JotCast | Christopher Carter's Steelers chat: 08.01.25

Christopher Carter's Steelers chat: 08.01.25

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Easley

11:20

Assuming both punters get through camp healthy, who wins the job and will the loser have any trade value?

Christopher Carter

11:21

From what I've seen, Cameron Johnston will win the job. But it's early. As far as trades, the only value that would pop up is if someone's starting punter gets hurt. And that still won't land you much more than a switch of a 7th for a 6th or something like that.

Rocky Mtn Yunzer

11:21

Is camp any different from prior years? Are they running different drills, changing the order of certain periods, focusing on different things?

Christopher Carter

11:22

The spirit of camp is the same but the variety I've seen is broader. Defense is using a lot more packages and formations compared to recent years I've covered--as is the offense.

Mediocre Mikey

11:22

Christopher, Mark Robinson was a RB up until his senior year of college. He loves to hit people and is very physical. The Steelers rarely use a FB. Why not try him in that role? He could be effective as a "slash". Special Teamer/backup ILB/FB

Christopher Carter

11:23

Mark Robinson is definitely a missile of a man and that would be an interesting idea to experiment with. But I think that role might still go to Connor Heyward if they keep him as a fourth TE who can flex to FB. But Tomlin's said it before, fullback is almost extinct in today's NFL.

Mike

11:24

Hi Chris. Great to have you covering the Steelers full time now. My question is do you think that Ramsey will play like Polamalu and be all over the place or be like Minkah the last 2 years and play center field mostly?

Christopher Carter

11:25

Hello and thank you!

Oh man, Ramsey is going to be closer to Polamalu than Fitzpatrick, but he's still going to be more of a cornerback. I've seen this man play the slot, left outside CB, right outside CB, blitzer, deep safety, everything.

He's going to be everywhere in this defense.

Easley

11:25

Regarding the very confusing comp pick formula, can any of the ex-Steelers, particularly Fields and Wilson, play themselves into a better pick for the Steelers? What would that look like?

Christopher Carter

11:26

I think the current projections are just about if they finish the year with their team. It's less about improving the comp picks and more about not losing value in it. Had Justin Fields' foot injury been an achilles, that would've hurt his comp pick value as he would've missed the season.

Sally G.

11:26

Hi Chris, are there any dark horse receivers you can see possibly making the team? Thanks.

Christopher Carter

11:27

Roc Taylor is making some noise, as has Lance McCutcheon. Montana Lemonious-Craig would've been a great answer, but he suffered an unfortunate injury and is off the team.

J D

11:27

Chris, how has Broderick Jones been playing at left tackle? Do you think there is some competition for his job?

Christopher Carter

11:30

He didn't look great without pads and hasn't practiced with pads yet. But I'd remind people that trying to block people without pads on is VERY difficult so take any clips you see without pads as not a heavy indicator of anything.

But he NEEDS to show up once he does practice in pads. Calvin Anderson isn't competition for him. But I do think the biggest competition will be Omar Khan looking for value if they don't see him as the LT solution going into a fifth-year extension option.

Bob D

11:30

Hey Chris...thanks as always for the chats. So what happens, when not if, Rogers and his offensive coordinator Arthur Smith have a major blow-up over how the offense is being ran. Who wins that battle?

Christopher Carter

11:31

That's a good question. It depends on the situation. If it's an in-the-moment call of what to do on the field, I think it's Rodgers. But if we're talking like a "it's him or me" I don't think the Steelers would take it well and would side with Smith.

Alan in Bama

11:31

Good morning Christopher , seems like one of the bigger early concerns is B Jones moving back to left tackle, his “home”.
Looking at his college record he only became a full time starter his final year. What do you think his chance are of becoming what he was drafted to do and please explain the reason so many O lineman can only play on one side.

Christopher Carter

11:33

Good morning! I still like his chances to be the guy. He has the build, the attitude and the ability. He just has to put it together.

Will he? That's up to him. But I think he has it in him. It's important to remember he's still the youngest starter on the OL.

J D

11:33

Chris, is there something special going on with this year's camp that makes you think this team can win many games?

Christopher Carter

11:34

The defense honestly looks better than what I expected. If they're healthy and the offense is solid, I think this is an 11-win team.

BAB

11:34

Over/Under: How many questions on Mike Tomlin is the reason for all of the failures in my life?

Christopher Carter

11:35

HA. The standard is the standard.

Guest

11:35

I remember Holcolmbe playing great before his injury... yes?

Christopher Carter

11:35

Not great but I'd say good. And he looks GOOD right now in camp too. Great depth at LB.

Sunner in Orlando from Lebo

11:35

Do you see more of a rotation at ILB and OLB to help save these units from burnout later in the year or will it be the offense that needs to stay on the field longer to help the defense rest more during games?

Christopher Carter

11:36

That's what they're doing a lot in camp right now. They want these guys fresh to be good to go in the fourth quarter and in the final weeks of the season.

Greenwood

11:36

Christopher, I love your candid and detailed approach to chats. Thanks for that. BTW, what is the latest on Broderick Jones' injury? Has he been able to practice with the offense yet?

Christopher Carter

11:36

Thank you! Broderick Jones has yet to practice with the team in pads. Will be something we monitor tonight at Latrobe Memorial Stadium.

KMan

11:36

Good morning Christopher! I love this time of year. It reminds me of many, many moons ago and I can almost smell the torn up grass and sweat. Thanks to you and the rest of the PG staff for the inside look into camp. Two quick questions for you: Am I feeling just the typical excitement where 31 teams are optimistic about their season (not the Browns, of course) or is there a different vibe to this team - like they feel something special too? And secondly, are Frazier's snaps anything to be concerned about?

Christopher Carter

11:37

Good morning! And thank you!

1) I do think there's legitimate reason to be excited about these Steelers. I don't have them as a Super Bowl team, but I think they can make the divisional round this year, and maybe even the AFC championship if they get a few things to bounce their way against an elite team.

2) I wouldn't worry just yet. But it's something he'll need to clean up by week 1.

Come Plain

11:37

Hi Chris. Love these chats. Also- appreciate your analyses and insight. Where do you get the “all 22” footage for your in-depth analysis? Is this something the “common fan” can access? This is the biggest advantage of being in the stadium.

Christopher Carter

11:38

Thank you! Go to https://pro.nfl.com/nflpro

Anyone can pay for it!

11:39

Alright everyone sorry I can't do a super long one today so I gotta call it now. But thank you all for participating. A reminder, we'll be at Friday night lights practice tonight giving you live coverage, so follow us there!

Connecting…

2BeeOrNot2Bee

1:05

Who between Khan and Tomlin have the longest future ahead of them with the Steelers?

2BeeOrNot2Bee

1:06

Who had the best defensive team between Cowher and Tomlin and what year?

Sunner in Orlando from Lebo

2:05

Can’t help but worry about BJ at left tackle and if he does not pan out there the Offense might be doomed if AR is running for his life on every passing down. Have you seen improvement from him this week?

Guest

2:08

I feel every unit has improved personnel-wise, so why am I not optimistic about the season?

Anthony Castellano

2:21

Hi Chris. Thanks for your insightful answers! it is early but fun to over analyze, what else are we to do this time of year! would you list out our strongest /weakest groups so far in camp? my feel from what I read, strongest - DB, ILB, OLB, and TE. With our weakest being OL and WR.

Jim (Cosmo) K in Jax

2:31

This came from ESPN's ranking of NFL coaching staffs. "Pittsburgh's defense is, for seemingly the 137th season in a row, a reflection of its coach: tirelessly tough, prepared for the key moment and never out of the fight." .Do you agree with this analysis of the defense over the past year or three? I sure don't and guessing many Steelers fans agree with me. This year could be potentially better. Overall, coaching staff (head coach and coordinators only) was ranked 15th. Seems about right. Average/middle of the road and nothing special.

Ryan

2:35

Chris what do you think About Mark Robinson i saw that he had a Good Day Wednesday Go Steelers

JAG

2:35

Everyone seems to be in agreement that Jones needs to figure things out and produce this year. Let’s say he turns things around in camp and does just that but gets hurt. Is there a backup they can rely on for the rest of the season. If not, why aren’t they getting him right now

JAG

2:39

I’ve only read stories and watched YouTube videos but this team seems more intense, competitive, and better constructed than any team they’ve had in the past 5 yrs at least from what I’ve read and watched. Interested to know if you have a similar take seeing it in person

Leech

2:42

Do you think the Steelers will still spend some of that cap room they have? If so, what would be your prediction in terms of what they go after?

JAG

2:44

The McAfee crowd was pretty embarrassing. I know it’s the shtick of the show to act that way but the crowd seemed over the top. Looked like some of the guests were like what’s wrong with these people and why are you letting this continue? Any indication from the team on what they thought about it?

MajorRick

2:46

Hey Christopher, Last week, you told me you were interested in watching the secondary. Were you able to gain a better understanding of how they will deploy the new additions? As always, thank you for these chats!

JAG

2:48

What do you think they need more, a WR2 or offensive tackle depth?

JAG

2:50

Do you see the defense needing to carry this team at least to the bye week to give the O time to get it together?

MajorRick

2:50

Hello Christopher. How have the interactions been with AR thus far, and has he been pretty accessible? Do you know if the Steelers will allow him to make his Pat McAfee appearances once the regular season starts?

Steeler fan near Philly

2:53

Who do you think will be their best OL this year?

Henry Hill

2:54

Greetings Chris; do A-Rod and Mason communicate, or do they avoid each other? Just wondering if there's any rapport between them given the 'internet rumor' that Mason was upset about the Steelers signing A-Rod. Thanks.

TomB

2:54

Would you venture a guess how often AR changes the play at the los? Thanks & Congrats!

KRUT

2:56

Hey CC! Thanks for taking the time to do these chats, you are the best of the crew at them. In your opinion, who is the biggest bad ass on the team that everyone should be afraid of? We had Deebo back in the day, is there anyone that brings the intimidation that he had or even close? Thanks

Cameron

3:07

Chris who is the biggest surprise for you in camp so far?

Marvin P

3:08

Good morning Chris and congratulations on getting married. After the acquisitions of Ramsey and Smith (not discounting the acquisitions prior to those two), I feel much more excited about the Steelers chances to compete for a Super Bowl. Are my expectations unrealistic?

Jack

3:08

Any early takes from Jack Sawyer's performance at camp? Do you see him earning meaningful snaps this season? Kid was a beast at OSU and overall good kid.

Cal from nh

3:10

Trade hypothetical

Marvin P

3:11

A lot is expected of Porter and Jones this year. From what you’ve seen in camp thus far, will they be ready to step up and make contributions based upon their draft status?

Steeler Joe

3:11

Hey, Chris — congrats on the nuptials! I’m digging the 04 personnel package. But wouldn’t it be better with one of our RBs in the backfield instead of Jonny?

Cal from nh

3:13

trade hypothetical. Steelers get: Jordan Addison, 5th round pick. Vikings get Calvin Austin, pat Freiermuth, and a 6th rounder. Validation: tomlin likes head case receivers, Addison likes pit and flashed potential, hockenson and muth create a great te room for a young qb, Austin becomes the two who burns next to Jefferson. Nobody complains about targets, Steelers get a player with big time talent

Hi Chris -

3:25

Looking at the 5 WR you list, if anything happens to DK, I’d put 10 in the box and say “go ahead and try”. My lord, what a bunch of nothing. Please tell me I’m wrong?

MAD DOG

3:26

Hi Chris...interest for the steelers grows each and every year almost exponentially...I am somebody who can name every 1979 pirate...do you think the pirates being so bad for do long directly contributes...it just really sucks they are so bad

Butcher

3:30

How is TJ looking post contract? Will they be moving him and other players like Ramsey around? And what are the concerns of doing that? If we had communication issues last year how confident can we be that they won't be worse with quote moving chess pieces unquote

Jason

3:37

Do you feel that Russell Wilson was pmmade the sacrificial lamb for the way last season ended? I think a lot of things went wrong for this team after Russell Wilson went off for 400 yards in cincinnati... a perfect storm as they say. I wasn't expecting much of him, but I would have liked to have seen Russell Wilson with one more year in the system and not coming off a summer injury. Add in gerry dulacs reporting that they handcuffed Russell Wilson's ability to change plays after he went off for 400 yards in what was one of his statistically best games of his career. I also realize that Cincinnati didn't have the greatest defense last year.

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