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Christopher Carter's Steelers chat: 01.16.26
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Christopher Carter
11:47
I think DK Metcalf's two drops played a big role and not having playmakers who could change the game on offense got in the way.

I did feel like Arthur Smith's offense didn't help when it was prioritizing screen passes to Jonnu Smith over downfield shots to Pat Freiermuth --  but the game was very winnable as it was 7-6 and 10-6 in the 4th quarter.

That's why I think he won't be back, and the priority for this front office is to get that playmaker in this draft.
JBird
11:48
With the QB draft class looking very unimpressive, do the Steelers stick with Rudolph with Howard backing him up and look for QB in 27 or do they reach like they did with Pickett and taking the QB from Alabama?
Christopher Carter
11:49
I'm not on the draft Ty Simpson train right now. Just don't see it.

They need to sign a veteran for a contract that's not overblown who can conduct the offense as they continue to build the structure for the future. I think the OL is either there or almost there, so getting a playmaker would make a lot of sense.
Farmtastic
11:50
Should Caleb Downs be a serious consideration for Pittsburghs first pick or would you lean receiver?
Christopher Carter
11:51
Listen, wide receiver is a BIG priority in my book looking at this team. But mannnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnn

If Omar Khan goes and gets Caleb Downs, that has the potential to be a Troy Polamalu-like pick. And I know the weight I'm giving that when I say it. But he looks that special. If they can trade up and get him, I'm not saying no to it.
CB
11:51
Nick Herbig would be a starter on a lot of team. What do you think is the long term plan for him?  I’m afraid he’s a Chad Brown similar loss who goes on to a great career somewhere else.
Christopher Carter
11:53
With the money they're paying TJ Watt and Alex Highsmith, it's hard to imagine them paying Herbig as well.

But with Mike Tomlin gone, maybe one of those guys wants to move on and then you sign Herbig. As of now, there's a lot to clear out before getting there.
Pittfan
11:53
Hi Christopher. As a very long time Steeler fan I don't like the idea of a rebuild by watching losses regularly. I think I could stomach watching Will Howard or say, Malik Willis for a year knowing that it's a win win. Meaning, if one of the two are good, great. If not, I believe the 2027 class will be a good class because most of those guys are proven.
Christopher Carter
11:56
Hello!

One thing I want to emphasize here is that you do NOT need to tank to get a franchise quarterback.

The last seven NFL MVP awards have been split between Josh Allen, Lamar Jackson (twice), Aaron Rodgers (twice) and Patrick Mahomes (twice).

All seven of those quarterbacks are first round picks by teams who made the playoffs the year before they were drafted. Meaning, they either had to trade up or wait for them to fall.

Rooting for the tank is not the way, in my opinion. So I think you have your head aligned with the team in a good way in not looking to take a bad year.
itsallmoot
11:57
First, love your, and the teams coverage and hope you can find a way to keep the PG going with the current team.  Given ARII said he doesn't want to be in rebuild mode, do you think preference will be given to candidates who prefer a 3-4?  While the Steelers were in 3-4 mode <40% of the time, they really don't have that many good DL to go to 4-3.  Similarly, how hard would it be to make that switch?  Seems like Jeff Hafley made that switch moderately successfully for GB this year (outside of sacks and turnovers).
Christopher Carter
11:58
Thanks!

And yes, I do think that lends itself to wanting to keep the defensive structure. If they went to a 4-3, they'd need to reinvest at edge rather quickly and that would further add to their list of needs that's not overwhelming, but not small either.
Butcher
11:59
Chris, thanks for all the insight. It seems that we are likely heading towards a coordinator with no prior HC experience. I thought the Steelers shouldnt have gotten rid of Flores and put him in the DC spot. What are your thoughts on Flores specifically - he seems to have put real time and thought into what he didn't do well last time around with the Fins. Does the lawsuit impact his hirability?
Christopher Carter
12:20
Thanks for enjoying the work!

I like Brian Flores as a coach. But not sure if he's the guy for THIS job. Particularly because I think the Steelers aren't starting off their new coach with empty cupboards.

Yes, the stars are old in T.J. Watt, Cam Heyward and such. But there's also a lot of young up and coming talent that's ready to fill that role and develop the new nucleus.

Joey Porter Jr. is a shutdown cornerback. Keeanu Benton, Derrick Harmon and Yahya Black are a developing front. The offensive line has grown quickly and has all young pieces for the future. Metcalf, Freiermuth, Queen, Warren (and Gainwell if they sign him) are all good players in their 20s.

You can build with that. Flores usually wants to do things specifically his way. I'd prefer a coach who could mold more of what's there and adjust.
Jim K
12:22
I believe that if DK had caught that pass in the first quarter, the Steelers may have won.  Regardless, the teams remaining except Houston are all capable of scoring 35 points or more and the Steelers would have lost big on the next round, so why are the Steelers only interviewing defense minded coaches?
Christopher Carter
12:31
Probably because 3/4 the coaches left in the AFC playoffs have defensive backgrounds. Mike Vrabel, Sean McDermott and DeMeco Ryans all come from being defensive assistants to defensive coordinators. It's not mandatory that a good offensive team be from an offensive head coach. Heck, the Steelers have been a top 4 offensive team in scoring and yards under Tomlin.

The priority is leadership in the room. Whoever can do that the best will get the job.
Alright everyone, I've gotta get a move on. Thanks for joining the chat and stay tuned for more updates in the coaching search!
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