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Christopher Carter's Steelers chat: 01.09.26
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Christopher Carter
12:15
Preaching to the choir here. I don't get why Pat Freiermuth isn't a much more regular staple in this offense. He's so dynamic with his ability to make plays on the ball and to get open. He's also good after the catch.

And with the talent the Texans have at outside corner, this would be a heck of a week to make him a big time threat in a big time game.
Bryan P
12:15
Thanks Chris for all your work.  I see a lot of similarities between this years team and the Steelers.  Tough defense, smash mouth, two RBs with different talents, strong TE group, Tough WR (Ward/DK), strong QB.  As you are closer to the team, do you sense the swagger with this team that the 2005 steelers had at playoff time?
Christopher Carter
12:19
Thanks for being here!

I can't say I covered the Steelers in 2005 to know the inner workings and vibes, but I do sense a "quiet confidence" to this team the way I heard Tunch Ilkin describe on the radio broadcast before their playoff win over the Colts that season.

There's some buzz around the Steelers. Whether it leads to anything, who knows? But I do think this team isn't looking at this game like they need a prayer to win it.
TC in Mooresville NC
12:19
Hi Christopher, was Watt on a snap count? Seems like he was out on early downs and came in on passing downs.   Or was this typical rotations. Thanks.
Christopher Carter
12:20
T.J. Watt played 43 of 51 snaps on defense. That's not a pitch count, he was out there most of the time. To the point where I did think they could've worked in Nick Herbig a bit more.
Mike in Virginia
12:20
I know there's bigger fish to fry today, but what do you see as the future for Roman Wilson and Kaleb Johnson? For them to not only not be able to get onto the field much recently, but to be straight up inactive, seems to signify that these might have been two huge whiffs on evaluation and drafting.
Christopher Carter
12:22
I think it's not a good sign for Roman Wilson, especially considering the problems this team has at receiver.

But I don't think it means all that much to Kaleb Johnson. Both Jaylen Warren and Kenneth Gainwell have been dynamic playmakers and integral to the offensive plan. Johnson can't contribute on special teams right now, so him being a healthy scratch is a bit more acceptable while the team rotates Jonnu Smith to get some carries and keep a roster spot open somewhere the team needs more depth.

Johnson I think will be fine. But Wilson needs to show a better grasp of either the playbook, or when to apply certain option routes. I think the latter has been the bigger challenge.
Tommy from Florida
12:24
Good Morning Chris, Thanks for your chats. I don't think we will have any problems stopping the run against the Texans. However, I was wondering if you think we'll have JPJ on Collins the entire game. Will Ramsey come up big this week after two major brain freezes? I saw Queen tried to bail him out. It seems as though Ramsey makes a huge play or a huge mistake.  That's not gonna cut it in big games. What are your thoughts. Thanks..Tommy
Christopher Carter
12:28
I think the Steelers might let Porter and Pierre stick to sides to make communication easier. Both have delievered in big ways this year and stand up well to big play receivers.

Pierre and Porter combine for 20 passes broken up between them and only a single touchdown allowed.
12:39
Both have also allowed a completion rate under 50%, and passer ratings under 60 when targeted. I think that would be an advantage.

As for Ramsey, I think when he's not tasked to do with too much, he plays well. But against the Ravens, he was tasked with helping a lot to contain the option run and that was a lot on top of his coverage duties. This week, just protect against the deep ball. I think this front can handle the Texans' OL.
Scott via Louisville
12:39
I’m glad you’re still having these chats. I thought you guys might stop considering. Not sure the economics of this but maybe the sports department could pay for a website and post articles behind a paywall. It’s the only reason I subscribe. Many subscribers like me no longer live in Pittsburgh and this is our last connection to the city. You’d have my $10.00 a month for sure.
Christopher Carter
12:40
Thank you Scott! I fully plan to work here as long as I'm allowed. And I'm hoping we can prove this place is special enough to keep open. Thank you to everyone who enjoys our work and supports us!
mikeinpgh
12:40
Chris, while the Steelers' DEE looks tough in some ways (pass rush, LBs, lately against the run), the big plays they've given up through the air is alarming. Do you think they'll make the proper adjustments this week to prevent those big plays? Make the Texans have to move it down the field slowly hoping for a splash play of our own on DEE?
Christopher Carter
12:47
I think with this game they'll have less a focus on selling out to stop the run and that'll help players stay back in coverage. Doing so will allow Jalen Ramsey and Kyle Dugger to play more natural safety roles and support to keep the big plays contained. But this has to be combined with top of the line play from ... well, the defensive line.

If they can get a combination of those two things, I think CJ Stroud will be forced into some tight spots that would be prime for turnover opportunities. If that happens, the Steelers can get this game in their favor.
12:48
Alright, the Steelers' practice just began so I'm going to go out and take a look.

Thanks again to everyone for joining in on this chat and supporting us here. Stay tuned, as we have a lot coming out both about this playoff run, but also about our efforts to fight to keep this place running. There's still hope here.
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