Through the first four games of the 2026 season, there has been plenty of 'ugly' to talk about when it comes to the Pittsburgh Steelers. But it's time to take a break from that for a minute and focus on the good.
Despite their struggles and glaring roster holes early in the season, Mike McCarthy's team currently sits at 2-2 at the quarter mark of the season, and we knew there would be growing pains with a new coaching staff.
Thankfully, some players have gone above and beyond to stand out for this team after the first month of the season. Their contributions have not only helped the Steelers stay afloat in the AFC North, but also offer hope that things will get better in 2026. Now that we're one-fourth of the way through the 2026 season, here are seven Steelers player and coach superlatives.
Pittsburgh Steelers player and coach superlatives at the quarter mark of the 2026 season
Team MVP: T.J. Watt
When in doubt, hand T.J. Watt the Team MVP award; that's how things are heading this season again. Though there are a few other names in contention for this, it's worth wondering where the Steelers would be without Watt's consistent splash on defense.
In Week 1 against the Falcons, Watt picked off a point-blank pass from quarterback Cooper Rush and ran it back for a 35-yard touchdown that helped seal the victory. Additionally, Watt has recorded 13 tackles, 4.5 sacks, six tackles for a loss, seven quarterback hits, a forced fumble, a fumble recovery, and two passes defended in just the first four games.
Best Offensive Player: Jaylen Warren
If not for Watt, Jaylen Warren would be the Steelers' Team MVP right now. Instead, let's confidently give him the award for the best offensive player on the team at the quarter mark. Warren got off to a bit of a slow start, but strung together spectacular performances in Week 3 and Week 4.
His Week 3 outing against the Cincinnati Bengals was electrifying. Warren rushed for 127 yards on 17 carries while chipping in three catches for 39 yards through the air. With 452 scrimmage yards in just four games this year, Warren is on a career pace, and efficiency-wise, he's been one of the best running backs in the league so far.
Best Defensive Player: Jamel Dean
Sometimes the best defensive backs are ones who don't hear their name called often. This is very much the case with veteran newcomer Jamel Dean. The Steelers' biggest 2026 free-agent signing has been everything advertised.
Sadly, Dean is currently hampered by a sprained ankle, but the results have been excellent so far. While he has surrendered 123 yards on 16 targets over four games, he hasn't been penalized yet, and with Porter gone, he's easily the best coverage player on this team.
Dean's strong early-season performance has earned him a 79.6 overall grade from PFF, good for 6th among 103 qualifying NFL cornerbacks.
Best Rookie: Max Iheanachor
The Steelers kept 11 rookies on their initial 53-man roster, but only a few have seen notable playing time on either offense or defense. Almost by default, Max Iheanachor gets my 'best rookie' award, but that doesn't mean he's undeserving.
Though he's only started two of four games, the big offensive tackle has shown off outstanding mobility and strength, while showing how threatening he can be as a run blocker. The future looks bright at right tackle.
Best Skill Player: Darnell Washington
The best skill player on the Steelers has been Jaylen Warren. But considering I already gave him the 'best offensive player' award, let's give this to tight end Darnell Washington. At 6'7'' and 300 pounds, Washington is never going to earn gaudy receiving production—especially with Pat Freiermuth on the team.
However, Washington is still on a career pace. Through four games, the big tight end has 119 yards and a touchdown. Still, he does his best work as a blocker, and he's arguably been the best blocking tight end in the NFL so far this season.
Best Trench Player: Zach Frazier
If I were to hand out just one virtual award to the best trench player on either side of the football, it's easily going to Zach Frazier. The Steelers' center has been the epitome of consistency, despite struggles and changes to the offensive line as a unit.
Frazier is the most consistent of the group in pass protection while also being a bullying run blocker early in the season. He's been one of the best centers in the game through four weeks and should earn All-Pro consideration at this rate.
Best Coach: Domata Peko
Because of the struggles on both sides of the football—and some of the concerning trends we are starting to see—I won't call either HC Mike McCarthy or DC Patrick Graham the best coach right now. Though these two are most important to the success of the team, let's give this to Domata Peko at the quarter mark.
Peko, the Steelers' defensive line coach, has done an excellent job getting his guys in position to succeed. Derrick Harmon looked like he was on the verge of a breakout campaign before landing on IR with a foot injury, while Keeanu Benton had a strong start to the 2026 season before cooling off a bit as of late. And, of course, Cam Heyward is still Cam Heyward.
For the sake of the team, let's hope we can find enough incentive to give this award to McCarthy or Graham when we revisit Pittsburgh Steelers superlatives at the halfway point of the 2026 season.
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