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Christopher Carter's Steelers chat: 01.02.26
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Christopher Carter
10:08
Alright, done recording Saturday's North Shore Drive podcast. Let's get into!
TheStandardisStability
10:08
I am trying to think of ways the Steelers can move the ball through the air. Since Baltimore does not have a Myles Garrett, can they they split Gainwell out more since they won’t need him to chip as much?
Christopher Carter
10:14
I do think this could be a big factor in the Steelers' favor. The Browns have the 3rd most sacks in the NFL and the 4th highest pressure rate, while the Ravens have the 30th most sacks and 23rd best pressure rate.

That should give Aaron Rodgers more time to see the field and a longer internal clock. It should also allow Kenneth Gainwell, Jaylen Warren, Pat Freiermuth and Jonnu Smith more liberty to focus on their routes vs how much they need to chip this week.
Yuri
10:14
Happy New Year Chris to you and yours.  Do you think DK might take legal action against the fan and perhaps the league for what happened in Detroit?  Thank you.
Christopher Carter
10:17
Happy New Year Yuri!

I don't think so. I get the impression DK Metcalf wants to put this thing behind him, especially with the Steelers supposedly not following through on wiping out his guaranteed money.

But if that guaranteed money was wiped out, I do wonder if something might happen from Metcalf's team. Because the prior report that Jay Glazer unearthed proved that the fan made the comments that were alleged and the league/Lions knew about it. That would mean they had a duty to protect the player from a fan who had a history of violating the NFL Fan Code of Conduct and harassing Metcalf, and failed to do so.

I don't have any idea where that would go ... and I don't imagine very far. But it would be within the realm of possibility or Metcalf to take that path if the Steelers actually did strike out his guaranteed money.
Uncle Leo
10:17
Hey chris - happy new year! Why did the Steelers repeatedly use gainwell to chip Garrett? He’s obviously one of their best options on offense. Seems like they could have schemed this a different way, with an extra lineman or tight end… thanks -
Christopher Carter
10:19
Happy New Year Uncle Leo!

I do think in retrospect it would've made sense to give that responsiblity more to Jonnu Smith, but I also think it's because they wanted to disguise where that help was coming from on a play-to-play basis. Sometimes it was Warren, or Gainwell, or Freiermuth, or  Smith. And I also think losing Washington played a role in how they did that.

But just like the Browns tried to move Garrett around to keep the Steelers guessing, the Steelers moved around who would help against him to keep him guessing as well. Garrett guaranteed he'd set the record and he didn't. 0 sacks in two games against Rodgers and the Steelers this year.
Carl in Carrick
10:19
Hi Chris, Happy New Year to you.  It seems the quarterback class isn’t as deep as it was thought to be going into the season.  Rather than trading up for a quarterback, do you think it’s possible the Steelers will trade up for another position and draft a quarterback in a lower round?  Thanks.
Christopher Carter
10:22
Happy New Year Carl!

I've actually been exploring this for over a month now. The only hope for a deeper QB class was if Dante Moore of Oregon and Ty Simpson of Alabama joined Fernando Mendoza for this class of prospects.

But right now, it really looks like it might just be Mendoza, and MAYBE Moore. I'd be surprised of Simpson declared for the NFL after a bad end to the season and then getting benched against Indiana in the playoffs yesterday. He needs another year to show his progress.

This is a heck of a WR class and plenty of top prospects in the top 15 that I project to be gone before the Steelers pick. Would be worth trading up. I really like Makai Lemon out of USC for what they need right now. Fast, runs great routes and had a great catch radius. Would be a heck of a tandem with Metcalf.
Joe
10:22
Who has a chance of stepping up and making some plays in the passing game with Metcalf out? Who would you target if you were Rodgers?
Christopher Carter
10:24
This is a week I'd prioritize Pat Freiermuth. He's been ignored all season and it would make sense for the Ravens to not put an emphasis on covering him on deeper routes -- as the Steelers just haven't gone there often this year.

Things I'd prioritize in a passing attack:

1 - Deeper seam passes to Freiermuth
2 - Gainwell in space
3 - the occasional deep ball to stretch the field to Austin
4 - using Thielen to run sharp routes to play off Freiermuth
5 - shallow crosses when Ravens are caught in man to ... of all people, Roman Wilson.
Roy Baker
10:24
Just wondering if you think that the NFL is tougher today than back in the Steelers’ glory days in the 1970’s….  Remember that little incident with Ernie Holmes and a deer rifle and a Pa. State Police helicopter? I remember Art Rooney coming to the defense of Holmes and saying that the “whole situation was just a big misunderstanding“! Was Holmes punished by the league for that incident?
Christopher Carter
10:30
Man, what a different time. Holmes shot at a helicopter and cars, and there was a police manhunt for him. He was charged with assault with a deadly weapon, and wasn't suspended by the league.

Wild times. Wonder what DK Metcalf would've gotten.
Linda, Forest Hills
10:30
Hi Chris.  If Coach Tomlin is back next season, do you see him making any changes to the current coaching staff?  Happy 2026!
Christopher Carter
10:32
Hi Linda!

I think some changes would happen. I do wonder if there's a change in Arthur Smith, and that might depend on if they want to bring back Aaron Rodgers (and if HE wants to be back.)

But I also think things might run their course for Teryl Austin and they might try a different path with a coach who specializes in coaching defensive fronts rather than the secondary -- especially considering their investment in that area.

Could that be Brian Flores if he's done with the Vikings? Maybe.
Shredder
10:32
Chris, Happy New Year. Do you think Rodgers floating it out there that he may be interested in playing another season meant for Rooney’s ears to not make any moves with Tomlin and Artie Smith in the offseason?
Christopher Carter
10:36
Happy New Year, Shredder! Leave the turtles alone!

I think Rodgers doing that is a good political move on his part. I believe him when he says he hasn't allowed himself to think about next year yet. He wants to enjoy this time and this moment. And the headspace he'll be in when he makes the decision to continue his playing career will be one where he's able to judge how his body has handled the season and recovered/or not recovered.

So instead of committing to one thing or the other, he left it open. Smart move. Because who knows what kind of deal he could snag if he wants to come back.
chiefar
10:36
Good morning, Chris. I still don't understand the call of a pass in the end zone on the 4th and 1 in the Brown's game. Is this the most unusual call of the year? Did Tomlin call this or A S? Thanks, and good luck to the Steelers on Sunday night and the playoffs!!!
Christopher Carter
10:38
Good morning Chiefar!

As I pointed out in my film study this week, that play had a quick route combination between Freiermuth and Thielen that got Thielen open beyond the first down marker very quickly.

That, to me, says Rodgers just chose Miller because he wanted to get the ball out fast and thought he had a matchup win there.

Smith dialed up a route concept that made sense against what the Browns were doing and Rodgers just went a different direction.
GM
10:38
It has been quite a season! Imo the Steelers have made a lot of progress particularly wrt to the depth of their lineup which will be put to the ultimate test on Sunday. It will be the reserves who determine if the Steelers will be the champions of their division. Who are your unsung heroes thus far in the season CC?
Christopher Carter
10:42
Ooooo and unsung heroes question. I like this.

I'll give a few, but I think for the football junkies here, some of these heroes have been sung about quite a bit.

Brandin Echols deserves praise for his work in the slot. He's taken away a lot from offenses this year and played a big role in limiting teams over the middle.

Joey Porter Jr., simply because so many talk about him like he's some penalty machine when the reigning DPOY CB Pat Surtain II has more penalties and penalty yardage than Porter -- and Porter hasn't allowed a TD, has a better passer rating allowed, and a lower missed tackle rate. He's earned a good new contract from the Steelers this offseason.

Dylan Cook, simply because losing Broderick Jones could've been a disaster, and he made it not that.

I'd say Kenneth Gainwell, but I think his Lions TD has woke people up about how good he really is.

Troy Fautanu, those he's a first round pick. But he's also been great in a lot of these games. Deserves more praise.
10:43
Ben Skowronek also goes here for all his dirty work on special teams and grit plays, but he also got a Pro Bowl nod, so I think he's out of the unsung category.
Entmd
10:43
Hey Chris, thanks for the chat! With DK and Darnell out how do you see the offense manufacturing points? Will it be short pass game to the running backs? Appreciate your thoughts!
Christopher Carter
10:44
Thanks for being here!

They need to get the ball to their playmakers, and the top one is Pat Freiermuth. He's been looked over a lot this season and I think it's been one thing that's held them back. Get him the ball, hit a deep ball to Austin or somebody who can get behind a defense, and then prioritize your RBs while the Ravens are off-balance.
10:45
But the Ravens aren't dumb. They know the RBs are the weapons the Steelers want to win with while Metcalf is out. So, hit them where they aren't looking early and take away their anticipation to jump all over that part of the offense.
Shredder
10:46
Chris, here’s your choices for Steelers 2026 QB. Who you picking? Malik Willis, Justin Fields, Mac Jones, Joe Flacco, Kirk Cousins?
Christopher Carter
10:47
Without hesitation, Malik Willis.

He's young, he's shown very good potential both with ball placement and athleticism. Could sign him to a 2-year, $15M/year-ish deal and role with that into the 2027 draft class if you don't like the 2026 one. Might sign Joe Flacco just to keep him from beating them next year at some point somewhere else LOL
Franco Hadian
10:47
Realistically what will be the reprocussions if the Steelers lose and miss the playoffs? Tomlin traded? Rodgers goes to Vikings next season? Any players that are guranteed not to be playing in a Steelers uniform next season?
Christopher Carter
10:49
Tomlin has a no trade clause in his contract, so he's not going anywhere unless he wants to. But maybe he makes that call himself if he thinks his work is done here. Still, highly unlikely.

Rodgers leaving for the Vikings is a possibility, but I think it would happen because the Steelers have changes in the coaching staff like losing Tomlin or Smith.

One player I just don't expesct back is Jonnu Smith. He's due a big payday next year and there's no reason to pay that with his lack of production this season.
Barry in MD
10:49
If we lose what is more like for Tomlin fire or contract extension. Living in MD I know a lot of Raven fans. Both fan bases are pessimistic
Christopher Carter
10:51
If the Steelers lose, the Steelers won't fire Tomlin. Art Rooney II isn't footing the bill for a coach with two more seasons under contract at the rate Tomlin's set to be paid.

The only way the Steelers aren't paying Tomlin is if he goes to another team. I just don't see a likelihood there with his no trade clause.
The Dude
10:51
Is there a quarterback available in this year’s draft who would be worth moving up in the first round for? What will be the plan for next season if the answer is no and Rodgers is done?
Christopher Carter
10:52
His name is Fernando Mendoza -- but it would cost a ransom to get him as he's going first overall.

That being said, if they don't get him (I don't think they will) and Rodgers is gone, I'd expect Malik Willis to be a significant target.
Barry in MD
10:52
Chris, I enjoyed your weekly evaluation of college quarterbacks. Will there be an end of year final edition
Christopher Carter
10:52
There will be! It was just weird during conference championships, random bowls and the playoffs because not everyone was playing each week. But there will be an update around the time of the national championship.
David T
10:53
Happy New Year! I think that a Ravens team, starting a healthy, younger Tyler Huntley may have a better chance defeating the Steelers than a less than 100% healthy, older, former MVP Lamar Jackson. What do you think?
Christopher Carter
11:00
Happy New Year! I do have a take on this, but not exactly what you put there.

I think that the Ravens might be better with Huntley in because they'll be lesss tempted to throw the ball, and more likely to lean into Henry running the ball.

When Jackson is in, it's only natural to give him several plays to use his legs and arm to be the two-time MVP QB he's been. But on every play you do that, Henry isn't a playmaker.

With Huntley in, you can still have the rushing threat, but without feeling the pressure to throw the ball.

If I'm the Ravens against the Steelers, everything goes through Henry first. The Steelers are 5-0 lifetime when facing Henry and holding him to under 100 yards. They're 0-2 when he breaks that mark.
CG
11:01
Happy 2026, Chris! What is the 4th leg of the stool in beating the Ravens, after slowing Henry down,  Rodgers QB play, and forcing turnovers?
Christopher Carter
11:02
Happy 2026 CG!

I'd say getting Warren/Gainwell going. If the Steelers stop the run, Rodgers is efficient, the Steelers win the turnover battle, and the RBs are having a good day? I think it would narrow the Ravens' chance of victory to something like 5%.
Shredder
11:03
Chris, would you have any interest in drafting Carson Beck in the 3rd or 4th round?
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