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Christopher Carter's Steelers chat: 06.26.25
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Michael
1:58
Chris, do you think there is a lack of leadership or an overall cultural issue amongst the players on this team?  We didn’t hear about too many internal issues when Farrior, Bettis, and Pouncey were around.
Christopher Carter
1:59
I think there's not a lack of leadership on defense. Heyward, Watt, Fitzpatrick all have that.

But that problem has persisted on offense. I still think that was part of the biggest blow of the end of the 2010s--in three years you lost Brown-Bell-Pouncey-DeCastro-Roethlisberger. That's a tough core to lose and still think you're just going to bounce back from.
2:00
But that's also why I think they've picked some of the players they have now. Fautanu-Frazier both leaders in college. Freiermuth stepping into a good role. And Rodgers can't help there too this year.
Michael
2:00
Chris, what do you personally consider to be Tomlin’s biggest deficiency as a game planner and game day coach?
Christopher Carter
2:03
I think Tomlin sometimes gets too stuck in trusting his guys to win certain situations. Sometimes, it pays off in dividends. But there are times--like with Roethlisberger--where he needed to pull the reigns back a bit and switch him out of what teams were looking for. Granted, there's every possibility he works on them to do that and they just don't take to it.

But the same thing goes for TJ Watt's lining up on the same side. It works most of the time! But when teams are teeing off on him, they need to be ready to counter that a bit quicker than they have been.
Big_Bri
2:03
There have been millions of plays run in the NFL over its history, this is the type of large data sets the AI is designed for. Do you think there will be ever a time when coaches will use AI on the side lines to call plays? Do you think it should be allowed?
Christopher Carter
2:04
You know, I wouldn't doubt that somehow AI gets used by someone right now and they just don't admit it. I don't think it should be allowed though. This game has been, is, and should always be about the people who play it, coach it, and live it.
Guest
2:04
There's a lot of talk regarding the O-line needs time to "gel".  I remember Tunch and Wolf said they communicated by grunting to each other.  My question is are they trying to figure out their pre-snap responsibilities or working together as a unit after the snap during the play?  Thanks for the chats.
Christopher Carter
2:05
Make no mistake, the offensive line works on that very aspect a lot. But each year when there's change, it takes time to re-establish chemistry. It's why Pouncey-DeCastro-Foster-Gilbert-Villanuea were together for so long. YOu want their chemistry.
Big_Bri
2:05
Just a comment, your energy and enthusiasm jump off the page and it reminds me of some my coworkers who are a lot younger than myself and you can tell they will be successful. One of your counterparts who also does these chats reminds me of me who has the mindset of been there seen that and can be somewhat surly at times which is not always a bad thing.
Christopher Carter
2:06
Different strokes, different folks! Thank you for the compliment!
Tall Guy
2:06
Hi CC, How would you describe the leadership dynamics in the locker room last year and how do you see that changing this year with the change at QB?
Christopher Carter
2:07
The leaders were primarily on defense with Russell Wilson trying to fill-in on offense. But there hasn't been a concerted unified leading voice on offense in a while and that's a problem.

Another problem is Pickens was the best player on offense but was nowhere near what they needed as a leader.
2:08
It's good to be a good leader and say the right things, but you also have to be one of the better players. The Steelers are hoping that's the case this year.
DJ and Crew
2:08
Hey Christopher, we’re thinking about coming into your city for the draft next year.  How would you say the preparation for the draft is going?  Also, are there any restaurants you would recommend in the city and perhaps the suburbs?   Thanks!
Christopher Carter
2:09
They're getting things ready even now. But I doubt the biggest things happen until we get to winter.

As for restaurants, Mike's Beer Bar is my favorite spot on the North Shore, and William Penn Tavern is my favorite place for wings!
Guest
2:09
Good afternoon.  It's no secret that Tomlin is the worst coach in history in hiring assistant coaches.  His 18 years without a coaching tree is unprecedented.  He inherited coaches like Whisenhunt, Whipple, Hoak, Arians, LeBeau, Mitchell, Butler, and Horton.  He turned that into Smith, Arth, Faulkner, Azzanni, Austin, Dunbar, Martin, and Brown, respectively.  What do you think is the bigger reason for his failures?  Is it his ego and arrogance wanting complete control and not hiring top assistants?  Or do you think good coaches don't want to come here because he is a control freak?
Christopher Carter
2:13
I assure you there are many coaches who have much worse resumes have hired much worse coaches than Mike Tomlin.

Also, he didn't inherit Whisenhunt, Whipple, or Hoak. That's just false information.

And I'd say Eddie Faulkner is a highly respected RBs coach. I'd also say Todd Haley was a heck of a hire at offensive coordinator, and that Teryl Austin has been defensive coordinator for three years, and each year they've been a top 10 defensive unit.

Tomlin certainly has his misses, but "worst coach in history in hiring assitant coaches?" Big swing and a miss.
A2theMFJ
2:14
if for some odd reason The Steelers can’t reach an extension with TJ, a trade would yield . . . . . ?  That being written, I hope it does not happen.
Christopher Carter
2:15
Yeesh. If this got nasty, it'd be public. And if that's the case, team might try to play hardball with the Steelers about Watt. But I do think there'd be a market of teams to compete over him, and he'd at least get back a first and a third. But tough to say. I just don't think it will happen.
Tall Guy
2:15
What do you consider to be the truth about why the steelers fell so hard last year after a promising first couple months.  Was it the strength of the teams they had to play, or was their some "giving up" from some players?
Christopher Carter
2:17
I think it was a combination of a few things:

1) Playing 3 of the best teams in a stretch of 11 days--two of those teams being the Super Bowl squads--wore at a team during a long season.

2) Untimely injuries limited younger contributors like Pickens during that stretch, as well as minor limiting injuries like Frazier's.

3) Teams figured out Russell Wilson's passing plan and without the emergence of the offensive line coming to power, it made the offense lose the balance that made it work earlier in the season.
Linda Sue
2:17
Hi Chris, thanks for doing these chats. I loved the Steelers getting Ben Sauls.  Do you think the Steelers could carry two kickers in case of injury and also as means of keeping others teams from signing Sauls?
Christopher Carter
2:18
Thanks for being here Linda!

The Steelers will keep Ben Sauls around for camp and wait to see if someone comes calling if they lose their kicker during the preseason. But if that doesn't happen, expect Sauls to be on the practice squad. Just too many needs to keep another spot on the active roster for an unused kicker.
Gene
2:18
Do you think Rodgers would be satisfied with the receivers on the roster now or would he hope they add to the mix?
Christopher Carter
2:19
I think Rodgers wants to see how these guys play in pads before he makes any requests or suggestions. But I do think an addition happens at some point.
Guest
2:19
why didn't steelers stick with antoino bryant
Christopher Carter
2:20
The first Pitt Panther to win the Biletnikoff?! Woah!
Tom M.
2:20
The PG coverage of the Steelers has always been excellent but you’re taken it to a new level since joining the team. I especially like your film studies. Pleasantries aside, my question is:
My question is: how is the division of labor managed between the 4 of you when deciding what to write about? Do you each suggest your own stories? Do you huddle up and decide? Does an editor make assignments? Does Gerry get first pick since he’s the senior guy?
Christopher Carter
2:21
Thanks Tom!

We each indicate things we're planning to focus on and work around each other as best we can. I defer to the guys with what they want to do since they've been a team for a while and I'm just getting used to doing this lone role full-time. Once people find their lanes, I try my best to complement them or fit in the places they haven't focused on lately.
Sasha
2:21
Hi Chris, no questions for you.  Just want to thank you for the effort and thought you put into answering the questions you get. Keep doing a great job!!
Christopher Carter
2:22
Thanks Sasha!!!
JAG
2:22
Christopher, thank you for the time and chat. Love your work and think you’ve been a great addition to the PG. Does MR get the nod as QB1 to start off next season, do they throw the rookie to the wolves out of the gate, or something else. Thanks.
Christopher Carter
2:23
Thanks JAG! That's a tough one, because I think it might depend on the quarterback!

A guy like Garrett Nussmeier out of LSU who has more experience might get the go-ahead right away. While LaNorris Sellers has some less experience as a starter and could be given a little time to learn before he starts.

But I do think Mason Rudolph is with the team to be the backup/bridge guy at some point!
Scott Cook via Ky
2:23
Can you name something tangible the Rooney family does that sets them apart from other NFL teams. They seem like good people but do employees like working for them?
Christopher Carter
2:24
They are highly respected for how patient they are and how unwaivering they can be where other teams panic. Like the Panthers of late, they've been shaking things up every month if they don't like how things are going and it makes it hard to find stability.

The Steelers, if nothing else, have stability. And that's definitely thanks to the organizational integrity created and maintained by the Rooneys.
JAG
2:24
Since the final whistle of the playoff game, Oline and Dline improvement have (and remain) the most critical pieces to the success of this team. Will be that way until the next franchise QB is obtained. Agree or disagree?
Christopher Carter
2:26
I think they'll be vital because that's still a very important part to football in general right now. Look at the Eagles and their team construction. They have both lines working at a high level and it's a big reason they're champions right now.
Latham
2:27
I feel like most people expect the Steelers to bring any another offensive playmaker. This might be a major or minor piece. Do you have any insight as to some names that this might be assuming it happens?
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