The Noll Road

by The Noll Road

NOT Normal: Mccarthy Attempting To Reset Steelers Culture 4 Games In

Something is NOT normal in Pittsburgh. Just four games into the Mike McCarthy era, the Steelers are already taking time away from normal preparation to “clean their own house” — and McCarthy is openly talking about accountability, discipline and an exchange with Aaron Rodgers that he admits was “not normal.” So what exactly is going on inside the Steelers building? On this episode of The Noll Road, Gavin Dawson and Newbear Lesniewski dig into the drama surrounding McCarthy, Rodgers, T.J. Watt and Patrick Graham — and why Pittsburgh already appears to be attempting a culture reset just one month into the season. But first, there’s a football game to win. The Steelers are favored at home against the Indianapolis Colts, and we explain why that matchup might be much more dangerous than the point spread suggests. We break down: • Why the Steelers’ depleted secondary could make struggling QB Daniel Jones look much better than he has this season. • The loss of Derrick Harmon and what it could mean against Jonathan Taylor and the Colts running game. • Pittsburgh’s massive third-down problem — including Aaron Rodgers’ struggles against man coverage. • Why Indianapolis’ defensive tendencies could attack some of Pittsburgh’s biggest offensive weaknesses. • The Steelers’ explosive-play problem on defense and whether it can possibly improve with Jamel Dean still sidelined. • The addition of veteran CB Sean Murphy-Bunting and what Pittsburgh can realistically expect from him. • Why Pittsburgh needs to attack early and avoid letting this become another ugly, close game. Then we get into the bigger story: Mike McCarthy trying to regain control of his football team. Four games into a new era, Pittsburgh already has McCarthy and Rodgers exchanging words, T.J. Watt publicly challenging the defense, injuries piling up and the head coach talking about getting the Steelers’ own house in order. Is this just an early-season bump that McCarthy can fix — or are we already seeing warning signs of something much bigger? Drop your prediction for Steelers vs. Colts in the comments. Subscribe to The Noll Road for Steelers analysis, film study, game previews and reaction throughout the season. #Steelers #PittsburghSteelers #MikeMcCarthy #AaronRodgers #NFL #HereWeGo

Cody Alexander: What the Joey Porter Jr. Trade REALLY Means for Pittsburgh

The Steelers have traded Joey Porter Jr. to the Dallas Cowboys — and now comes the much bigger question for Pittsburgh: Why were the Steelers willing to move on, what are they losing, and what does this tell us about the defense Patrick Graham is building? Cody Alexander of MatchQuarters.com joins Gavin Dawson and Newbear Lesniewski on The Noll Road for a film and scheme breakdown of the blockbuster trade. We dig into what Porter really was as a Steelers corner, where he excelled, where the problems showed up on tape, why Pittsburgh may have been comfortable making this move, and how the Steelers replace his role going forward. We’ll also examine what Dallas may do differently with Porter and whether his fit with Christian Parker can tell us anything about why things reached this point in Pittsburgh. This isn’t just about who won a trade. It’s about what the Steelers are trying to build without Joey Porter Jr. — and whether their plan makes sense. Subscribe to The Noll Road for Steelers football, film, scheme, personnel and the conversations that go beyond the box score. Cody Alexander: MatchQuarters.com

Steelers Win! Now Go Make This Joey Porter Jr. Trade

The Steelers are 2-1 — and suddenly this offense looks alive. After two weeks of wondering whether Pittsburgh might have one of the NFL's worst offenses, the Steelers put up 411 yards and 30 points against Cincinnati. Aaron Rodgers delivered one of his best games as a Steeler, Jaylen Warren exploded for a career-high 176 yards from scrimmage, the tight ends finally became a factor, and changes along the offensive line helped give Rodgers the clean pocket this offense desperately needed. So what changed — and is any of it sustainable? Gavin Dawson and Newbear Lesniewski break down everything that went right in the 30-27 win over Cincinnati, including Warren forcing 10 missed tackles on 20 touches, Pittsburgh's massive improvement on third down, the explosive plays that finally appeared and the offensive adjustments that may have unlocked something for Mike McCarthy and Aaron Rodgers. But there's also a Joey Porter Jr. problem. Watching Ja'Marr Chase and Tee Higgins combine for 188 yards made it pretty obvious how much Pittsburgh could use JPJ. At the same time, if the Steelers are actually willing to listen to trade offers, Gavin has a Cowboys-Steelers proposal that could immediately address another Pittsburgh weakness. Would you trade Joey Porter Jr. for a starting-caliber guard like T.J. Bass plus draft compensation? Gavin covers the Cowboys every day on 105.3 The Fan in Dallas-Fort Worth and explains why Bass could be available, why Pittsburgh should be interested, what Dallas might be willing to pay and how a deal could give the Steelers a bridge at guard while Mason McCormick and Will Dunkle continue to develop. Plus: Derrick Harmon delivers the defensive play of the game, Esezi Otomewo and the revamped offensive line get their flowers, and we look ahead to Thursday night in Cleveland with first place in the AFC North on the line. Steelers Nation: Does this win change what you think this team can be? And what would it take for YOU to trade Joey Porter Jr.? Subscribe to The Noll Road for Steelers football with Gavin Dawson and Newbear Lesniewski.

TJ Watt Back To DPOY Quality Thanks To This

The Steelers are 1-1, and now it’s time to turn the page toward the first AFC North game of the season. On this episode of The Noll Road, Gavin Dawson and Newbear Lesniewski start the Opening Script for Steelers-Bengals at Acrisure Stadium and work through everything that matters as Pittsburgh heads into Week 3. Can the Steelers defense be good enough to control this game, or does the offense finally need to get into the mid-20s? Cincinnati has rebuilt both sides of the ball, including a defensive front that could present another major challenge for an offensive line still trying to find answers. We’ll get into the Steelers’ offensive problems, the 5-for-25 start on third down, Aaron Rodgers, the lack of motion and creativity, whether the tight ends need a bigger role, and why young linemen Gennings Dunker and Max Iheanachor could provide some hope for the running game. Plus, all the latest injury updates — including Joey Porter Jr.’s status and why his potential return could be especially important against Ja’Marr Chase. And before we’re done, we’ll zoom out for a bigger Steelers conversation: How does Pittsburgh modernize its offense? We look at what the Cowboys eventually learned after falling behind the NFL’s schematic evolution, why Mike McCarthy’s approach is under the microscope, and whether people already inside the Steelers building could help shape what comes next. It’s our first look at Steelers-Bengals and everything you need to know as Week 3 begins. Subscribe to The Noll Road for Steelers discussion, analysis and perspective throughout the season.

Steelers-Bengals Week Begins: What Has to Change?

The Steelers are 1-1, and now it’s time to turn the page toward the first AFC North game of the season. On this episode of The Noll Road, Gavin Dawson and Newbear Lesniewski start the Opening Script for Steelers-Bengals at Acrisure Stadium and work through everything that matters as Pittsburgh heads into Week 3. Can the Steelers defense be good enough to control this game, or does the offense finally need to get into the mid-20s? Cincinnati has rebuilt both sides of the ball, including a defensive front that could present another major challenge for an offensive line still trying to find answers. We’ll get into the Steelers’ offensive problems, the 5-for-25 start on third down, Aaron Rodgers, the lack of motion and creativity, whether the tight ends need a bigger role, and why young linemen Gennings Dunker and Max Iheanachor could provide some hope for the running game. Plus, all the latest injury updates — including Joey Porter Jr.’s status and why his potential return could be especially important against Ja’Marr Chase. And before we’re done, we’ll zoom out for a bigger Steelers conversation: How does Pittsburgh modernize its offense? We look at what the Cowboys eventually learned after falling behind the NFL’s schematic evolution, why Mike McCarthy’s approach is under the microscope, and whether people already inside the Steelers building could help shape what comes next. It’s our first look at Steelers-Bengals and everything you need to know as Week 3 begins. Subscribe to The Noll Road for Steelers discussion, analysis and perspective throughout the season.

Steelers Have a Playoff Defense… And an Offense That Could Waste It

The Steelers walked out of Foxborough with a Week 2 disaster — but somehow, the defense might be even better than we thought. Patrick Graham’s defense piled up 7 sacks and 3 interceptions while allowing just 13 offensive points. The problem? Pittsburgh’s offense produced only three points, Aaron Rodgers was pressured on 62% of his dropbacks, and the offensive line looked completely overwhelmed. So who deserves the blame for where the Steelers find themselves? Gavin Dawson and Newbear break down the five biggest questions facing Pittsburgh after Week 2: Can this defense actually drag the Steelers into the playoffs? Can young offensive linemen Max Iheanachor and Troy Fautanu help rescue the offense? What should Steelers fans make of DK Metcalf? How much falls on Mike McCarthy, Omar Khan and the front office? And most importantly — are the Steelers in danger of wasting an aging defense that looks ready to win right now? Jump into the comments and tell us who YOU blame for the Steelers’ offensive mess. Subscribe to The Noll Road for Steelers talk throughout the season.

Steelers-Patriots: 5 Matchups Pittsburgh MUST Win

Steelers-Patriots is here, and Pittsburgh has a chance to move to 2-0 before a huge Week 3 matchup with Cincinnati. On this Sunday edition of The Noll Road, Gavin Dawson and Newbear Lesniewski break down the matchups that could decide the game in Foxborough. Can T.J. Watt, Alex Highsmith and Nick Herbig create problems for Will Campbell and the Patriots' offensive line? Can Patrick Graham frustrate Drake Maye with the same kind of zone looks that gave him problems in Week 1? And can Pittsburgh contain New England's running game without allowing Maye's legs to become the difference? On the other side, the Steelers have to deal with Christian Gonzalez, Milton Williams, Christian Barmore and a Patriots defense capable of creating pressure from all over the formation. We also get into the latest Joey Porter Jr. situation and what Pittsburgh should do next, plus the OBGYN Report — Other Big Games You Need to Know About — with a look around the AFC and the games Steelers fans should be watching Sunday. What's the ONE matchup Pittsburgh has to win to beat New England? Drop yours in the comments. Like, subscribe and join Gavin and Newbear throughout the season on The Noll Road for Steelers analysis, previews and postgame reaction.

Steelers Should Be Favored Against The Patriots

Steelers fans, there is a real reason to believe in this defense — and it could be the key to beating Drake Maye and the Patriots in Foxborough. New England went 14-3 in 2025, but that record came against an historically favorable schedule. When the Patriots finally ran into high-level defenses in the postseason, their offense — and Maye — looked very different. Now, after a mistake-filled start to 2026, the conversation in New England is already asking whether “rookie-year Drake Maye” has returned. That brings us to Pittsburgh. T.J. Watt, Alex Highsmith and the Steelers were able to pressure Cooper Rush in Week 1 without constantly sending extra rushers. If Patrick Graham can create the same kind of pressure while flooding Maye's throwing lanes with coverage, Pittsburgh may have exactly the defensive formula that has caused him problems. Gavin Dawson and Newbear break down what Seattle showed against New England, Cody Alexander's analysis of how defenses are attacking Maye, whether Pittsburgh can copy parts of that blueprint, and the bigger question hanging over the Steelers: How good is this defense — top 15, top 10, or potentially top five? Because if Pittsburgh's defense is as good as we think it might be, Sunday's game in Foxborough suddenly looks very different. Drop your prediction in the comments and tell us where you think the Steelers defense finishes this season. Subscribe to The Noll Road for Steelers analysis with Gavin Dawson and Newbear.

Why the Steelers Can Pull Off the Upset in New England

The Steelers are 1-0 — and Vegas still isn't buying them. Pittsburgh heads into Foxborough as a 5.5-point underdog against New England, and this matchup could tell us a lot about whether Week 1 was the beginning of something real or just one good Sunday. On this week's Opening Script, we're breaking down everything that matters before Steelers-Patriots. Can T.J. Watt, Alex Highsmith and this Steelers front dominate without Patrick Graham having to blitz? How vulnerable is Drake Maye if Pittsburgh forces him to carry the Patriots offense? And how much does the Joey Porter Jr. situation change what the Steelers can do defensively? Then there's the offense. Mike McCarthy admitted his Week 1 call sheet was "herky-jerky." Pittsburgh managed only 264 yards, went 3-of-13 on third down and never established much rhythm. The good news? This offense may not need to score 30 every week if the defense is as good as advertised. We'll break down the biggest keys to winning in New England, the matchup Pittsburgh needs to exploit, the Super Bowl-loser hangover question surrounding the Patriots and why this needs to be a major self-evaluation week for the Steelers. Everything you need to know before Steelers-Patriots — right here on The Noll Road.

Good, Bad, and Ugly From Steelers Win Over Falcons

The Pittsburgh Steelers are 1–0 after beating the Atlanta Falcons 20–13 — and T.J. Watt reminded everyone exactly why he’s still one of the most terrifying defensive players in football. Watt completely took over the fourth quarter, delivering his first career pick-six while finishing with 2 sacks and 3 tackles for loss. Alex Highsmith added two sacks, Cam Heyward knocked down three passes, and the Steelers defense made life miserable for Cooper Rush. But this was NOT a perfect opener. Pittsburgh managed only 58 rushing yards, Bijan Robinson piled up 173 yards from scrimmage, and the Steelers offense scored just 13 points. Aaron Rodgers did enough to win, but is that formula going to work against better quarterbacks and better teams? And hanging over everything is the Joey Porter Jr. situation. JPJ was inactive for the opener, his contract remains unresolved, and the questions about his future aren't going away. We break down the GOOD, the BAD and the UGLY from Steelers-Falcons, including T.J. Watt’s monster performance, Aaron Rodgers’ Steelers opener, Mike McCarthy starting 1–0, the struggling Pittsburgh run game, Bijan Robinson’s huge afternoon, the secondary stepping up without JPJ and whether this Steelers defense is already good enough to carry them. An ugly September win still counts. But if Pittsburgh wants to become a real contender, the run game and the Joey Porter Jr. situation can’t stay this messy. Subscribe for more Steelers reaction, analysis and conversation all season long.

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