Steelers lose to Patriots in Mike McCarthy's first game as head coach

The Pittsburgh Steelers lost 20-3 to the New England Patriots on September 20, 2026, marking Mike McCarthy's first defeat as head coach. The Steelers struggled offensively, being outgained by over 100 yards despite holding a time of possession advantage. This loss raises concerns about the team’s ability to compete with strong opponents, similar to last season, and may reflect the challenges McCarthy faces in building the team's culture and performance. The Steelers will need to address their inefficiencies, particularly their 2-for-12 success on third downs and failure to score in the red zone.

• 8:41 PMYahoo Sports — Steelers get wake-up call with first brutal loss of Mike McCarthy era