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McCarthy Takes Blame for Steelers' Offensive Struggles

ESPN NFL •
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PITTSBURGH, Pa. -- Pittsburgh Steelers coach Mike Mc Carthy took full responsibility for his offense's poor performance in a 20-3 loss to the New England Patriots. "The reality of it is the detail's not there, and that's on coaching," Mc Carthy said. "Starts with me. I'm calling the offense. I have to get the detail better. So if you need someone, fire away because I felt it on Wednesday and Thursday. I'm a veteran coach. I know better, and I didn't do a good job."

The Steelers' offense has managed just one touchdown in 25 possessions over the first two weeks. Quarterback Aaron Rodgers completed 23 of 39 passes for 187 yards but was sacked four times and threw an interception. "It's frustrating, for sure," Rodgers said. "The defense has been playing great. They've been holding [opponents to] 13 points a game in two games, and offensively I think we're averaging like eight points a game. That's not winning football."

Pittsburgh gained just 235 yards and averaged 3.5 yards per play, going three-and-out on their first two drives and four more times in the second half. The offensive line struggled, particularly guard Spencer Anderson, who gave up pressure leading to a Rodgers fumble. The run game averaged just 4 yards per carry.