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Christopher Carter's Steelers chat: 08.22.25
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Rudolph’s Mustache
11:13
Did Thompson do enough for them to trust him as #2 and shop Rudolph?
Christopher Carter
11:14
I still see Rudolph as the No. 2. But I do think Thompson made the QB3 question a bit harder than I expected it to be.
Andy Carnegie
11:14
The tackling was atrocious last night.  Do they not tackle much during training camp? Do you think guys were just trying to "not get hurt" and play a little less than 100%?  I was impressed with Black on those back to back sacks-even if it was against backups/3rd stringers.  That is what a good player does.  Harmon is likely out a few weeks so it'll be great to get Black some playing time on the first line.
Christopher Carter
11:16
I do agree the first team tackling was bad. I mentioned to a previous commenter that it's possible the group was just a bit over-eager because they really wanted to be out there, but that's still no excuse.

But this team does tackle a lot -- maybe even the most in the NFL -- during camp/practice. Let's see if that manifests more in the regular season.

As for Yahya Black, I've been ringing the bell about this dude since week 2 of camp. He looks like the real deal as a rookie DT who can rotate in and take meaningful snaps.
Rudolph’s Mustache
11:16
Sloppy game but thought throughout preseason there was a difference in flow, execution, and communication in this team that we haven’t seen in a while. Do you agree
Christopher Carter
11:18
I do think there's a bit more cohesion to this team than some of the recent squads. But it's preseason. Don't buy too heavy into it.

Remember when Kenny Pickett led a touchdown drive every time the offense touched the field in the 2023 preseason? And then they got stomped by the 49ers and could barely move the ball in week one?

The reverse can happen as well. But preseason is for more individual observations on technique and development than complete team chemistry as no teams are game-planning for one another.
Dee Gee
11:18
Love your chats, CC, but let's go straight to the heart of the matter.  Who is the number one person responsible for the Steelers playoff woes in the past 7 years?
Christopher Carter
11:21
Thanks Dee Gee!

If you had to pick a common denominator, Mike Tomlin would be it as he's the primary person who's been there for all of them (also it's 8 now I believe.)

Now, Watt/Heyward have also been there, but I have a hard time pinning some of those games on them.

I would say that it's important to look at each playoff loss individually to assess why they lost. For the Jaguars/Browns/Chiefs losses, the offense stumbling out the gate with bad turnovers certainly sunk the team.

Could say the same for the Bills as a Pickens fumble and a Rudolph end zone interception cost them in a 14-point loss.

Last year though it's hard to overlook the run defense as they got bullied in the trenches.
Andy Carnegie
11:22
I'm keeping Skylar Thompson and cutting Howard or putting him on the taxi squad.  Thompson definitely looks much improved from his Miami days. I'm not one of those yinzer fans that buy in to Howard becoming the next Brady or Purdy.  Having said that, will the team still keep Howard because they used a draft pick on him?  What do you think they will do with the QB situation.
Christopher Carter
11:24
I wouldn't cut Howard as he's a young QB who you'd like to keep in the fold. If you want to protect Thompson, put Howard on IR and let him watch the rest of the season.

I think it's a tough call though and it depends on when they think Howard will be back. It also depends on if they think anyone would get desperate enough to trade for Thompson.

Howard to IR certainly looks like a possibility. But I don't think this team abandons him or Rudolph by cutting them. The one who's most likely to get cut is Thompson with the hope they'll bring him back on the practice squad.
surly in sheraden
11:24
Assuming Harmon misses some games, will Black fill that role, or will it more likely be one of the veterans on the DL?
Christopher Carter
11:24
Just based off what I saw in camp, Black would be the first to fill in there. He was often the first DT off the bench unless it was Ekuale at nose. So yes, expect to see lots of Yahya Black if Harmon can't play for a bit.
Yuri
11:24
Good morning Chris.  After the game last night, do you think there will be any surprising cuts or underdogs that will make the team?  Thank you Chris.
Christopher Carter
11:26
Good morning Yuri!

Watch out for Andrus Peat to make the roster. He's moved around the OL in a short amount of time and I think Tomlin will like that about him as he can fill multiple roles off the bench.

We also didn't see Beanie Bishop last night. Despite getting four interceptions as a rookie, it looks like he might get cut this year. He's fought hard in camp, but it's hard to ignore his size and limite role as a slot CB when this team has Ramsey and Echols playing there already, as well as both Thornhill and Clark helping there in pinches.
Happy Gilmore
11:27
Christopher, I know they toyed around with Mark Robinson at FB a little bit at camp. Was this a one day experiment or have they lookied at it more? Has he done enough to retain his spot over Bruener?
Christopher Carter
11:27
That was a short-lived experiment. I think Robinson is still a decent special teamer and could be kept for that. But that would be the primary reason. They like their quartet of Queen-Wilson-Holcomb-Harrison.
Judy A.
11:27
Thanks for doing these chats.  Do you know if AJ Ross and Ramon Foster will be doing any more work with the Steelers in the regular season?
Christopher Carter
11:28
Thanks for being here Judy!

I believe this was just their role for the preseason. AJ does a great job and I've had the privilege to talk to her more in years' past. Ramon's always great, but he also has a lot of big roles in Tennessee this year.
Takoma Tom
11:28
Did the Steelers make a big mistake not picking Jaxson Dart?  QB is the most important position and no attention to it.
Christopher Carter
11:29
I don't put much stock into Dart's preseason success just like nobody should've for Pickett's preseason success. If he does it in the regular season and the Giants challenge the Eagles/Commanders for the division, I'll eat my crow.
Andy Carnegie
11:29
The run game look putrid last night especially going against the Panthers backups.  Was it the play calling, the line, or just keeping it vanilla?  I thought Ke'Shawn Williams did well last night-he seems to be consistent in each game so far (making catches and returning punts decently) and not making any mistakes.  I can see them keeping him over Max H, B. Johnson and McCutcheon. Woods is all but gone.  Who do you think makes the 53 roster at WR?
Christopher Carter
11:31
I don't know if Kaleb Johnson averaging 4.8 yards per carry is putrid. Jaylen Warren certainly didn't get going and Kenneth Gainwell had a big run called back, but I'd chalk that up to limited sample sizes.

But the Steelers are definitely keeping thins vanilla, including in the run game. Here was my story on why they're doing that and what they expect to be able to do when they open up the playbook after talking to Arthur Smith, Troy Fautanu and Broderick Jones about that earlier this week: https://www.post-gazette.com/sports/steelers/2025/08/20/nfl-preseason-...
11:32
I like Williams and think he's made a case. But I think this is the WR depth chart:
Metcalf
Austin
Wilson
Miller
Skowronek

PS
Hurleman
Williams
McCutcheon
Mark in Buffalo
11:32
With the caveat that it's the preseason and we haven't seen Rodgers under fire in a Steelers uniform, how would you overall rank the QB room vs the league?  Seems our #2 and #3 (presumably Skylar, who managed to make -- I know . . . -- the #3 QB decision tough on the coaches) might be competent enough to successfully hold down the fort for a few games if Rodgers goes down.
Christopher Carter
11:33
I still see Mason Rudolph as QB2. But I do think Skylar Thompson closed that gap.

I also think this QB room is pretty deep compared to most of the NFL. Rudolph and Thompson have both started in at least one playoff game. Not many rooms can boast that kind of experience.
Chill Dave
11:33
Hi Chris, not trying to get too carried away by preseason but is it reasonable to wonder if Skylar Thompson is a better QB than Mason?
Christopher Carter
11:34
Hi Dave!

I wouldn't go that far. I think Thompson showed he's closer to Rudolph than I anticipated, but Rudolph is still QB2 until further notice.
Darnell
11:34
Hey Chris.  When deciding on who makes the team and who doesn’t, how much influence do you think the position coaches have?  Do you think Coach T considers their input or does he make the decisions himself?  Thanks Chris.
Christopher Carter
11:35
Position coaches absolutely have a say. Tomlin relies on their judgment a lot from what I understand. Now, Tomlin still gets final say, but they do have an impact.
I'd also say the front office has a big say in that process too.
Simmons
11:35
Chris, I’ve been pretty impressed with Trey Sermon’s running and special teams play.  How would you rate his chances of making the team.
Christopher Carter
11:35
I think it's low because they have three good RBs, but I do think he makes the practice squad as the top backup back.
Frosty
11:36
'Morning, Chris.  Reading Ray's article this morning, I see only two players can be put on IR to return -- who do you see getting that designation?
Christopher Carter
11:36
Morning Frosty!

Maybe Harmon IF that injury takes him out a month. Or Howard. But yeah, two slots and you want to be careful, so they won't rush it.
Vincent
11:36
I noticed you don’t have Beanie Bishop making the team.  Do you think he will be cut or will the Steelers try to include him as part of a trade?
Christopher Carter
11:38
I think if they can get value for him they'll try, but I just don't know if he nets them much back in return.

Bishop had a good camp all things considered, he just was in an unfortunate spot where this team added two former all-pro CBs and another veteran in Echols. They've got two CBs already who can play slot and the safeties can help there too. It's unfortunate and I like Bishop, but I just don't see him making it right now.
obxandy
11:38
Can player on IR practice with the team? Keep up the good work Chris.
Christopher Carter
11:38
Thanks! And nope. Only when they get past the 4 week window and the team designates them ready to return.
Mike from NC
11:38
Hello Mr.Carter, After the final preseason game last night, do the Steelers have a QB2/3 controversy on their hands? ST has played lights out this preseason, but so did Kenny Picket who looked like the 2nd coming of Joe Montana the year when all he did was led the offense on TD drives during the preseason. After the 53 man is set, who are going to be the three QBs that make it? Have a good weekend!
Christopher Carter
11:39
Hi Mike!

I agree to pump the brakes right now about ST's preseason, even though he does deserve credit. Rudolph is still QB2.

I think what might happen though is they keep Rodgers/Rudolph/Thompson and put Howard on IR.
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