Madden Monday: ‘Mike McCarthy really wants to win. Mike Tomlin wanted to win 9 games’ - TribLIVE.com

What the report says

TribLIVE’s Tim Benz reported on a “Madden Monday” podcast discussion focused on the Pittsburgh Steelers as training camp opens this week ahead of the 2026 season. The central issue raised was whether new head coach Mike McCarthy’s history with quarterback Aaron Rodgers can push Pittsburgh beyond the recent pattern of nine or 10 wins followed by an early playoff exit, or whether relying on Rodgers at age 42 could expose the team to a sharp decline.

Mark Madden, of TribLIVE and 105.9 The X, said he was not fully sold on Rodgers or backup Mason Rudolph as long-term answers and suggested he would like to see younger quarterbacks Will Howard or Drew Allar play sooner rather than later. Madden argued that McCarthy offers a different approach from former coach Mike Tomlin, saying he believes McCarthy is more inclined to chase wins aggressively, while characterizing Tomlin’s recent teams as built around staying close to .500.

Still, Madden cautioned that coaching change alone may not solve deeper roster concerns. He described the Steelers as an aging group with several players who have not delivered in major games, particularly in the postseason. He said McCarthy’s arrival gives Pittsburgh a better chance to change direction, though he was uncertain whether that improvement will show up in results this season.

The podcast also touched on the possibility that a Rodgers injury could force a broader reset. Madden said a poor season with a young quarterback could at least help the Steelers’ draft position and long-term planning. TribLIVE noted the episode also covered other sports topics, including the Pirates, ESPN layoffs, WNBA controversies, soccer and curling.