Christopher Carter's Steelers chat: 07.24.26
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Christopher Carter
11:35
I do think if they want to make a run they need to stack wins early.

The Steelers never lost to the Falcons under Mike Tomlin and have only lost to them one time in franchise history. That needs to be a win. Because the rest of those early games are not cakewalks.

The Patriots will be at home and coming off a long week since they play Thursday night on week one. And they're good.

The Bengals have floundered the last three years with Joe Burrow, but they've made some good defensive additions and could be tougher.

I also wouldn't sleep on the Browns getting another Thursday night game in Cleveland. They haven't won in Cleveland since 2021, and they've NEVER won a road Thursday night road game against a divisional opponent.

Typically, NFL teams lose road Thursday night games -- winning only 33% of those games since Thursday night football became a regular thing in 2006.

That number dwindles even more when facing divisional opponents.

So, that won't be easy either.
11:42
I'll also add: I know Steelers fans like to gripe to the schedule makers at times. Most of the things complained about aren't anything but systemic results for how opponents are assigned.

But Thursday night football assignments are one gripe I think Steelers fans could have with the NFL.

This will be the third consecutive year the Steelers have had a road Thursday night football game against a divisional opponent. It's also the fifth straight time they've faced an AFC North opponent on a Thursday night and it's been an away game.

They haven't had a home Thursday night game against an AFC North opponent since 2015, and that's the only other one they've had since 2011.

This year will make the 7th such away Thursday night divisional game for the Steelers compared to 2 home divisional Thursday games since 2011. 7-2 is an aggressive tilt in one direction, and isn't doing them any favors.
Sunner in Orlando from Lebo
11:42
Do you believe Rodgers makes it through the year without missing any games? I think that is wishful thinking. If and when that happens, would the Steelers be better off letting Howard or Allar play to basically punt on the season but you may know what you have in the future or do they keep Mason around to try to salvage the season and try to sneak in as a wild card?
Christopher Carter
11:44
I have a hard time thinking he makes it through completely healthy. He'll take a hit at some point that might make him miss a game or two.

If that happens, whether that's Will Howard or Drew Allar playing would need to be proven by them. They should not just be handed the opportunity without earning it. If neither of them are even close to Mason Rudolph, Rudolph should get the shot -- especially if the Steelers are in a playoff race.

You don't rush in a player who isn't ready. If they're not showing they're ready in camp/preseason/in-season practices, you don't play them if you have better options.

Still have to earn playing time. If they do, give them a shot.
SoCalFan
11:45
Good morning Chris...do you predict Aaron will play better this season and be more effective than he was last year or the year before with the Jets?
Christopher Carter
11:51
Good morning!

Also, last question here before I have to record North Shore Drive with Ray Fittipaldo.

I think Aaron Rodgers does get a better shot this season with the receiver crew around him. He still has a cannon of an arm, the offensive line should improve with experience and his receiver room has improved with the additions they've made.

All that adds up to be more talent around him, and I think Mike McCarthy will do a good job to install an offense that gets the Steelers throwing earlier and more efficiently.

Should they do that, I think he has a better season. I don't expect him to approach NFL MVP territory for a 5th time in his career, but I think his passer rating jumps a few points, and he maybe gets closer to 30 TD passes than the 24 he had last season while keeping the interception numbers down.
11:52
Thanks everyone for the questions! Was a fun pre-camp live chat.

Next time we do this, I'll be at Saint Vincent College covering this team's first training camp with Mike McCarthy as head coach.

Fun times ahead! Also, keep watch for our countdown of the most important players for the Steelers continues to camp. Joey Porter Jr. released today, and I'll have the next two Saturday and Sunday with Ray finishing it up Monday and Tuesday.
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