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Christopher Carter's Steelers chat: 11.21.25
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Christopher Carter
10:31
Good morning and welcome to the live chat! Let's get into it!
mrbig
10:31
We've had ups & downs this season, just like the previous 8 years. Any reason to think they can win a playoff game? I feel their only chance is if they win the division & have a home game-
Christopher Carter
10:34
Just like the previous 21 years really. I think the only season I can remember in my life where there weren't really ups and downs was 2004 when they went 15-1. Even the SB XL and SB XLIII teams had them. Part of the game.

But I think their chances to win a playoff game hinges on matchups. I still think if last year's team just gets to face the Texans or the Chargers, they're in a much better space to win.

Similar for this year. If they can win the division and get a 5, 6 or 7 seed, that could be the key. They just need to not play an MVP level QB on the road -- which they've now done in their last 3 playoff losses.
Ken
10:34
Is Skylar Thompson still on IR?
Christopher Carter
10:34
Yes he is.
Gene
10:34
Why aren’t the Steelers throwing down field? Is it protection, no separation, scheme or QB issues?
Christopher Carter
10:38
A mix of the reasons you gave, but let's break down those reasons a bit more:

Protection: The Steelers' OL isn't terrible in protection and is actually better than last year when I look at how they handle certain opponents. But it still could be better, especially for a 41-year old quarterback, and that certainly impacts his proccessing.

Separation: This offense doesn't have pure separating receiving threat and it's obviously not helped. But there are also ways to get guys open where they don't need to be prime Antonio Brown to be open. Also, Roman Wilson's run some very good routes and just not been targeted. I think Aaron Rodgers is still developing with him.

Scheme: The Steelers know their strength is YAC so they're dialing up more chances for that. Don't see this as an issue, just playing to a strength.
10:39
QB: This wasn't really an issue until the Chargers game, where Rodgers didn't see the field at all. Rudolph did a good job of that in the second half last week and it helped the offense possess the ball for almost an entire quarter in just two drives. Rodgers has to be ready to do something like that.
Les
10:39
Hello, I say give Rudolph another start and see what happens. This team needs a spark offensively and hopefully he can give that. Rudolph ‘s pocket presence has improved greatly and he can move around better than Rogers. To win in this league now the QB has to use their legs once in a while. Thoughts?
Christopher Carter
10:47
Hello!

I think even more than a spark, this team needs a steady hand at QB. See the field, take what's there. Even if that's the checkdown. This offense isn't about making the insane big play. It's about wearing you down and letting your playmakers do the work.

To your point, Rudolph did that well last week. If Rodgers is healthy, you still give him that chance. But if he isn't playing well and you get the sense he's limited, give Rudolph a shot.
Farmtastic
10:48
Chris! I appreciated your renegade take on the Squad Show. It can be frustrating when playing it doesn't net the result you want but fans should be less upset with the song, and more upset with the D for not getting a stop.
Christopher Carter
10:51
Thanks for watching the show! And yeah, I get being on the defense for not feeding off the energy and it resulting in a win. But I don't get the idea that "the song doesn't work anymore" because sometimes people score against it. There were times it didn't work in the heyday either.

The real thing is knowing that when Renegade plays and the defensive highlights roll, the crowd goes crazy and the place gets loud. It's a very cool and iconic tradition -- that also played right before a turnover and defensive touchdown Sunday, by the way. Someone should make shirts saying "KEEP RENEGADE" and sell them in the North Shore.
Connor Heyward
10:51
Hey Chris, is it just me, or are tackles around the NFL false starting right before the center snaps the ball and not getting called for it?
Christopher Carter
10:53
Guys, first and last warning, chill with the player name stuff.

Also, yes it is a thing. But it's also not new. This has been going on since the mid-late 2010s and I don't understand why teams don't get called for it. I get that you want to  be an offensive league, but OTs shouldn't get away with that.
Farmtastic
10:53
Do you think if the Steelers knew Pierre was going to perform the way he has recently, that they still would've picked up Samuel? Also, do you think they see Samuel as a potential piece of the secondary in the future? (2026 and beyond)
Christopher Carter
10:56
Yes, and yes.

Samuel cost them nothing to add and he wanted to come to Pittsburgh. Could see him getting a tryout year next season if he just uses this year to get reacclimated.

There's also no clear CB plan outside of Joey Porter Jr. for the near future. Could see signing him for cheap and drafting an early CB this year to develop behind them and eventually take over.
dpreble001
10:56
Morning Chris, thank you for the chats, my question is with so many teams in next years draft,ahead of us, would it be better to manipulate all of those picks,strengthen the Entire roster ,then bring in a qb, if you can't move up this year, go with a veteran next year,see if you have anything in Howard or draft QB in 27?
Christopher Carter
11:03
Good morning!

It all depends on who enters this class, how they interview and what the field sets up to be. If you think your franchise guy is reasonably available, you go get him.

But this draft also has some high-end guys that would be great additions to this team. Could see them going CB, WR, S, or even a high-end edge rusher if they end up trading away Alex Highsmith.

The way things are shaping up, you could end up seeing multiple guys we've been keeping close eyes on go to the 2027 draft anyways. Nothing is set in stone.
Tom M.
11:04
I like your weekly QB prospect ratings. Marcel Reed at Texas A&M has been playing well and led an amazing comeback against South Carolina last week. You haven’t mentioned him.  Is he not eligible for the draft or do you think he is one of those guys who is good in college but is not really a pro prospect?
Christopher Carter
11:09
I like Marcel Reed, but everything I've heard about him say he's more part of the 2027 class, and I also think he has one of the best rosters in college football that play a big role in his wins for him. That's not to knock him, but I've just more questions about him and don't think he's going to come out this year.
Tom M.
11:10
Based on what was known about Pickett and Will Howard when they came out, where do you think they would fit in with the group of college QBs you have been including in your weekly updates? Your work on these QB reviews and the film studies has added a lot to the PG coverage. Happy thanksgiving to you and your family.
Christopher Carter
11:19
Coming out of college, Pickett would be in the 4-8 range of my top 10 weeks. He had a great season end his college career, but size, lack of dangerous NFL speed and lack of high-end arm talent all called things into question. He didn't have the NFL traits that have the QBs who've regularly been towards the top of the list.

Howard didn't rise up as a stronger candidate until his playoff run, and even that made him just a 6th rounder. I think he would've been drafted arouned the same time in this class.
11:20
Also, thanks for the compliments!
Farmtastic
11:20
I can't remember where I read it but someone suggested that Thursday night games should be played at a neutral site. I'm not sure if I have an opinion either way but it does seem like the home team has an advantage way beyond simple home field. Maybe just no divisional TNF games? Admittedly if Pit wins against Cincy a month ago, I probably wouldnt bring this up.
Christopher Carter
11:26
Since Thursday night football became a regular thing in 2006, away teams are 101-193. Away teams are 67-88 when facing division opponents. But when looking at those wins, about 20 of them are Brady/Mahomes in years where their divisions were terrible.

Neutral sites would be interesting for Thursday night football. Here's a better idea though, just stop doing them. Move it to having two Sunday night or two Monday night games. The super short week puts players at more risk for injuries and typically causes sloppier play. It's just not worth it.
itsallmoot
11:27
What can the offense do to be more consistent in the run game?  Scheme?  Line play?  RB seeing the holes better?  Passing game getting people out of the box? They claim they want to be a run oriented team and have invested two 1st ,a 2nd, and a 4th in the last three years but are 28th in rushing.
Christopher Carter
11:31
Mix of things, but definitely the OL can play sharper at times. There's often been just one player who misses a block at the key point and it ruins a good play. That "one player" is also switching from time to time. Sometimes it's Jones, sometimes it's Fautanu or McCormick. They need time to gel.

But there are also times when the RB misses the hole, and there are times when I don't think Arthur Smith plays to their strengths. Those are more marginal though when it comes to the roots of what's missing. I think it's more about the OL needing time.
J D
11:31
Chris, what would be the Bear’s defensive changes from going against Rodgers vs Mason?
Christopher Carter
11:33
If it's Rodgers, I'd press the line to stuff the run and take away all the quick throws. Force him to beat you deep, where he's struggled statistically this year.

If it's Rudolph, I'd still prioritize stopping the run, but I'd do whatever I can not give him 1-on-1s with Metcalf deep downfield. That shot he hit last week is a reminder he can still sling it. Might be a little trickier.
But if Rodgers comes out and hits a deep ball or two, it could fold their entire plan.
Pittfan
11:33
Good morning Christopher. I don't know much about the Bears. What are their strengths and weaknesses? What kind of game will this be for the Steelers? How do the Steelers match up?
Christopher Carter
11:36
Good morning! Here's a rundown of the Bears:

Offensively they're the No. 8 scoring unit in the NFL, largely because of their run game that's 2nd in the NFL in total yareds and in explosive run rate. They run play action A LOT off of it and that makes life easier for Caleb Williams, who's taken a step forward this year.

Defensively they're good once they limit you to force long down and distances. They're the No. 1 turnover defense in the NFL and they're  the No. 1 team at stopping 3rd and 7 or longer. But they're also 26th in scoring, 30th in yards allowed per carry and rank 27th in explosive plays allowed. They're susceptible to big plays and a good run game.
11:37
If the Steelers can take away the explosive runs, play action won't have as much an impact on the game and Caleb Williams will be off-rhythm. Meanwhile, if the Steelers can run the ball, I think they can really wear down the Bears' defense.
J D
11:38
Chris, over the last two games, do you think Rodgers is getting happy feet because of the pressure and not trusting his OL as much?
Christopher Carter
11:40
I think he's had happy feet moments, but I also think he's just had some really bad reads and some bad misses. All of it could very well be related. But he needs to get back to being the QB who doesn't look flustered even when he faces the occasional pressure. He had been him most of this year.
Bill in SF
11:40
Maybe I missed this, but did Jalen Ramsey receive a fine or any other punishment from the league for throwing the punch or did the league officially rule that his ejection was sufficient given the provocation?
Christopher Carter
11:43
Believe that decision might come out today, but nothing has been announced as of yet. I foresee if they fine him, it being light and something he can appeal and win. Spitting on someone is assault/battery in public, so retaliating to it with a mush and a punch would be reasonable, even in the eyes of the law.
Al Tuna
11:44
All this talk about failure to acquire a #2 wide receiver is tiring. I'm no coach, but involving Pat Friermuth more seems logical. He gets open and catches most of his targets. He reminds me more of a wide receiver than tight end. Thanks for the chats.
Christopher Carter
11:49
I also think Freiermuth AND Washington could be more involved with targets. Both get open and are dangerous with the ball in their hands. I agree the No. 2 WR talk is overdone. Certainly would help, but it's not the end-all-be-all. Thanks for being here!
Pittfan
11:52
Hi Christopher. If the Steelers aren't able to get the QB they like in round 1 and a highly rated tackle is sitting there for them, do they consider taking that player and move Troy to guard? I hear a lot about Troy having a great body type for a guard. My bet is he would be excellent there.
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