by Bo Marchionte
@bomarchionte | College2Pro.com
Published November 8, 2026, 9:04 AM
Steelers First Eight Games: 2026 vs. 2025
Mike McCarthy’s 2026 Steelers are 6-2, but the individual numbers reveal some interesting changes from the previous season under Mike Tomlin.
Pittsburgh’s biggest statistical transformation isn’t at quarterback. It’s in the backfield. Warren has emerged as the offensive engine, while Rodgers is throwing for more yards but producing fewer touchdowns. Watt is getting home more frequently, and Metcalf’s scoring production has declined significantly.
Passing Leaders
2026 – Aaron Rodgers
- Passing Yards: 1,871
- Touchdowns: 13
- Interceptions: 6
2025 – Aaron Rodgers
- Passing Yards: 1,692
- Touchdowns: 17
- Interceptions: 5
Rushing Leaders
2026 – Jaylen Warren
- Rushing Yards: 704
- Touchdowns: 2
- Yards Per Carry: 5.9
2025 – Jaylen Warren
- Rushing Yards: 404
- Touchdowns: 2
- Yards Per Carry: 4.1
Receiving Leaders – Wide Receivers
2026 – DK Metcalf
- Receptions: 33
- Receiving Yards: 378
- Touchdowns: 1
2025 – DK Metcalf
- Receptions: 29
- Receiving Yards: 467
- Touchdowns: 5
Receiving Leaders – Tight Ends
2026 – Pat Freiermuth
- Receptions: 25
- Receiving Yards: 235
- Touchdowns: 4
- Darnel Washington: Leads tight ends in receiving yards (254)
2025 – Pat Freiermuth
- Receptions: 19
- Receiving Yards: 227
- Touchdowns: 3
Defensive Leaders – Total Tackles
2026 – Payton Wilson
- Total Tackles: 69
2025 – Payton Wilson
- Total Tackles: 71
Defensive Leaders – Sacks
2026 – T.J. Watt
- Sacks: 7.5
2025 – T.J. Watt
- Sacks: 5
Defensive Leaders – Interceptions
2026 – Seven Players Tied
- Interceptions: 1 each
2025 – Six Players Tied
- Interceptions: 1 each
Special Teams — Chris Boswell
2026 – Chris Boswell
- Field Goals Made: 18
- Field Goals Missed: 5
2025 – Chris Boswell
- Field Goals Made: 16
- Field Goals Missed: 2
Statistical Nuggets
- Aaron Rodgers: His passing yards increased by 179, but his touchdown passes dropped from 17 to 13.
- Jaylen Warren: An additional 300 rushing yards, with his average jumping from 4.1 to 5.9 yards per carry. Four one-hundred-yard rushing games.
- DK Metcalf: Four additional receptions, but 89 fewer receiving yards and four fewer touchdowns.
- Pat Freiermuth: Six more catches, eight additional receiving yards and one more touchdown.
- T.J. Watt: He had 7 sacks in all of 2025 and has 7.5 in eight games in 2026.
- Chris Boswell: Field-goal accuracy slipped from 88.9% to 78.3%.
Photo Credit Frank Hyatt/College2Pro.com
