While the Pittsburgh Steelers haven’t had a losing season since 2003, everything hasn’t always gone smoothly for them. Specifically, they’ve had a tough time getting their offense going since Ben Roethlisberger retired. Replacing a franchise quarterback isn’t easy, but the Steelers haven’t done their signal callers many favors. Their last few offensive play callers have left a lot to be desired. However, former Steelers corner Joe Haden believes Mike McCarthy will change that.

“I’m anticipating our offense being a lot, lot better,” Haden said Tuesday on his Deebo and Joe podcast. “Light-years better. I just think, discipline-wise, us being able to establish the run game, and then with Aaron Rodgers being able to hit our receivers as far as [Michael] Pittman [Jr.], DK Metcalf, and our big tight ends, [Pat] Freiermuth and Mount [Darnell] Washington, I think it’s going to be balanced…

“When I look at Aaron Rodgers and I look at Green Bay, offense was never their problem. They were always prolific on offense…If our offense, with the players that we have, is disciplined and we’re able to take those shots, being able to stay ahead of the sticks with our run game, being able to take advantage of Mount Washington and Freiermuth in the slots, our offense is going to be unbelievable.”

McCarthy isn’t the young, up-and-coming coach many Steelers fans wanted to see replace Tomlin. However, he shouldn’t be discredited because of his age. McCarthy, 62, has accomplished a lot.

He’s been a head coach with two other NFL teams, and their offenses flourished under him. First, McCarthy was the Green Bay Packers’ head coach from 2006-2018. The Packers finished top 10 in points scored in nine of those seasons, including being first twice.

McCarthy was then head coach of the Dallas Cowboys from 2020-2024, and he had just as much offensive success there. The Cowboys’ offense was top five in points scored in three of those seasons, and No. 1 twice. Also, it led the league in yards per game once.

Yes, McCarthy had much better quarterback play in both those spots than he does currently with the Steelers. However, his long history with Rodgers could bring out the best of what the four-time NFL MVP has left.

Don’t forget that McCarthy’s track record of developing quarterbacks is a big reason why the Steelers hired him. He’s worked with plenty of signal callers outside of Rodgers and Dak Prescott. Former league MVP Rich Gannon and multiple-time Pro Bowler Matt Hasselbeck have both credited McCarthy for being a big part of their development.

Is Haden maybe being a little too optimistic? Sure, but the Steelers offense has talent. If some of its young pieces take steps forward, then it could be a more dangerous unit. It’s held the team back too often in recent years, and McCarthy could be the man to change that.