Christopher Carter's Steelers and Pitt chat: 10.26.26
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Christopher Carter
1:17
ALRIGHT. I'm back from Miami, and am in between the Pat Narduzzi and Mike McCarthy press conferences. Let's get into it!
Ryan
1:17
The defense better get their act together next Sunday or the Browns will score over 30 points.
Christopher Carter
1:18
Kinda felt like their act was together. They held the 12th-highest scoring offense to just 10 points and completely obliterated their run game to just 1.1 yards per carry.
SDWC
1:19
Hi Chris, is Pat Narduzzi so obsessed with his precious run stopping stats that he refuses to adjust the defense when they’re clearly getting destroyed in the passing game?  And what was up with that Miami bunch to the left when we only had 2 defenders out there?  Were the players “not allowed” to adjust on their own?
Christopher Carter
1:24
That was a miscommunication in the moment. Definitely a blunder the coaches needed to better have the players ready to face, but it wasn't what was supposed to happen.

Narduzzi said before the game he didn't want to overcompensate to stop Malachi Toney because Miami had so many other threats. That ended up backfiring.

I actually asked him just a little bit ago about defensive adjustments to superpower offenses like Miami's. One second as I put together the transcripted answer please.
1:25
Pat Narduzzi: "You know my philosophy. You can try a bunch of different things, and we did some different things for sure. But it's got to go within the framework of who you are, what you do. Otherwise, we won't execute it well. I promise that it would look worse, if it could get any worse ...

You tweak it, like I talk normally week in, week out, you know, to help out on what they have or what you're trying to [defend]. You can change some things and do different stuff, which we did a little bit of that. That didn't look so good either. So it's like you're doomed if you do, doomed if you don't."
1:27
I think the bottom line with that particular matchup is that Pitt was very outclassed, not just in how the teams played but by now stacked of a roster Miami has.

And when coaching against that, you have to pick your battles. Pat Narduzzi chooses to pick the battle that doesn't compromise Pitt's strength of stuffing the run and rushing the quarterback in hopes that those things could've mitigated their weaknesses in other areas. It didn't work, obviously. But I don't know that if they just call some more conservative coverage packages and defenses that those work either, considering the strengths/weaknesses of Pitt's roster.
SDWC
1:27
Hi Chris, Saturday was just embarrassing. The longer this goes on with no changes just devalues the product. The university and athletic department give the impression they’re satisfied and just don’t care about fielding a higher-level program. So why should fans care?
Christopher Carter
1:32
Hello!

Saturday was embarrassing, but it was also kind of expected considering Miami's NIL spending this year that ranges from $44M-$50M and the talent the'yve put together with it.

I don't think Pitt doesn't want better, but if with your implications that a coaching change would make that happen, I think you're overlooking the fact that buying out Narduzzi's contract AND getting a high level coaching candidate after that would put the NIL spending in a bind. Pitt already isn't even with the second tier of ACC, let alone the best in the country.

I also think this season would look a lot different if Pitt doesn't lose Mason Heintschel.
FC
1:32
Hey Chris, thanks for the chats!  Man, the run defense is really something right now, hopefully they can keep that going! What specifically did they adjust to get these current results?
Christopher Carter
1:33
Hello!

The Steelers' run defense is doing a bang up job right now. The defensive line has been at the center of that improvement, even without Derrick Harmon.
1:35
For one, Yahya Black has become the bonafide nose tackle of the unit and is much more consistent this year, growing from last year. Last year, he flashed moments where he'd be dominant, but then would be inconsistent as a rookie whose pad level would get too high and he'd get blown off the ball.

Now? He's letting that happen a lot less and everyone else is feeding off it. Keeanu Benton is much better at the 3-tech than the nose, which was something we'd been wondering would change this year despite McCarthy's initial depth chart.

That's also allowed Patrick Queen and Payton Wilson to play more free at linebacker, and helped them be active. Add in a more run-focused Jalen Ramsey and you've got a unit better suited to face that.
Also, the lower depth guys like Gabe Rubio and even Kevin Jobity have looked solid vs the run too.
Worried
1:35
squeaking by crap teams like this just ruins our upcoming draft pick. this team sucks and wont beat any good teams, whats the point of even trying with rodgers
Christopher Carter
1:39
While I would agree about the (Cooper Rush) Falcons, the Colts, the (Jalon Daniels) Buccaneers and the Saints, the Bengals win wasn't against a crap team. They just ripped apart the Ravens Sunday and that win might be the definitive win of the season for the Steelers so far.

Even if this year ends like the past several with no playoff wins, what you're starting to see is the younger investments growing into who they need to be for this franchise to take steps forward. The offensive line is becoming a force, just like the younger defensive line is as well.

I just ran the numbers, the Steelers are the only offense to have converted 100% 3rd/4th downs with 2 yards or less to go when they've run the ball. That's because Zach Frazier and company are dominating the line of scrimmage.

That's a strength that built the core of the Eagles teams that have been good in recent years, and shows that what Omar Khan and Andy Weidl have set out to build is working.
Ryan
1:39
What good is having a great run game when it only translates to 3 points?
Christopher Carter
1:46
They do need to finish drives better. But I also think they're figuring out how to do that. They were much better on 3rd downs this past week. Need to keep improving that and then focus on the red zone next.
Greg
1:47
Yes the run defense is great but wouldn’t the Steelers be closer to .500 if they’d faced better quarterbacks? I’m often surprised by how wide open opposing receivers are, including yesterdays TD involving Ramsey. Do you see this zone coverage holding up against stronger passing attacks after the bye?
Christopher Carter
1:49
I think it has the potential to contain passing attacks enough to allow time for mistakes to happen with the offense or plays to be made by the defense.

Let's not forget, the Saints had one of the better offenses in the NFL too and Tyler Shough was a pretty efficient quarterback.

Was he Joe Burrow? No. But guess what, they beat Joe Burrow too.

There will be days when a better quarterback gets them, just like what happens to even the best of defenses. But I think it's important to remember, most of the NFL DOESN'T  have a high level quarterback. Beat the teams that don't, and you're in a good spot to take advantage of the times you do take down a good quarterback and not just have that win wasted because you floundered against the bad teams.
Mr Rooney
1:49
CC. thanks for the chat. I'm feeling pretty good after our defense stifled NO offense to only 10 points. They are not a great team overall, but they can score and couldn't. I'm really starting to feel it in the trenches on both sides of the ball. Granted our offense needs to be more explosive. Feels to me like opposing secondaries are much more willing to challenge our WR's. Perhaps they dont respect their talents? Conversely, our secondary plays off quite a bit too. The Saints TD was like pitch & catch...too easy. Anyway, what's your emerging take? is 5-2 fool's gold and we'll get badly exposed in the 2nd half -or- is the league as wide open as it appears to be right now and a team like the Steelers could legitimately press for supremacy. As for the latter, that starts in the trenches...and I believe this team is starting to establish itself in that regard on both sides of the ball. What say you?
Christopher Carter
1:54
Thanks for being here!

I've been saying I think this team is figuring it out at the line of scrimmage and that's the crux of what the development plan has been for years. It's also why you don't just blow things up and go for tanking. You want these units to fight in games that matter and learn what winning and losing is like when a season is on the line. That leads to development.

Pair a developed group of young players with a few superstar level additions you hope to hit on, and that's the thing that can make you relevant.
Mr Rooney
1:54
Can Warren legitimately win league MVP at this pace?
Christopher Carter
1:59
Jaylen Warren should be in the running, but I doubt he gets that nod. Simply because Antonio Brown and Le'Veon Bell were superstar players like that for years and didn't get that nod.

MVP is legitimately a QB race. The last non-QB to win it was Adrian Peterson in 2012, and that took 2000 rushing yards to do.

Warren could be in consideration for offensive player of the year if he has more explosive games and carries the Steelers to a division title. His current average of 6.8 yards per touch is the most of any running back with at least 100 touches and he has the fourth-most yards from scrimmage in the NFL.

Now, other superstars will be in the mix, too. Jaxon Smith-Njigba looks unstoppable. He leads the NFL in receiving yards, receiving touchdowns, touchdowns from scrimmage, yards per touch, and has the second-most yards from scrimmage. And he's the reigning offensive player of the year.

If there's a non-QB who could win the award this year, it's Jaxon Smith-Njigba.
Gene
2:00
Do you think they will trade for a DB at the deadline?
Christopher Carter
2:01
Not for a significant one. I think that if you look at your roster right now, you probably still like Samuel/Dean as a CB combo and Everette/Echols as your primary backups.

Despite their 5-2 start  ... which they also just did back in 2024 ... I still don't see this as the Super Bowl contending team. And I'd rather stack my draft picks towards making some super investements either for a QB or a superstar player in this draft.
Ryan
2:01
Dowdle is just as good as Warren.   Dowdle should be getting more snaps.  What say you?
Christopher Carter
2:06
I wouldn't say just as good, but he's not as far off as some fans might've thought. I think the balance they had in touches Sunday was a smart rate.

Warren: 21 touches.
Dowdle: 15 touches.

Some might argue Warren needs a higher rate. But I think this keeps both fresh AND lets them get into a rhythm.
brian
2:06
Hi Chris, You beat the teams in front of you and we did that the last two weeks.  But it is concerning that the secondary is allowing easy 6,7 yard catches and then YAC.  Two weeks ago it was an undrafted rookie and last week a QB in his second year and we make them look amazing.  This can't be the formula moving forward yes?  bend but don't break....hope for a splash play??
Christopher Carter
2:09
Hello!

That would also extend to the last three weeks! Every defense has to concede something. It's apparent this defense is conceding the underneath passses as long as they tackle well, which they have for the most part.

I do think that's the formula, and that's worked for the most part. They have the 8th-best red zone defense in the NFL right now.
Jack Reacher
2:09
Good afternoon, do you find the 2027 QB class becoming underwhelming recently just like last years class? Could you see the Steelers going LB or WR in round one and trying to trade back into the first round next year, like the Ravens did to get Lamar?
Christopher Carter
2:13
Good afternoon!

And no, I do not. Drew Mestemaker is looking very good, I really like Jayden Maiava, and other prospects like Austin Simmons, CJ Carr, LaNorris Sellers and Sam Leavit are interesting to watch.

If more of those don't pan out, sure the Steelers could find their way to a superstar playmaker at a different position. But do not lose sight of this QB class simply because Arch Manning hasn't worked out.
brian
2:13
Chris, we know teams will get the ball out quick bc of the pass rush.  Knowing this, why is the underneath stuff being allowed?  is it personnel or lack of that can't play man?
Christopher Carter
2:15
Yes, that's very much the reason.

Had Joey Porter Jr. not left, I do think we see a lot more man press from this defense and probably a lot more splash plays too.

But Patrick Graham has adjusted and played a style that mostly suits the rest of the secondary.
SMP
2:15
First time in a long time we ran at will and stop the run, very encouraging, but at the same LT is very concerning as well. A number pick doesn’t have to a be pro bowler, but can’t look physically overwhelmed so much. What say you.
Christopher Carter
2:18
I wouldn't say first time in a long time. They've done it this year and did it last year as well. Ran for 230 yards against the Lions and shut down Jahmyrr Gibbs and the Lions' ground game to just 15 yards last year.

But I do agree Troy Fautanu has to be better. But this is part of what happens when you flip a player back after he spent two years learning RT. So, I think they need to trust the process, let him work his way through some growing pains and then see where things play out by the end of the season. If he's still struggling by then, re-evaluate.
brian
2:18
Chris, I thought the rule of thumb when fielding a punt was putting your heels on the 10 and if it's over your head you let it go.  But we are seeing more and more it being fielded inside the 10 and even fair caught inside the 10!  Has this changed?
Christopher Carter
2:19
I think some of that are just returners doing what they want to do and other times there are different approaches. But I do think that's still a rule of thumb in general.
Yates
2:19
CC -  Coverage teams need to be fixed. Who can we sub in and who should lose reps?
Christopher Carter
2:20
I'm assuming this means special teams for the Steelers and not Pitt or the Steelers' secondary -- though both of those would be reasonable questions as well.

I can't say I study replacements for special teams coverage units, but I do think they need to be tightened up a bit. The hurricane drill to get the field goal off before halftime was a good sign that they can operate in a close window. Maybe Danny Crossman just needs to put more into the coverage units being that tight as well.
Mark from Cali
2:20
Hi Chris! Thanks for the chats. As the team is starting to round into form and get used to Mac's system, do you think he sees Warren as the Lions and Bills see Gibbs and Cook? Thank you.
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