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Christopher Carter's Steelers chat: 06.26.25
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Christopher Carter
2:28
I think we've seen some glimpses. Gabe Davis might be a piece if they like their current WRs and just want another guy for depth. But they might take a bigger swing at a guy like Chris Olave (maybe not him specifically, but a young starting WR on a team that's not ready to win now) if they don't like their WRs in camp.
Ryan
2:28
Good afternoon Chris how did Ben Skrowronek Look During Otas and Mini camp He looked good on special teams and offense when he was in last year GO STEELERS
Christopher Carter
2:28
Good afternoon! Skowronek looked fine in practices. Though, his toughness really only comes out when the pads go on, so didn't get to see that part of his game!
JAG
2:29
Do you think the majority of the fanbase’s displeasure with Tomlin is because they believe he’s not a coach to take this team to a championship or do you think it’s something else about him that they don’t like. He has flaws for sure but seems to be one of the best coaches around. Not many can do what he’s done with what they’ve had, never mind doing better.
Christopher Carter
2:33
I think there are some who are staked to the belief that Tomlin can't be the guy that coaches the organization when it becomes a championship contender again.

But I also think that when you compare him to other coaches--great, good, or bad--he still stacks up to be one of the best. Also, several of the claims about the worst parts of Tomlin get torn apart pretty quickly. Take the "Just the Truth" guy several questions up there around the 1:40 mark as an example.

I'm all for legitimate questions, but a lot of these are very easily peeled away to be thinly veiled shots that are pointed in a very obvious way. Those do make you wonder about the reason why the people who ask questions like that *actually* want Tomlin gone.
Scott Cook via Ky
2:33
Did you notice different training methods so far this summer. It appears to me our players get hurt at a much higher rate than other teams. I’d love to see stats on that. Staying healthy seems like the game most teams are really playing. The team with the least injuries in the thinnest positions win.
Christopher Carter
2:33
Tough to say during minicamp. But I do think it's interesting Tomlin pushed the training camp days back to 2:55 instead of mornings. Might be his way of saying the stuff last year didn't work.
Scott Cook via Ky
2:34
Does the Steelers players use VR to practice certain situations. Seems like  the offense would benefit from those.
Christopher Carter
2:34
If they do, I haven't seen it. But that's something I can ask in camp!
Scott Cook via Ky
2:34
I understand the NFL wants to expand the league world wide, but how about playing a game or two in cities in the US that are near nfl teams but don’t have one of their own. I’d love to go to a Bengal Steeler game in Louisville. We have a good Stadium at U of L.
Christopher Carter
2:35
Thing is, most people in Louisville are probably already NFL fans that turn the games on anyway. They're trying to get those international crowds that dip into bigger pools of money the league hasn't tapped yet.
Scott Cook via Ky
2:35
Could you get Dulac to get you on at Oakmont CC?  I’d bring him coffee and. danish till Christmas to get a round out there!!
Christopher Carter
2:36
HA! Fun fact: I've never played an actual round of golf. I love Top Golf and the occasional driving range or mini-golf, but I've never had the time to fully learn golf enough to be good at it to play a course. I wouldn't dream of bothering anyone about Oakmont until I got well above that level hahaha
JAG
2:36
The last 5 years of Colbert were subpar and not representative of his career. Hasn’t the mediocrity been a result of that more than anything? They seem to be turning the corner with the last few drafts but only time will confirm it
Christopher Carter
2:37
I think there's no doubt the Steelers' drafts from 2018-2022 have played a major role in their current situation. The Steelers got greedy and reached for positions of need instead of BPA because they were trying to win with the last years of Ben Roethlisberger, and they've been paying for it.

Granted, when most teams "pay" for missing on that many picks in such a short span, they're usually finishing in the bottom of the NFL and not making the playoffs four out of five years.
Tennessee Steeler
2:37
Chris, I realize I have my Steeler goggles on but apart from a wr2 and maybe another corner this team is pretty complete. That statement hinges on the oline stepping up in a big way. Where do you see other deficiencies?
Christopher Carter
2:38
I'd still sway swing tackle is a need and they also need the starting O-line to manifest. There's a lot of reasonably hopefuly prospects who could be breakout players soon. But those are also unproven guys, which means the roster still has to prove itself in a lot of areas too.
Guest
2:38
Is Diontae Johnson on a team or is he warming up at home now?
Christopher Carter
2:39
He's on the Browns ... for now.
STEEL72
2:39
It just occurred to me that the Aaron Rodgers chapter may be rather supernatural. I associate the beginning of the Steelers decline with the loss to him in the Super Bowl. Fast forward a decade and he is the man leading the Steelers-- it has a mystical resonance for me. Will he be the one to unbind the spell that has fallen over the franchise?

Vibe with me.
Christopher Carter
2:40
Let me burn some incense real quick.

I do think Rodgers can help them find some key parts of their offense that builds their new core. Having him steady the offense while young players like the OL find their footing could be really big. But I don't think he brings them to a Super Bowl this year--if that's what you mean.
NY Steel
2:41
Excluding Tomlin, where would you rank the Steelers coaching staff in the NFL — top quartile, second quartile, third quartile, bottom quartile?
Christopher Carter
2:42
I'd say second quartile. They've had a consistent top 10 defense so it's tough to go against that. Offense has some to prove but I also think that other coaching staffs are a lot worse than people realize in comparison.
Just The Truth
2:42
So I guess Tomlin isn't responsible for having Ben and the offense ready to play? Last time I checked he is the HEAD COACH. He is not simply the DC. He should be held accountable for all 3 phases of the game.
Christopher Carter
2:43
Ah, you again. Tomlin's responsible for having the game plan together and putting the players in position to succeed. But as Chuck Noll always said, it's the players that win the games.

When you watch those games I mentioned in our last back and forth, a lot of open players were ignored by the quarterback in missed opportunities when leads could've been built. That shows the coaching was there, the follow through was not.

Ice up guy. You're having a rough one in here today.
AB from Normalville
2:43
Any word on Antonio Brown and what's going on with him? Based on his behavior, it seems like CTE could be a potential cause. I know his time in Pittsburgh ended badly but it's sad to watch his life falling apart.
Christopher Carter
2:44
Not that I'm paying too close attention but didn't he flee the country last time I heard? I warned on WPXI's the Final Word the year his spiral appeared evident in 2019, this was not going to end as some funny story. It's going to be sad and someone is going to get hurt.
epiballo
2:45
Where does the NIL money come from? It seems like it is much more than the amount of scholarships previously awarded.
Christopher Carter
2:45
Gah I'm a Steelers reporter now. Stephen, Abby, help!

Ok but seriously, NIL money primarily comes from boosters and sponsors who want to support programs. But now with the house settlement, universities can pay players directly. So that will also be a resource.
Nikhil
2:46
Hey Chris! Something that’s been on my mind is about the Steelers as an organization. It’s always reported with the player surveys that the Steelers don’t have the best facilities or it doesn’t feel like ownership doesn’t put much into the team. Free Agent players have always said they come to play for Tomlin. Do you think the organization as lost its draw power once Tomlin leaves or do you think the Rooneys make the much needed investments before that time comes?
Christopher Carter
2:47
I think that if Tomlin leaves they better have a big name replacement who brings a strong energy and is respected or fans will REALLY start to know what tough times in the NFL look like.

I do think the Rooneys upgrade the facilities though within the next 5-10 years or so--regardless of Tomlin's status.
epiballo
2:47
If Sauls is on the practice squad, can't another team just sign him off of it and the Steelers get nothing? That's how I thought it worked.
Christopher Carter
2:47
Yep that's how it can happen. But training camp has to end before that occurs.
TomB
2:47
Great work CC! 3 qbs on the 53 and 1 on practice squad? Or…your take?
Christopher Carter
2:48
Thanks TomB! That's the move in my opinion. Keep 3 guys around ready to go and one in the tank in case you need an emergency.
Aces High
2:48
What's a realistic WR 2 for the team to go after for the upcoming season. Calvin Austin would be a much better WR 3 than 2. Not sure you can count on Roman Wilson after a lost rookie season. Thanks for the chat.
Christopher Carter
2:50
Realistic is always tough because it depends on who you ask. I think Gabe Davis and Amari Cooper are realistic, but would either be a legit WR2 in this offense? Cooper, more likely.

But it's always tough to tell about trades. Chris Olave is a potential target. I don't think Terry McClaurin actually is available and that will resolve itself soon with him staying in Washington.

But down the line--as in not this camp--I'd be interested in calling about Jordan Addison. Vikings got bills to pay and already pay Jefferson a lot of money. Maybe he becomes available.
Frosty
2:50
Hi Chris.  You have incredible stamina going for an hour-and-a-half on this chat.  Everyone else is on vacation.  Do you get your vacation soon?  Before camp starts?!
Christopher Carter
2:50
Hi Frosty! You'll actually not hear from me much in July until camp. Got a nice vacation lined up for then!
keeper
2:52
Why doesn't the Steelers allow a person to keep the football when it goes into the stands?
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