The Steelers brought back their six-offensive-lineman jumbo package against the Saints on Sunday, and in a 16-10 win where they absolutely steamrolled New Orleans on the ground, racking up 148 rushing yards to the Saints’ measly 18, it is clear that decision paid off big time. This wasn’t just some random play call; it was a total callback to their 2025 offense under Arthur Smith. The difference this time? It crushed.
Spencer Anderson: The Ultimate Utility Man
Utility offensive lineman Spencer Anderson was the man in the middle of this action, serving as that crucial extra blocker. He played 13 snaps on Sunday, and get this: twelve of those were run plays. Steelers writer Tom Mead dropped the numbers, and they are straight-up impressive. On those 12 rushes, the Steelers churned out 77 yards, averaging a whopping 6.4 yards per carry, and notched three runs that went for nine yards or more. That kind of ground production is exactly what you want from a power package.
McCarthy’s Plan for Versatility
Speaking to the media on Monday, Steelers head coach Mike McCarthy confirmed that the success of the jumbo package back in 2025 “absolutely” played a role in bringing it back for 2026. He wasn’t shy about his admiration for Anderson either. “When you get the job, the first thing you do, you sit and down and starting going through the personnel,” McCarthy said. “And Spencer, 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 even compared Anderson to Bills and former Cowboys lineman Conner McGovern, highlighting that Anderson can literally play every role from center to guard to fullback. “We gotta get him on the field,” McCarthy declared, adding, “When you have someone like Spencer with his unique talents, it gives you such great versatility.” The reason we haven’t seen this jumbo package in a major role until Week 7? Turns out Anderson was given the starting right guard spot to open the season, then he 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 explained.
What’s Next for Anderson and the Steelers’ Offense?
Even with free agent signing Brock Hoffman securing the starting right guard spot moving forward, McCarthy made it clear the team is still focused on finding ways to get Anderson on the field. The coach emphasized, “Anderson carries a lot of value on our football team, especially up front, and it’s important for us to continue to create opportunities for him.” With numbers like those against the Saints, you can bet the league is taking notice of this versatile lineman and what that jumbo package can do. The Steelers found a way to win with power, and it looks like Spencer Anderson is going to be a key piece in making that happen more often.
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by Behind the Steel Curtain.
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