JotCast | Christopher Carter's Steelers chat: 05.22.25

Christopher Carter's Steelers chat: 05.22.25

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Steeltown

10:57

Chris,
there's been some hints that the Steelers may move their linebackers around a lot more this year, I think that would be a really valuable strategy, but not sure certain veterans will buy into it. Also, really hoping we get more push up the middle with Harmon and black helping Hayward. Your thoughts?

Christopher Carter

10:58

If you remember, did a film study on that after the Giants game when they used it in a way that helped them win that game last season. I think they'll be open to it more this season. Here's that film study: https://www.post-gazette.com/sports/steelers/2024/10/31/film-study-tj-...

11:00

As for Harmon and Black, I do think they help. There was one time they were pushing the sled in rookie camp together with Karl Dunbar on it during the open recording session for us in media and they caught Dunbar off guard with how strong they were already. "Oh, you some strong sons of *******" was the phrase he used if I remember correctly. If they bring that as rookies, they'll be a welcomed addition.

Kevin

11:00

Did Roman Wilson have an injury history in college or just bad luck rookie year and is he healthy now and able to participate in offseason workouts?

Christopher Carter

11:00

Just think it was a head injury in college and that was it. I think he hit some bad luck last year and will be fine for OTAs next week.

Cowher Power

11:00

Morning Chris! Can you explain why we can’t sign both Keenan Allen and Gabe Davis to compete during training camp and cut either one of them or both if they don’t perform? Is it a monetary or contractual issue?

Christopher Carter

11:01

Good morning!

I actually like the idea of signing either, and especially Allen. Not sure why they haven't, unless it's that they don't think others will either or they actually ARE planning another WR move sooner than later. Those players might also want to wait to see if/when Rodgers signs.

Lambert58 Fan in Indiana

11:02

CC: Thanks for the chat and your NS podcast. Steelers OL. I like the youth and how they’ve drafted. I think they’ll surprise people in 2025. Need to stay healthy and Jones has to up his play at LT.

Christopher Carter

11:02

Thanks for being here!

And I agree about the OL. They're the key for a successful 2025 and I like their chances of being a good unit.

Belgian Bombshell

11:02

Hi Chris, how would you rate the probability that the Steelers will sign a FA wide receiver before camp starts? If they wait until final cut down to get the best WR available, is that sufficient time to learn a new playbook and acclimate with the new team?

Christopher Carter

11:05

I think the real window for that opens in June if Aaron Rodgers signs. If that happens, I imagine they'll add a receiver to work with him and someone in free agency will go for it. Could also be setting up another trade, but I think the former is more likely.

Happy Gilmore

11:05

Chris, in last week's chat you defended Tomlin from all of his critics. In your opinion what are his weaknesses? Do you believe he has any?

Christopher Carter

11:10

Of course he does.

For one, I think Tomlin's biggest weakness is the opposite of what some people claim him to be. People make him out to be a control freak that has to have his hands on everything all the time. But the ironic things is often those same people will call him a cheerleader who doesn't really do anything. You can't have it both ways.

But I actually think Tomlin's biggest challenge at times is knowing when to put his foot down against when he honors the autonomy he normally gives to his coaches/leaders. I think Tomlin's had some great moments in his career when he's stepped in personally and ensured the team works on something specific (see SB 43 Harrison TD and the practices that led up to it.)

I think that also extends to when he puts his foot down with certain players. When you're a coach, you have to pick and choose the right times to be your most stern or hardest of coaching. If you try to use the stick all the time and forsake the carrot, the stick loses its value to the student.

11:12

Tomlin knows this, but I think he has to choose better spots when do that.

I also think he could allow for a time management specialist late in games whose specific job is to tell him when to take timeouts in the final moments of halves. Lots of people struggle to get that right. So instead of being amongst that group, get a specialist who's in your ear to specifically manage that.

epiballo

11:12

Hi Chris; thanks for the chats! The Olave trade interest by the Steelers came and went like a did bottle rocket. Didn't the Saints just resign him? Was this some writers bright idea that had no foundation?

Christopher Carter

11:14

Hello!

To my knowledge, the Steelers did contact the Saints about Olave. BUT it was NOT about trading for him at this stage, more about gauging interest and the price needed for it. From people I trust around the Saints, it's unlikely they move on from Olave because they really like him. But that cap situation in New Orleans is horrendous. So ... maybe something happens down the line.

As usual though, the initial report that there was simply a phone call got blown up to being "trying to trade for" instead of just a simple inquiry.

epiballo

11:14

Saddled with the 'tush push' for at least another year. Will the referees enforce the rule saying you can push or pull or carry a ball carrier further down the field? That, in my opinion, is worse for football.

Christopher Carter

11:14

Yeah, I also think it should be banned. This is football, not rugby.

KordellTolls

11:14

Chris will JPJ ever be an elite corner, or should we just be happy he's competent? And why are Keenan Allen and Gabe Davis still unsigned?

Christopher Carter

11:19

He has the chance. JPJ does a lot of things really well. But he has to trust his work. His biggest problem comes when he's in position, but then reflexively grabs a receiver and draws the flag instead of making a good play on the ball. If new DBs coach Gerald Alexander simply fixes that, I think he'll be pretty good this year.

Also, my best bet on why is that everyone's waiting on Aaron Rodgers to sign before the Steelers sign a receiver. I'd also bet they might wait to see if other teams want to move on from receivers who are currently on rosters.

Ryan

11:19

Chris what players will you be keeping a eye on at OTAS i think you should Watch the draft picks and the free agents We Signed GO STEELERS

Christopher Carter

11:20

In addition to the rookies, I really want to see Roman Wilson. If he's good this year, it changes a lot.

TVC15

11:20

Tomlin is in the 1st year of his 3-year extension right?

Christopher Carter

11:20

Correct. His three year extension has him through the 2027 season. So this year is the first year of that leg.

KordellTolls

11:20

Chris, will Arthur Smith give Aaron Rodgers and Mason Rudolph freedom to change the plays? Or will Smith demand his predictable plays be executed the exact way they are called?

Christopher Carter

11:21

I think he'll give Aaron Rodgers that liberty. You don't tell a 4x MVP they can't change plays. Rudolph? Might limit his ability to do so.

epiballo

11:22

Is there one topic you wish you would never get another question about here on your chat? Gerry's is 'Fire Tomlin.'

Christopher Carter

11:22

I'm just proud of you all that nobody has asked me if Will Howard is going to be the next Josh Allen. Believe me, I get that question a lot LOL

KordellTolls

11:22

Chris, Mike Tomlin hasn't won playoff games 14 of his 18 years. Can we blame his safe, predictable 1980s offense for much of that? And why do his start off so poorly in big games?

Christopher Carter

11:24

It's different things each time. Sure, you could say that about the Rudolph/Wilson games. But the offense tried to be aggressive with Roethlisberger and put them behind the eight ball A LOT with bad turnovers time and time again.

I truly think the key for the Steelers is having a quarterback who simply doesn't come out and put them behind. People forget the defense came out and played great against the Chiefs in the first quarter and a half.

11:25

Heck, they were up 7-0 with a TJ Watt touchdown AND he also had a tipped pass that was intercepted by Devin Bush. But I believe it was 8 straight 3-and-outs by Roethlisberger, and then eventually the Chiefs woke up and the defense got gassed against one of the best offenses ever.

epiballo

11:25

Will a huge player like Black prove to be effective against the 'tush push?' Maybe they should sign a sumo wrestler to clog up the middle.

Christopher Carter

11:26

I do think a player like him will help. But the tricky part of the tush push is the timing. It's VERY hard to stop when you get the timing down as an offense and everyone is on the same page.

Marvin P

11:26

Good morning Chris and welcome to the chats. I see we’re both HBCU graduates. My school produced the greatest wide receiver in NFL history. I know it’s still early but what is your assessment of LaNorris Sellers? I think he fits the profile of what Mike Tomlin is looking for in a quarterback.

Christopher Carter

11:28

Good morning!

Shoutout to a fellow HBCU alum! I'm proud to say Cheyney produced Big Cat Williams, who also went to my high school: Allderdice!

I REALLY like LaNorris Sellers. He's a big game quarterback who makes big plays, is athletic, has a very good arm and the right size. As of right now, he's the guy I'd gun for next year if I'm the Steelers.

Barry in MD

11:28

Lots of talk about rule changes and playoff re-seed. No matter your opinion now your outraged the first time it works against your team, what say you. Comments from other chatters welcome.

Christopher Carter

11:29

I'm all for keeping the same playoff seeding. Divisions matter. Win your division to host a playoff game. If you don't want that, do away with divisions, which will also hurt rivalries.

62 Stack Monster

11:29

Why not convert Friermuth to WR2 and use our plethora of tight ends accordingly.

Christopher Carter

11:29

Because I think Freiermuth can be very good as a TE1

JonBeezy

11:30

Outside QB how would you rank our positional groups? Also do we have another area of concern outside of QB?

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