Christopher Carter's Steelers and Pitt chat: 09.21.26
powered byJotCast
Prev Page View Full Chat
This chat is available to members only. Please log in to participate.
Sunner in Orlando from Lebo
1:54
Hi Chris! Thanks for the chats! Would you agree that yesterday's game looked eerily similar to the Texans playoff game where a key drop by Metcalf was a key component of the offense melting down? The offensive line was also dominated yesterday like the Texans dominated the line last year. If the Steelers have to match the Bengals score for score next Sunday, they have no chance. Any good news on the Pittman injury and any chance he comes back on Sunday?
Christopher Carter
2:00
Hello and thanks for being here!

I do think it looked a little similar. That Texans game was a one-point game going into the fourth quarter, and then busted open with two defensive scores.

It also reminds me of the Packers, Chargers, and Bills losses. But I honestly think this Patriots team is not as good as people think this year and should have a harder time winning the division.

As for the Bengals, that does appear to be a tall task.

As for Pittman, we did talk to him today. He wouldn't confirm his injury, but he seemed confident he'd be able to return this week, pending practices.
Northrrn Ky Steelers fan
2:01
It seems to me that the McCarthy hire was a mistake. He’s the type of coach you bring if you’re a serious contender. If the Steering ownership believes they’re a serious contender they are delusional have been for quite a
Christopher Carter
2:02
I think everybody can see they're not a "serious" Super Bowl contender, but that they thought they could compete like they have for the last 20+ years and be in the running to win the division, make the playoffs and continue developing the young talent they've been putting together.
BP
2:02
Hi Chris, what it the point of running the ball on 2nd and long.  Is the goal to make it 3rd down with 6-8 yards to go?  With this offense those dont get converted very often.  It seems we need more splash plays on 2nd and long.
Christopher Carter
2:03
It depends on what you're trying to set up. Sometimes you have an alignment where a check into a run might make sense as a team overcommits to stop the pass and then leaves you favorable matchups on the line to get easy yardage.

But, when your offensive line isn't blocking well ... it throws a wrench in that plan.
Alreadygotteninto
2:04
Chris, obviously, the offensive line has collectively looked like a group of matadors the first two weeks. Do you think Mike M regrets flipping the right side to the left? Most disappointing is Troy F. (Who is already almost 26) looking like fiop no. 2 after B. Jones. When they play the better defenses old man Rodgers might have to set up in the shotgun at punt depth to avoid being killed.
Christopher Carter
2:11
I think they're hoping this is a long term project that produces better results and won't just sit on how the season began. Fautanu played left tackle in college and Max Iheanachor played right tackle, so I can see the logic there.

BUT, Fautanu played left tackle for a left-handed quarterback, which is not the blindside tackle in that offense. To me, this flip is about making those two the top assets of the offensive line for the long haul.
Epiballo
2:11
Do you see the OLine as the biggest factor in the Steelers’ terrible play, followed by professional receivers unable to catch a football. Two questions: can the line be fixed before they cave the season, and has Metcalf always been known for drops? Thanks!
Christopher Carter
2:14
I think the offensive line is part of a bigger problem; this offense has no balance to it.

Neither Aaron Rodgers nor their receivers are individual superstars at this point who can expect to beat defenses regularly when they're looking for the pass. The only way for this offense to work is if there's a balanced attack with the run game that keeps defenses guessing.

The problem with that is, there's no run game. They barely worked on it during training camp and the preseason, and now they're playing catchup.

So now, there's no one solidified aspect of the offense that scares opponents, and defenses sit and be ready for the passing attack.

Can it be fixed? Sure. I've seen offensive lines with less talent figure some things out and improve. But in time for the team to turn things around? That could be tough if they don't pull off some wins soon.
Dan
2:14
Any chance they bench DK? His production doesn’t match a starting position. Also, any chance they move on from Khan soon? I can’t think of one move outside the Claypool trade that warrants him having a job. Thanks Chris, I enjoy your work.
Christopher Carter
2:15
I don't think you can bench a $30M/year receiver.

As for Khan, I do think in general he's brought in some good young talent that can help them moving forward. But the lack of a developed offensive line is worrisome, and that's been his biggest project.
JONNYBGOOD
2:16
Chris, another Q I have is why the TEs disappeared yesterday.  Without Pittman, I'd have thought they would be important.  We can't seem to exploity their skills.  Another case of overhyped talent?
Christopher Carter
2:16
Got to be honest Jonny, I don't know why either. I thought Pat Freiermuth should've been the X-factor that opened things up.
Michael
2:16
Chris, I know this chat will be assaulted with many questions / comments about the OL, but here comes another one.  How inadequate can Dunker be to be the third string guard?  He’s that much worse than Anderson?  Why not plug in Max I and Hoffman and let them create cohesion - something that seemingly didn’t happen in camp?  If they’re not going to make changes until Indy (Kaboly), won’t they be starting all over two more weeks into the season?
Christopher Carter
2:17
Listen, the things I saw out of Dunker ... trust me, was worse. Now, in the run game, he looked fine. But as a pass protector, it looked really bad. As in, I think Spencer Anderson would be an upgrade there.

Now Hoffman, that could be something to try.
SDWC
2:17
Why doesn’t Kade Bell allow Heinschel to take a snap under center, when it really makes sense?  Like a 4th and inches, or victory formation. So much can happen in a shotgun snap, and you have no QB sneak possibility.
Christopher Carter
2:19
WE HAVE A PITT QUESTION.

I do think they should have some part of the offense that works this way. But it also might just be something to help with his vision/stability to start a play. I didn't like them in 3rd/4th and 1 and being in the shotgun. But maybe they see the speed threat of Heintschel/and a RB as something that could threaten the defense in enough ways to help.
SDWC
2:19
Is Henischel on a regression path similar to Holstein?
Christopher Carter
2:20
I don't think so, yet. Holstein stopped taking the checkdowns and was searching for home runs way too much. Heintschel's problem was he just missed when he was taking those chances. They have a long week this week after playing Thursday, and get to play Bucknell. Would be a good time to clean things up.
TinyPittMuppet
2:20
Hi Chris, thanks for your excellent weekly coverage of Pitt! Sitting at 3-0, wanted to ask if there is a real possibility of Pitt winning 10 games this year? What games might trip them up? Miami?
Christopher Carter
2:22
Thanks for being here and following the work!

I think they do have a favorable ACC schedule. I expect them to be favored to win vs Bucknell, at Virginia Tech, vs UNC, and at Boston College.

If they get through that stretch without tripping, that's a 7-0 start with five games to go.
2:23
After that, it's at Miami, vs Georgia Tech, vs Florida State, at Louisville, and at California.

If they can keep winning, I think all but Miami are reasonably winnable games, and they should be favored against everyone except Miami, Louisville and Florida State.

10-2 is possible, but Pitt has to show it can be a consistent team and not drop games to mid ACC teams like it has most years of Narduzzi's tenure.
PittGoob
2:23
Any insight into Mason Heintschel's recent struggles? Injury? Early season jitters? The team will go as far as he carries them.
Christopher Carter
2:25
I don't think it's an injury. The UCF game was in the middle of a monsoon, so that one I don't hold against him. But in his last game I think he just missed on several throws I've seen him make. So, maybe that's jitters or not getting enough work that week.

Narduzzi did say today in his press conference that he wished he gave Heintschel more time with the offense that week but prioritized being a fresh team heading into Thursday.
PittLoonie
2:25
Hi Chris. Narduzzi recently commented that he's a Pitt lifer. Any inkling at all that he could be hired away somewhere else?
Christopher Carter
2:26
I think at this stage, no. But after the ACC title, I do think there was a market for a guy who could get Pitt to that state.
BubbaPittMan
2:26
Hey Chris, who or what has been the biggest surprise on the Pitt roster so far? Overall defense? A particular player? Thanks for your insights.
Christopher Carter
2:28
I just am surprised how well they've been at finding more athletic talents at RB who are ready to play. If you would've told me that Mason Heintschel had the numbers he's had over the last two games and Ja'Kyrian Turner was out for those games, I would've thought Pitt lost.

But Damon Ferguson Jr. has come on well, and both La'Vell Wright and Justin Cook (for the two carries he's been healthy) have been assets.

I'll also say the secondary looks confident this year in how they're  playing.
Steeler in Texas
2:28
Hi Christopher. Wanted to say first that I absolutely love your articles that break down schemes and illustrate with film clips. Really great content, and you're very good at explaining the concepts!  Now to my question: The Steelers o-line seems to have been sub-par since Mike Munchak left after 2017. The past few seasons, poor performance from our o-line has been the team's primary weakness. We've got talent. We just don't get production. If I were Rooney-for-a-day, my first move would be to convince McCarthy to upgrade the offensive line coach, then I'd go money whip Hank Fraley to convince him to leave Detroit. Or I'd try to get Munchak back. That'd be my first move. What say you? Do you think an upgrade at o-line coach could spark better play from the group we have?
Christopher Carter
2:32
Thanks and I'm glad you enjoy the work!

I think Mike Munchak came in to an offensive line that had a lot of talent and helped it play well. But he also went to Denver, and didn't have a good run there.

The answer isn't bringing Munchak back. James Campen has a good track record and should be given time to make things work. Pat Meyer honestly I thought didn't get enough credit for the progress the group had over the last two years. Now his offensive line looks good in Buffalo.

I will reserve judgment on Campen until we see how this group progresses throughout the year. I don't think it's fair to expect to turn a unit with two guys playing different spots and two other guys being undrafted or a 7th rounder into a group of studs overnight after a training camp that de-emphasized physicality and competition compared to recent years. Not to mention how the preseason didn't focus on the run either.
Retire 21
2:33
Not to overlook Bucknell, but two juicy ACC games follows. At VT with James Franklin and NC with Bellichick. I don’t know what the latter's record was in Pittsburgh against the Steelers, we may finally get to beat him for once or once in a lot of tries.
Christopher Carter
2:34
Well, we all know that Bill Belichick did a number on the Cowher and Tomlin teams over the years lol.

As for Pitt, I do think they can go toe-to-toe with UNC and come out on top.
Alright everyone, I've got so sign off here and get ready for the Mike McCarthy press conference. Thanks for all the questions and stay tuned for our continued coverage here from the Steelers/Pitt facility!
Connecting…