You are viewing the chat in desktop mode. Click here to switch to mobile view.
X
Christopher Carter's Steelers chat: 10.03.25
powered byJotCast
View Full Chat Next Page
Christopher Carter
10:02
Good morning everyone and happy Friday! I'm still feeling a bit jet-lagged from Dublin but we're powering through into the weekend. Let's get into it!
AK
10:02
Can we stop this foolish notion of Washington switching positions, especially mid-season?
Christopher Carter
10:05
I'm right with you on this. Darnell Washington is a heck of a tight end and I think people are going to realize that more and more this year. I also think it's WAY too early to give up on Broderick Jones or Troy Fautanu, which ius what moving Washington to OT would signal.
CJ
10:06
Good morning, Chris, Thanks for doing these chats. You do a great job; my first thought is general coaching in the NFL. Last night's game, for example: the 49ers have a 3-point lead and get a fumble recovery at their own 1-yard line; the Rams have all 3 timeouts left. The 49ers literally did nothing to try and move the ball—a QB sneak and, in essence, two more running back dive plays that gained 3 yards. I’m sitting there thinking you accomplished nothing; making the other team use their timeouts was inconsequential because they are going to get the ball at midfield and have 40 seconds to get in field goal range, which is easy nowadays with 60-yard kicks being the norm, which they did of course, and the game went to OT.Why wouldn’t you throw the ball down there to get a first down? If you don’t make it, still, in same situation, you might as well take a shot.My other pet peeve is defensive backs not looking back for the football; it drives me crazy. They are literally chickens running with their heads cut off
Christopher Carter
10:12
Good morning!

I think I get what you're asking here. One thing in general about coaching is there are always many factors that go into the innumerable decisions in game-planning, in-game decisions by coaches and matchups as games play out. So unless Shanahan addressed it after the game, not entirely sure his reasoning.

But if you asked me to guess, I'd assume he thought his offense against the Rams' aggressive front was more likely to make a mistake that crushed them with their backs against the wall than his defense was to give up a TD. Every decision you choose to be on one aspect of your team leads to you inherently betting against another part of your team. That's the way it goes for offense/defense, pass/run etc. Ultimately, Shanahan's decision didn't kill them and they won.

As for DBs, it's a lot harder to turn and find the ball than you think. Only the elite players do it consistently. As typical DBs are often taught to play their man and not the ball so that they don't lose their assignment.
troysteelerfan
10:12
Any thoughts on what the Steelers may do to address the WR issue if Calvin Austin is out for an extended period of time? Roman Wilson? Someone from the outside?
Christopher Carter
10:13
I honestly think if they make a move it's a low-level one. Put away the big theories on A.J. Brown or (name a big-name WR). I could see a small move where they give up a late day 3 pick to get a WR.
10:15
But ultimately, this offense is barely using its WRs as it is and is right in the middle of the pack in scoring in the NFL even while it's offensive line is figuring things out. I don't think adding a big WR2 that just doesn't get a lot of targets is the answer that solves everything.

I do think they should use more Roman Wilson. Skowronek and Miller do the little things better though like blocking in key spots, so that might be why they're getting some looks. But I wouldn't be shocked if Wilson finally got some targets while Austin was out.
AK
10:15
I actually read a columnist say that Freiermuth is the 3rd best TE on the roster. Isn't that ridiculous?
Christopher Carter
10:17
Pat Freiermuth certainly hasn't had the start you'd like, but I wouldn't say he's third-best on this roster. He still does things in the passing game that just haven't connected with Rogers yet in-game. He's still getting open, but there are limited targets to go around right now and that's part of the game there.

I do think this has been the best blocking I've seen from him. He's more aggressive and finishes better than he did the past four years. Darnell Washington is still much better at that, but Freiermuth still has him as a route-runner and receiving TE.
Jim
10:17
Good morning Sir, Happy Friday! Quarterbacks are dropping like flies in the AFC North. Say the worst case scenario happens to the Steelers and Rodgers misses some time. Who, in your opinion, is in the best position rolling with their current backup?
Christopher Carter
10:19
Good morning and happy Friday!

This is a very interesting question. And frankly, I'd say the Steelers. Now, I still need to see Dillon Gabriel actually run the Browns' offense. But I'm just not that high on him after what I studied of him in college and the limited things I saw presason.

Rudolph has won for the Steelers in tight spots before, and the Steelers are arguably the best built team in the AFC North when taking away the QB position. Ravens might've been that had their defense not completely fallen apart the way it has in the first month.

But I will say, don't count out Baltimore just yet. I still think they have a lot of talent and can turn things around fast; especially with their schedule after their bye week.
AB
10:19
Hi Chris, thanks for the chats. Local media has given Khan/Tomlin a pass for trading Pickens, essentially arguing he was a locker room cancer. Pickens is thriving in Dallas and has not been a negative or disruptive presence. The Steelers are in desperate need of a deep threat at WR. With Pickens on this roster this team could be a legit Super Bowl contender. Whats your take on this trade now? I think it was shortsighted and misguided.
Christopher Carter
10:25
Hello and thanks for being here!

I'll admit to being on both sides of the fence of this argument at different points. When the trade was made, I wasn't for it, as I thought him and Metcalf could be dangerous together.

But the more stories I heard behind the scenes, the more I understood the move.

Pickens in Dallas matches him with Dak Prescott, who might be the best passer he's caught from in the NFL (meaning in the year they played together. All-time, Russell Wilson is better than Prescott, but this year Prescott is better than last year Wilson, in my opinion.)

So I think for Pickens the trade is a bit of a wake-up call, but one that puts him in a situation he can use to his advantage.

As for the Steelers' needs, I do think having him right now would help. But I also think they were trying to set the locker room right. And I'd give Pickens time before saying that he's fixed all his issues just becaeuse of four games in Dallas. I hope he does, because he's a heck of a player.
10:26
But the Steelers gave him every chance to grow, and he didn't do that enough in his time in Pittsburgh. Sometimes, that's the wake-up call somebody needs. Cris Carter said that was the case for him when the Eagles let him go and he had to reshape his life when he joined the Vikings (granted, for a VERY different reason).
Nikhil
10:26
Hey Chris! Maybe less of a question, but I’m a bit confused on the uproar on the team not playing up to its full potential through 4 weeks. I know there’s a lot to improve and a lot of injuries to deal with. But shouldn’t we take the wins and signs of life and make sure they peak at the end of the season instead of too early like past seasons? Or do you think this is more battered Steelers syndrome or people wanting the team to do bad for “change”
Christopher Carter
10:36
Hello!

I get why some fans are anxious and just want to see a better end to the season. But I do agree that this is a very different styled team than what the Steelers have tried in recent years in as far as how they go about using their strengths and the potential with the veterans/rookies they've added.

Winning football games is hard in the NFL -- a lot harder than many realize. That's part of why I dive into film so much because I want to show people just how GOOD you have to be to win and the insane professional quality that goes into winning and even losing efforts sometimes --  as well as where the efforts fall short.

I try to provide coverage that reflects that rather than just painting with a broad brush that avoids the growth/struggles in the journey. I hope that's more of what people want.
Tom
10:36
More importantly, can we stop the foolish notion that Connor Heyward should be a significant contributor on the team! With 3 others legit TE why is he a part of our offense? He's proven he isn't a playmaker outside of practice.
Christopher Carter
10:37
So uh, I will say Connor Heyward was a good contributor this week in particular. In my second rewatch of the all-22, he was a key blocker in several run plays that helped spring Kenneth Gainwell and he was good on special teams. He's not the playmaker, sure. But he's doing a lot of the dirty work when the Steelers face overloaded boxes against the run.
Cdub
10:37
I didn't mind the Friermouth pick and he seemed legitimate in his rookie year, but his contract extension was ludicrous.  He has his supporters, but I can't understand why he's still employed, let alone being paid 12 mil a year.  What does that guy bring to the table?  Why is he still viewed as an asset to the team?
Christopher Carter
10:39
I think he's still viewed as an asset, but one that hasn't been tapped into much this season. Freiermuth is getting open, but Rodgers is finding others or just under too much pressure in some spots. I don't think he'll continue this season with the low production he's had so far. But if he does, maybe the Steelers do explore what their TE options are moving forward with Washington's potential contract looming.
AK
10:39
I've read where fans are asking if it's too soon to label Johnson a bust.  YES!  It's 4 games into his rookie season and he's a 3rd round pick.
Christopher Carter
10:40
Yeahhhh "bust" talk is really reserved for third-fourth year players and even then often gets overblown. Would you like him to be further along? Sure. But that's why they brought in Gainwell and signed Warren. Clearly they knew there was a learning curve and Gainwell just showed he's ready to help when they're short-handed. Also thought Johnson had some solid runs Sunday. I'm with you. Give him time.
Jana
10:40
Is the Steeler version of the tush push worked once why not try it on the 4th and 1?????
Christopher Carter
10:43
I think they saw giving their defense a longer field to defend being the better way to win, and it worked.

Live, I thought it was a bad decision. But when I looked at it after, the Steelers netted about 20 yards from the decision to punt.

The farthest the Vikings got on their final drive was their own 39. 20 yard from there is the Steelers' 41 ... a 58-yard field goal. The Vikings' kicker, Will Reichard, has made all 3 of his kicks from 58 or farther. The punt gave the defense space to seal the win, and they did.
AK
10:45
What is the ridiculous notion that the Steelers should trade Rudolph to make room for Howard, as if he's the next Brady?
Christopher Carter
10:47
I haven't seen or heard of such a notion but I think that would be absolutely insane unless the Steelers netted a 2nd round pick or higher. Rudolph is arguably the best backup in the division, maybe one of the best in the NFL. Howard's been hurt for over a month. Also knowing Rodgers might just be a one-year thing, you definitely want to keep Rudolph in case you need him to be a starter next year or at least compete with a rookie you draft in the first round.
'JR
10:47
Top of the morning to you Chris. Reading Ray’s article on the “Steel Shove”, is it fair to say that MT has too much say into game management, which I’ve always felt is his biggest weakness. I’m referring to Ray’s comment on 3rd and 1 and then punting on 4th and 1. I don’t believe those calls were made by AS. Thanks.
Christopher Carter
10:52
Top of the morning to you JR! The way I understand it, Tomlin says what he wants when it comes to either go for it or not, but he leaves the discretion of what play to call mostly up to Arthur Smith (there might be an exception here and there but largely it's Smith's call on the play).

I believe you'd be correct that it wasn't Smith's decision to punt. But that's where the head coach has to balance what he sees in his offense and defense. He thought his defense could go win him the game, and they did. Maybe it'll backfire if he makes that call again another day, but it didn't fail him Sunday.
Stash
10:53
CC, have you studied Kaleb's collegiate games enough to ascertain if he was mainly blowing over, past and through future sales reps, actuaries and baristas?
Christopher Carter
11:00
College football always has lower level of competition than the NFL, but the Big Ten is not short on NFL talent that Johnson would've faced. Here are some of the drafted players from Big Ten teams he either scored against or rushed for 100+ yards against.

Ohio State's Tyleik Williams, JT Tuimoloau, both 2nd round picks, along with Jack Sawyer and Lathan Ransom, both 4th round picks, and Ty Hamilton, a 5th round pick.

UCLA's Carson Schwesinger, Oluwafemi, Oladejo, both 2nd round picks.

Maryland's Jordan Phillips and Dante Trader Jr., two 5th round picks.

I could go on, but I've been told I need to wrap these chats up faster. So I hope you see there was enough good talent he faced in college to justify his value in the draft.
Takoma Tom
11:00
Since the ratbirds aren’t happy with Harbaugh we should trade Tomlin to the ratbirds and get them to throw in a few #1 picks.
Christopher Carter
11:01
That would be one of the biggest blockbusters of all time. I don't know if you want your coach of 18 years going to your nemesis you'll play twice a year while they have a multi-time MVP QB in his prime. But 3 first round picks would be a heck of an offer.

That's fantasyland though, so don't think it would ever happen.
CJ
11:01
Benton was getting a lot of criticism this season what did you notice in this last game where he looked like a force
Christopher Carter
11:03
He used his hands and his feet better to beat opponents to his spots. Benton is not a mauler but he can overpower opponents when he applies the right leverage. He didn't do that in the first three games and I graded him as such. But Sunday, I saw him doing the things that I've thought would make him good in the NFL. Needs to do them more consistently, but I thought it was a step forward. What's just odd is that he was playing better last season compared to his first three games this year. Maybe that elbow pad he's been wearing is because of an injury that's held him back. But that's pure speculation on my part.
Jalen
11:03
CC, does one foolishly invite bad karma when faking a pulled hammy for laughs?
Christopher Carter
11:05
Heh. I have to admit there was a lot of irony in that happening. I think Ramsey was doing it because Justin Jefferson made that popular. I guess if you believe in "the football gods" that was them striking.
The Dude
11:05
Wouldn’t it make more sense to line up a bigger body in the backfield and take AR out of the game on the push play?
Christopher Carter
11:06
I think you want to leave Rodgers in the huddle because you want the defense to send in personnel that would be more for a regular package and then when you pile everyone in for the "Steel shove" you're not up against their biggest players at the point of attack. That's just my theory though.
CoalportKid
11:08
Been thinking about the first contract QB hypothesis.  You get a cheap first contract load up and have a lot of success.  QBs used to be able to reach a super bowl on their first contract.  

Is that hypothesis dead?  Honestly, I'm not sure there is a first contract QB I'm totally convinced about.  Daniels might be the closest, but has huge availability warts.  I'm glad the Steelers never tank and hope, so many 1:1s are meh...
Connecting…