Christopher Carter's Steelers and Pitt chat: 10.12.26
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Christopher Carter
2:25
You are right. Honestly, I think he's the best quarterback at purely making decisions on the field the Steelers have ever had. Prime Roethlisberger was the more dangerous player because he still had his cannon arm and the athleticism to buy time. But Rodgers' field processing is what made him a 4-time MVP combined with his own cannon arm and precision.

These days, he has the arm, precision and decision making. But his limited mobility takes away a big part of his game that frustrated defenses for years.
Fielding Fowler
2:25
Good morning, CC! Curious if you are you a Christopher or a Chris? Does Warren's performance ensure he will get the bulk of the carries when Dowdle comes back? As the line improves, making sure he has 15-20 might even yield bigger days for JW. The home runs are always a possibility but getting 4+ over a full load would be great.
Christopher Carter
2:27
Good afternoon! Christopher is the resume name but Chris is fine when we're chatting.

It better ensure he keeps the bulk. I think the OL is finding a rhythm with him and taking that away would be a mistake. This offense hums when he's going and they need to build some momentum.
JDT
2:27
CC, Freiermuth was labeled as a “zone killer” late last season. That comment probably wasn’t intended as a slight to his ability to get open in man coverage, but is it fair to say that he can be very effective against man coverage, as his 2 TDs yesterday show?
Christopher Carter
2:33
It's definitely fair to say that. His route running has been sharp he's been a matchup problem for linebackers who are too slow and defensive backs who've been too small. If that continues, expect teams with good safeties to start lining the overtop of Freiermuth. That could open up more 1-on-1s for Metcalf outside.
SteelerNationBoston
2:35
Hi Chris, please comment: Isn't the Steelers increased scoring simply a matter of common sense (and recognition of human nature) in that the play-calling is more varied, which necessarily renders the defenses less able to guess where the ball is going? In recent years, the plays were predictable (e.g., nothing over the middle, couple of runs up the middle, quick outs, rare deep throws). Less predictability also makes for a stronger run game (and JW is able to use his talents to flourish). Of course execution is always key, but when you keep the D guessing, seems you can advance the ball and score more. Thoughts? Thanks!
Christopher Carter
2:37
There's definitely more variety in how the Steelers are targeting the middle of the field with passing concepts that force defenders into conflicting decisions. But it also hasn't resulted in the big numbers consistently you'd hope for yet. Right now, they're still slightly behind where they were last year (22 points scored per game this year vs 23 pspg last year).

They need to keep it going and ascend to be a top 10 offense for that to show real progress. They ranked 15th last year.
JDT
2:37
CC, does Warren score on his big reception if Pickens is on the field for the Steelers rather than DK?
Christopher Carter
2:37
Ha. Probably not.
Pizza Face
2:38
Did the Steelers have any interest on Marvin Harrison Jr? Seems like that would have been worth the risk?
Christopher Carter
2:38
Interest? Sure. 2nd round pick interest? No. He's got a good bit to fix and I don't think they want to spend a 2nd on a reclamation project at WR while they're trying to fix that room already. They'd rather spend capital on WRs they like coming right out of college.
Gene
2:38
How did you think Rubio played yesterday?
Christopher Carter
2:39
I thought he brought the energy against the run the Steelers needed. Different vibe from an Isaiahh Loudermilk who wasn't as stout there. Good sign from there rookie.
Adam in Albany
2:39
Are we witnessing an offensive player of the year performance from Warren?  He’s an absolute monster that is carrying this quasi-decrepit offense kicking and screaming over the goal line.
Christopher Carter
2:40
I think he should be dark horse in the running. OPOY often goes to a big name and there are some killers at RB right now who have those like Bijan Robinson, Kenneth Walker and Jahmyr Gibbs. But if Warren keeps having days like he did against the Colts, he'll be in that mix.

Of course, it helps facing a Colts' defense that's among the bottom of the NFL.
Yates
2:40
Odds Baker plays?  Is his back-up legit?
Christopher Carter
2:41
From what I've understood, expect Jalon Daniels. I thought he was a fine reserve QB, but he certainly filled in well against the Cowboys last week. Still think this is a game the Steelers should win.
Jeff M.
2:41
Hi CC, does this season remind you of last season? Rodgers & the off was able to pick apart bad defenses but struggled mightily against good defenses. I am waiting until we see what happens against a better defense like TB before I buy any talk about improvements.
Christopher Carter
2:44
A little bit, but for different reasons. I think there's bigger splash from the offense so far this year and that could come in handy. But I also think they get away from their strengths too often and it's been costly.

I also think this roster with its additions and the natural development of players who've been growing for years puts them in a good spot to play a bit better this year -- hence the reason I predicted this team to be 11-6.

But I do agree about waiting to see some consistency. Last year, the Steelers had two separate stretches where they went 4-1 over five games. So far, they've not been able to stack back-to-back wins in 5 games. Need to see that first.
Takoma Tom
2:55
Why doesn’t Warren get at least 20 carries a game?
Christopher Carter
2:58
I think they're trying to not run the wheels off the guy. He's not a big back and has taken his fair share of injuries over the years. But he's too explosive of a playmaker to limit right now. I do think they need to trust him to be able to take it.
Sunner in Orlando from Lebo
2:59
You and I chatted yesterday about Harrison possibly being traded to the Steelers. I guess the asking price was way too high with a second next year being offered by the Texans. I'm kind of in agreement of not offering too much draft capital for him although they may need some bodies in the WR room with all the injuries. Do you agree?
Christopher Carter
3:00
If you remember in yesterday's chat, I said it should be the Texans. It made sense. Reunite with former college QB, put on a more competitive team and see if it works.

For me, the Steelers need their next investment at WR to be their own fresh guy or a truly established playmaker. Not a retread looking to fix their career.
Charlie Noll
3:00
Roman Wilson just isn't getting it done.  Pittman is not really helping.  Bernard seems to be coming around.  This team is going to have massive holes here beginning next year with aging players on defense, no QB, O line issues.  They are going to need t address a lot through free agency, they can not rely totally on the draft.
Christopher Carter
3:02
Well, he did get hurt in this game and probably is going to miss time. And Pittman's now on IR.

I do think Bernard deserves credit for his production and work so far. But I do agree there are some big holes to fill and fill soon.
Sterling
3:02
Hey CC, Love The E. Roberts signing. Do you know of any reason why they haven't given Bobby Wagner a look? 162 combined tackles last year and he hasn't missed a game in 7 years!
Christopher Carter
3:03
Maybe Wagner doesn't want to sign with the Steelers. Sometimes it takes two to tango.
Chewing gum
3:03
What do you make of JPJs illness? Sick of playing on a rookie deal? I don’t think I’ve ever seen a player actually miss a game for illness before.
Christopher Carter
3:03
I mean, they showed him with a trainer who had a trash can. That's certainly happened before.
Johnny D
3:03
Hi Chris, love your work man!  Is the zone coverage we’ve been seeing a result of limitations regarding experience and injuries, including JPJ’s back?  How’d the field look after Pitt game and rain?
Christopher Carter
3:04
Thanks Johnny! And yep, they're doing this because man coverage is not the specialty of their secondary now with Porter gone and Dean out.

Also, field looked fine. Good, even. I think honestly the one time there was an issue last year there was just a management mistake by the field crew.
3:06
Alright, McCarthy just started talking. Says that Elandon Roberts is signed to the practice squad and both Roman Wilson and Ben Skowronek will be out this week, but wouldn't give a timetable for either player's return.

Gotta switch to covering that. Thanks for joining for the chat and be on the look out for my stars and skulls grades tomorrow!
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