Former NFL All-Pro running back Priest Holmes forecasts a strong 2026 season for newly signed Pittsburgh Steelers running back Rico Dowdle but expects the team to finish with eight wins or fewer. Holmes shared these views on his podcast amid the team's transition to new head coach Mike McCarthy.
Pittsburgh Steelers have not had a losing season since 2003, a streak that persisted under Mike Tomlin. With Tomlin departed and Mike McCarthy hired as the new head coach, Priest Holmes predicts challenges ahead. On his Holmes Stretch podcast, Holmes stated, “I’m saying under [8.5 wins]... Regardless of the coach coming in, new coach, new system, new rules. Are you going to have these guys conform? That’s the question mark on that.” McCarthy brings a 174-112-2 regular-season record over 18 seasons, including 13 finishes at .500 or better, though some losses tied to quarterback injuries. The Steelers face quarterback uncertainty, similar to past issues under Tomlin, who maintained a high floor even without Ben Roethlisberger in 2019. Holmes is optimistic about running back Rico Dowdle, recently signed to complement Jaylen Warren. Dowdle posted back-to-back 1,000-yard rushing seasons, including with the Dallas Cowboys under McCarthy, where he spent his first five career years and rushed for 1,000 yards in 2024 amid Dallas's 7-10 finish. Holmes noted, “He’s been definitely productive over the last two years... I think Rico’s [Dowdle] gonna be very productive. Also, new environment, new team, he’s already shown that he can leave one team, go to Carolina, and also produce.” A highlight includes Dowdle's 26 touches for 234 yards and 1 touchdown against Miami in Week 5 of 2025. While Holmes anticipates a sub-.500 record, he does not foresee the Steelers being terrible, attributing potential struggles to a new coaching staff.