In a callback to the Steelers’ 2025 offense under Arthur Smith, Pittsburgh broke out its six-offensive-lineman package versus the Saints on Sunday. And in a 16-10 win where the Steelers out-rushed New Orleans 148 yards to 18, it’s fair to say the decision paid off.
Like last year, utility offensive lineman Spencer Anderson served as the extra blocker in the jumbo package, playing 13 snaps on Sunday. Twelve of those were run plays, and per Steelers writer Tom Mead, the results on those rushes were 77 yards, 6.4 yards per carry and three runs over nine or more yards.
Speaking to the media on Monday, Steelers head coach Mike McCarthy said the Steelers’ jumbo package success in 2025 “absolutely” played a role in its return in 2026.
“When you get the job, the first thing you do, you sit and down and starting going through the personnel,” McCarthy said. “And Spencer (Anderson), I was so impressed with him and it was a big part of the discussion of how we were trying to forecast him for where we felt he could play, because he played so many positions.”
McCarthy compared Anderson to current Bills and former Cowboys lineman Conner McGovern, saying he can play every role from center to guard to fullback: “We gotta get him on the field,” McCarthy said.
“When you have someone like Spencer with his unique talents, it gives you such great versatility,” he added.
McCarthy hinted that part of why the jumbo package didn’t play a major role in the Steelers’ game plan until Week 7 was because the Steelers first gave Anderson the starting right guard role to open the season. Then, Anderson dealt with a bone chip in his right leg in late September.
“In fairness to (Anderson), I wanted to give him a chance to compete for a job, and that’s why we started the way we did with him at right guard, and then he had the injury and so forth,” McCarthy said.
Despite free agent signing Brock Hoffman having secured the starting right guard spot moving forward, McCarthy indicated that the Steelers still want to find ways to get Anderson on the field.
“(Anderson) carries a lot of value on our football team, especially up front,” the Pittsburgh head coach said, “and it’s important for us to continue to create opportunities for him.”