Mike McCarthy is proud of the Pittsburgh Steelers' winning momentum, but the head coach maintained a realistic stance on the team's ceiling midway through the 2026 NFL season.
McCarthy is going through his first year as the Steelers' head coach, helping the franchise start a new era following Mike Tomlin's retirement. It has been a promising start as Pittsburgh is firmly in the playoff race of the AFC bracket.
McCarthy spoke with media on Monday as Pittsburgh rested on a bye throughout Week 9. Preparing for Week 10, the head coach is happy to see the team boasting a winning record after eight games. However, the job is not complete as he was blunt on the team achieving success this season.
“I'm also practical and realistic. You don't win anything after 8 games,” McCarthy said, per reporter Chris Adamski.
What lies ahead Mike McCarthy, Steelers
Mike McCarthy has the Steelers in playoff contention. However, with Aaron Rodgers playing his last year in the NFL, the head coach looks to lead the team to a deep playoff run to send the Hall of Fame quarterback off into the sunset.
Pittsburgh has a 6-2 record this season, controlling the top spot in the AFC North Division standings. They are above the Cincinnati Bengals, the Cleveland Browns and the Baltimore Ravens at the moment. In terms of the conference standings, they are fourth place. They lead over the Kansas City Chiefs and the Bengals while being under the Jacksonville Jaguars and the Denver Broncos.
Rodgers has completed 175 passes for 1,871 yards and 13 touchdowns and six interceptions so far after eight games. Jaylen Warren leads the run game with 119 carries for 704 yards and two touchdowns while catching 25 passes for 294 yards and a touchdown. DK Metcalf tops receivers with 33 catches for 378 yards and a touchdown, while Darnell Washington and Pat Freiermuth has seven touchdowns combined.
The Steelers will begin preparations for their next matchup, being on the road. They take on the Bengals in Week 10 as kickoff commences on Nov. 15 at 8:20 p.m. ET.