and intelligence to handle a vast array of plays. Everyone else on the offense isn’t operating on that level, especially for a unit with plenty of youth along the offensive line and at receiver.
After the Steelers dropped to 1-1, McCarthy noted that he was unhappy with how they practiced during the week. An early indication Sunday’s performance was at risk of going off the rails.
While McCarthy’s “volume” comment may hold some truth, fans are already eager for Pittsburgh to shake up the depth chart. Offensive line changes could be first on the docket. Right guard Spencer Anderson and right tackle Dylan Cook entered the season with fragile holds on their starting spots. Veteran Brock Hoffman could replace Anderson while rookie first-rounder Max Iheanachor could get the nod for Cook.
In some fairness to McCarthy, proclaiming personnel changes immediately after the game is not expected. Even when Mike Tomlin teased it, noticeable changes didn’t always materialize.
No matter the reason, Pittsburgh must get its offense sorted out before facing a potent Cincinnati Bengals offense next Sunday. McCarthy was hired in large part due to his offensive background. Through two games of his tenure, that side of the ball has produced just one touchdown with many of the same woes that look as bad if not worse than recent seasons.