{
  "id": 46464,
  "title": "The Steelers want a physical camp. Mike McCarthy’s answer: Thud up, no tackling",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/02/the-steelers-want-a-physical-camp-mike-mccarthys-answer-thud-up-no",
  "topic": "culture",
  "section": "Culture",
  "published": "2026-08-02T15:08:25.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Yahoo Sports",
    "slug": "yahoo-sports",
    "url": "https://sports.yahoo.com/articles/steelers-want-physical-camp-mike-150825417.html"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Mike McCarthy, the new coach of the Pittsburgh Steelers, has announced a significant change to the team's training camp this season. Unlike his predecessor Mike Tomlin, McCarthy is opting to ban tackling during the first padded practice at Chuck Noll Field, despite the Steelers' storied history of physical play. This decision comes as part of the team's \"Tempered Steel\" approach, emphasizing risk assessment and safety measures in preparation for the upcoming season. While the NFL has been moving towards more regulated training practices over the past three decades, McCarthy acknowledges that his Steelers will need to adjust to this new policy. Instead of tackling, players will \"thud up,\" focusing on wrapping up opponents without taking them to the ground. This adjustment will be both physical and mental, with the team utilizing new tools like GPS tracking and video analysis to refine their tackling technique and ensure they are in peak condition for the start of the regular season. McCarthy stresses that the mental adjustment will be just as important as the physical one, aiming to keep the defending AFC North champions healthy and ready for Week 1.",
  "summary": "The Pittsburgh Steelers are taking a unique approach to their training camp under new coach Mike McCarthy, banning tackling during the first padded practice at Chuck Noll Field. This decision, part of the team's \"Tempered Steel\" mantra, aims to prioritize risk assessment and safety. McCarthy, who has leaned towards more intense training in the past, acknowledges the NFL's evolving regulations that restrict practices to specific times and limits. The Steelers will instead \"thud up,\" meaning defenders will attempt to wrap up ball carriers without taking them to the ground. While this approach is common in the regular season, it's an adjustment for the team, which has historically embraced a more physical style. McCarthy emphasizes that the team will use various tools, such as GPS monitoring and video analysis, to refine their tackling technique and ensure they are prepared for the regular season.",
  "key_points": [
    "Steelers coach Mike McCarthy bans tackling during first padded practice.",
    "Team adopts \"Tempered Steel\" approach for risk assessment and safety.",
    "Players instructed to \"thud up\" instead of tackling, focusing on technique."
  ],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": "https://urgent.news/ill/46464.png",
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}