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Christopher Carter's Steelers chat: 08.06.25
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Christopher Carter
10:04
Alright everyone! Let's get into it!
Kurt Naples Fl
10:04
If the Browns can have 5 quarterbacks, why can’t we also?
Christopher Carter
10:06
OK, this is legitimately a hilarious way to start today LOL.

I was shocked when I saw the Huntley signing. I feel like the Browns are testing the old NFL adage, "if you have two quarterbacks, you really don't have one."

So they're saying, "well OK now we have FIVE. That probably gives us two now, right?!"

Maybe Kevin Stefanski has got some master plan drawn up, but things look bad over there.
Tom in NSB
10:06
Hi Chris, don't you think it's about time to retire that wonderful quarterbacks # from the Steelers 1st Superbowl win? The couldn't have won it without good old # 5 holding the clipboard. Also, no one could run on Aaron Smith.
Christopher Carter
10:09
We got all the jokes today! On a more serious note, I do think they should retire Bradshaw's jersey, and while he's still alive so he can enjoy it."

I know a lot of people like to look at his stats and say he was overrated, but he's the only AP NFL MVP in team history and he's the only QB in NFL history to win multiple Super Bowls and throw a touchdown in the fourth quarter of each Super Bowl he played in. Guy deserves it.

And yes, Aaron Smith was a monster on the defensive line.
Lou
10:09
Hi Chris. Lots of Steeler talk of 4 TE formations. Is that a realistic plan for success in the modern NFL?  Wouldn’t it be better to get another WR?
Christopher Carter
10:10
I do think it would benefit the Steelers to add at WR. I think the 4 tight end formations will be an accessory for the offense and not a staple.

Now 2 TE formations ... those probably will be a staple. I don't think that's all that bad a thing because I think Freiermuth and Smith can be a really good pair and if the offensive line has a decent year, Aaron Rodgers can have plenty of ways to confuse defenses.
Debbie
10:10
Hi Chris !  I’m hoping you can clarify if Howard broke his finger or his hand. From what I’ve seen and heard, nobody knows for sure.  Thank you.
Christopher Carter
10:11
Hello!

From what I heard it was a small bone in his hand. Either way, he's most likely going to miss all of preseason. It's really unfortunate because I think he's been good in camp. Now, I want to clarify, the "good" is backup quarterback good. As in he can definitely have a career in the NFL, but needs a lot of work before he's a definite starter.
Lucas G.
10:11
Hey Chris, thanks for doing these chats.  I’m hearing that Black is having a great camp so far.  Agree?  If so, that would be big for the defensive line.
Christopher Carter
10:13
Hey Lucas! Thanks for being here!

Not only do I agree, but I'm banging the table that he might be having THE BEST camp. This guy went from being a fifth round rookie to being the first defensive lineman off the bench. And he looks GOOD in doing that. It doesn't look like the Steelers forced anything here, he's just earning these reps.

Him and Harmon could be the bash brothers this defensive line needed. They'll both be players I pay close attention to with film in the preseason.
Roll Tide
10:14
Good morning.  As a ‘bama fan, I am wondering how Trey Sermon has looked so far.  I’m hoping he can make the team if Coach T carries 4 running backs or maybe as a punt/kick returner.  Thanks Chris.
Christopher Carter
10:15
Good morning!

Trey has looked fine, but he's in a tough spot. This team has Jaylen Warren, Kaleb Johnson and Kenneth Gainwell. Sermon isn't better than any of them at the things they do, and Gainwell's taking the return duties. With all the other positions that will be loading up with an extra player (potentially TE/CB/LB/DL) I think RB is going to just have 3 guys.
Sunner in Orlando from Lebo
10:15
Do the Steelers try to make a run for one of the Browns quarterbacks with Will Howard going down for the rest of the preseason?
Christopher Carter
10:16
I doubt it. They might sign someone though just to have as an extra arm to get through the preseason. But I think once Howard's back he's still the No. 3 and whoever they'd get would be cut or practice squad.
TVC15
10:16
Hi Chris, Did Tom Brady get injured and have to miss his 1st preseason?
Christopher Carter
10:18
I see what you're trying to do here TVC15. YOU ARE NOT SLICK.

Also, because I'm a nerd I actually researched this and Brady actually came in during the fourth quarter of the Hall of Fame game back in 2000.
Hi Chris -
10:18
If anything significant happens to DK, the Steelers have nobody to blame but themselves. They have cap space and can create more.  The lack of a true #2 has been a headache for two years, yet the Steelers do nothing to seriously address it.  Why is that?  Same with OL depth.  Injuries WILL HAPPEN.  So frustrating to understand.  Please help me!  Thanks
Christopher Carter
10:19
I agree that they  should get a security WR and Amari Cooper is right there. They saw what happened with George Pickens' injury last season. Get in front of it and sign someone who can take on that role just a bit. I understand why they made all these other moves, and being patient about WR, but I think I've seen enough to say Cooper would help.
Southside Jimmy
10:20
Hey Chris, what’s your sense about how the Steelers feel about their receiving corps?  Are they happy with those in camp or is there any interest of trying to trade for McLaurin?
Christopher Carter
10:20
I think Terry McLaurin is a pipe dream. The Commanders would want WAY too much to get him. They'd definitely want a higher 2026 pick and those are being saved for the QB trade-up.
10:22
I also think the Commanders just sign McLaurin and all of this has just been part of the negotiations. I don't have any insider source on that, just looking at how they have the money to pay him, he's stuck it out there, they finally have a good QB. It would be the silliest thing to let a player like that walk while you have a potentially generational thrower on your roster.

Huh, almost felt like I was talking about the Pirates for a sec.
Sunner in Orlando from Lebo
10:22
How much does Aaron Rodgers play in the preseason? Season is over if he gets hurt in a preseason game and we have to turn to Mason or Thompson as QB one
Christopher Carter
10:22
I think he plays 1-2 series in the second preseason game and that's it.
Beaver County Fan
10:22
What is the status of local product Jordan Whitehead's NFL career? Any chance the Steelers might bring him in for some depth at safety?
Christopher Carter
10:24
Whitehead is currently a free agent. Unfortunately, he was playing for the Buccaneers last season and got into a car accident that led to him missing the end of the season and then his contract option was declined.

I think with the way Juan Thornhill and Chuck Clark have played, the Steelers won't be dipping back into safety that much.
the real guest
10:24
Chris, I am ok with the TJ contract. I just wish they would use him more in a 3-3 scheme where he lines up with three bigs and moves around on the line. Nothing against Highsmith but a 250 lb LB can not push a 305 lb OL like a big can. The 2-4 scheme drives me nuts. Your thoughts
Christopher Carter
10:26
I think the 2-4 scheme works because of the other players they have on the roster.

Queen and Wilson are fast and will be flying around a lot more this season and that will help the pass rush be varied and tough to predict.

I'd also say Highsmith generally does a really good job on the edge against the run and the pass. The biggest problem lately has been the interior guys not getting enough push since Tuitt's retirement. But watch out, Harmon and Black might have something to say about that.
TVC15
10:26
Is there any good news at all about Broderick Jones? Is he still injured? What gives?
Christopher Carter
10:27
As we noted in our post-practice video yesterday, Broderick Jones actually had a good day. His feet and hands looked better, and he withstood different rushes and even picked up stunt blitzes with Isaac Seumalo.

Need to see him in games, but he's looking better.
MikeM65 from Florida
10:27
The Steelers have had some hits and misses in recent drafts.  Without looking at details, do you think all the free agent signings and trades is a sign that their draft talent has been subpar?
Christopher Carter
10:29
There's no denying the misses they had at the tail end of Colbert's tenure.

The only first rounders on the roster who've been drafted by the Steelers are Heyward-Watt-Jones-Fautanu-Harmon. Ideally you'd like to not have that five year gap between Watt and Jones--even if one of them was because they traded away a pick.

But you also have to take the good with the bad. Colbert made several legendary picks and moves and deserves a ton of credit for assembling the 2000s Super Bowl rosters, and a good 2010s roster that was just unfortunate to have several key injuries at the wrong moments.
Sunner in Orlando from Lebo
10:30
How much concern do you have with the defense destroying the offense and training camp so far? Is it just a matter of time for the offense to catch up or are there personnel issues that won’t allow them to be a competent unit this fall?
Christopher Carter
10:31
Not too much ... yet. I said Sunday that I'm putting a beige colored flag up that the offense isn't in panic mode yet but they're getting close to the "it's early in camp" reasoning to start turning into a bad excuse.

But hey, Tuesday they came out and looked sharp. So maybe that flag can go back down. It's important to remember, Rodgers is a very detailed QB and those guys need more time to get people on page with them. Now if you're saying, "this is why he should've been at OTAs and minicamp," no argument there.
Butcher
10:31
So there seems to be significant concerns raised during camp about Broderick Jones. How does the REST of the line look ? Are they holding their own and looking like a cohesive unit? The D seems to be dominating , but I still think the line attaining some semblance of a well oiled machine is the key to the season.
Christopher Carter
10:33
Isaac Seumalo in his first fully padded practice since returning looks good. Troy Fautanu is having a solid camp and even stood up to Watt a few times. McCormick's been good, but I'd say his nemesis is Yahya Black, who's been a monster in one-on-ones.

Frazier had some bad snaps early but I think those have been resolved. Otherwise he's been decent. But he's also lost a bit to Harmon and Black. I'm eager to see if the DL can do that to other teams or if the Steelers OL is just underperforming.
Steeler Dude
10:33
Hey Chris. Many people in this town fail to realize that the offense going 3 and out so many times at the begging of games wears down the defense. This defense has led this teams to the playoffs 4 of the last five years. I believe the addition of Rodgers will help turn this around. What is your take.
Christopher Carter
10:35
Hey! I think you're spot on with your analysis. The defense having to carry the team for so long not only wears down the players, but also exhausts all the defensive looks you develop throughout a season. By the time the Steelers get to the late season, they've shown all the extra looks and designs they were saving to play off the looks that had become their staple calls and schemes in the middle of the season.

If the offense can just possess the football, that will happen a lot less.
Sunner in Orlando from Lebo
10:35
What is the most concerning injury in training camp so far? Is it Highsmith’s groin or Is it one of the offensive linemen?
Christopher Carter
10:35
I'd say Calvin Austin. I don't even know for sure what it is, but that he's sat out multiple days and we haven't heard anything is concerning.
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