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Christopher Carter's Steelers chat: 01.09.26
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Christopher Carter
11:03
Alright we're here at the Steelers' practice facility and ready to go. Let's get into it!
Rich in Hawaii
11:03
Aloha Chris, on the 3rd and 7 on the last drive, why didn’t the refs call that it the grasp? Looked like Herbig had Lamar’s momentum stopped as he had on to him and spun him completely around. Plus it look very close to intentional grounding. If either of those are called it’s a different  situation altogether.
Christopher Carter
11:08
Aloha!

First, it wasn't intentional grounding because Lamar Jackson was out of the pocket and the ball was thrown beyond the line of scrimmage.

But whether or not he should've been called in the grasp is a judgment call. Nick Herbig certainly had control of Jackson, but he also hadn't thrown him down and Jackson is very talented in his ability to keep a play alive.

So, I get not calling him down. But where the real conflict could've been was in whether if Herbig had continued to throw down Jackson and if that would've been considered roughing. And we've certainly seen that work against Steelers defenders.

Ultimately, I was fine with the way they called it. But it's definitely a judgment call that can get tricky.
Silent Bob
11:08
Hello Christiopher - I thought the huge seconday breakdowns were a thing of the past yet they came back in a big way Sunday. MT seemed to indicate it happened because of how they played Lamar. What did they seem to be doing that led to such big breakdowns? Thanks!
Christopher Carter
11:10
Those breakdowns I do believe were very specific to that game. The Steelers were throwing everything at the Ravens to make it so that Lamar Jackson and Derrick Henry couldn't beat them on the ground. That meant committing more people to stop the run, especially the QB option.

As Mike Tomlin said Tuesday, "we chose a hill to die on, but we didn't." They almost did, if a rookie kicker makes a field goal at the end. But they did hold Jackson to just nine rushing yards -- the fewest he's ever had against the Steelers, even considering the two games he was a backup behind Joe Flacco.
putinbatch
11:10
In your opinion, who is higher on the list of greatest quarterbacks of all time- Ben or Aaron? I realize Ben has one more ring, but his overall track record in the playoffs was pretty uneven. Thanks!
Christopher Carter
11:19
Aaron Rodgers, hands down. He's a 4-time MVP, he's got the lowest interception rate of any QB in NFL history and the highest passer rating of any QB in NFL history.

Yes, Ben Roethlisberger has more rings and that's very important. But he was never the best player on the teams that won those rings. Troy Polamalu, James Harrison and those defenses played a big role.

Rodgers has also conducted better offenses, as he's led the number one scoring offense in the NFL three separate years, and a top five scoring offense seven separate years.

Roethlisberger's never led a number one scoring offense and for only one year had a top five scoring offense (2015). And it's safe to say between Antonio Brown, Le'Veon Bell, Hines Ward, an offensive line that was together for more than half a decade as a top 5 unit, he had a better situation around him than Rodgers.
fastfred
11:19
My take on Art Smith is that he is a very average OC by NFL standards. He is overvalued here because Canada was such a disaster and it does not take much to improve on that. What are your thoughts of where Art is in the pecking order of OC's?
Christopher Carter
11:31
I don't know the name of all 32 offensive coordinators, but I do think Arthur Smith is in the middle of the road.

The last two years, they ranked 16th and 15th in scoring, and 23rd and 25th in yards. That's a step up from averaging 27th in scoring, but that's still averaging 24th in yards the way they did under Matt Canada.

Granted, this offense has been in the middle of a rebuild and that's not easy to navigate. But I do think Smith could've done a better job creating plans around certain playmakers to maximize this offense. I think if he were to stick around another year, the OL stuck together, Rodgers stuck around and this team added a VERY GOOD talent at WR, maybe you'd see a better version.
Dave Moody
11:31
Now that the hammer has dropped on the Pittsburgh Post-gazette, I've a comment, and a question: Firstly, let me thank you, Gerry, Bats, Ray, Ron, and of course Ed Bouchette for all the years of great coverage via this outlet. It's been my, and many others go to fir all things Steelers, and I'm incredibly grateful for the insight, and reporting on our beloved team. Secondly, what will all of your do individually, now that it's been announced that May is the end of days? Podcats? Freelance? TV? I will be looking to continue following you guys after the end comes. Again, thank you all!
Christopher Carter
11:33
Dave, thank you.

I cannot speak for everyone else, but I'm intending to fight here to do what I can to show this place is worthy of staying open. I grew up reading this paper, I worked very hard to get here, and to get on the Steelers beat here. And I don't have plans just yet for what I'd do if it closed. People who know me, know that I appear in other places.

But while I've got a chance to show the great work we do here, I'm going to do that and hope something happens that changes hearts and minds to keep this place open. It's the best place I've worked at, and I'll fight for that as long as I can.
Rich in Hawaii
11:33
Deslite being reported incorrectly on air, as Collinsworth/Turico seemed intent of fitting their narrative of Boswell being “off” and missing kicks in previous games, the missed XP was blocked. In your film analysis, were you able to see if this was the result of a low ball by Boswell or just good penetration by the Ravens?
Christopher Carter
11:35
I thought it was just penetration and a good block. I don't think it had to be a low ball of a kick as it was an extra point.
Josh
11:36
Hey Chris, not coming on here to ask anything Steelers related. Just want to thank you for all the chats, articles, and information you have given us over the years with everything you have covered. It sucks the PG is going away, but hoping somehow we continue to be able to have a platform to read and interact with you and your colleagues! Thanks again for everything and good luck moving forward!
Christopher Carter
11:37
Thanks Josh!

For what it's worth, there's some hope we might be able to keep this thing alive and we're having planning meetings today, tomorrow and moving forward on how to do that. I can't give all the details here, but I can say there are many of us who are willing to fight to keep this place running. All I can ask is that as we do, you support us however you can. And thank you to everyone who've done that over the years.
Barry in MD
11:38
Gotta stop taking early timeouts.sometimes a five yard penalty is less costly
Christopher Carter
11:39
I agree in certain situations, but the red zone scenario was a bit different. Crucial part of the game and the headsets went out at the exact wrong moment. Couldn't afford to lose the yards there and potentially the points.

I thought it was funny how Roethlisberger brought up how the Steelers' radios would go out whenever they played the Patriots because that's where my mind went when I was watching from the press box and realized his radio wasn't working.
Pittfan
11:39
Hi Christopher. The Steelers have a great home Monday night record, I believe they're undefeated going back I don't know how long. Does that record include playoff games?
Christopher Carter
11:45
Hello!

The only Monday playoff game they've ever played was the Bills road game, so they've never had a Monday night home game in the postseason. That also only recently started, so that makes sense.

The Steelers have lost on Monday at home, but it wasn't a night game, as it was the game against the Washington Football Team that kicked off at 5PM during th COVID season that got pushed back.

But on Monday night at home, they've won 23 straight dating back to 1992. They've also beaten the Texans during that streak, which was the 30-23 win over Houston in 2014 when the world was first introduced to Martavis Bryant as a Steeler with his 35-yard touchdown and Lance Moore threw a TD to Antonio Brown.\
Bones
11:45
Good morning Chris. How many yards does DK get Monday night? I predict 250 yards passing based on a solid run game.
Christopher Carter
11:46
Good morning!

I think if DK Metcalf can get 80 and a TD it can set a strong tone. I also think you want most of that to come downfield. If he stretches this Texans defense vertically, it could be the factor that opens up the underneath passes to Jaylen Warren and Kenneth Gainwell.
Barry in MD
11:47
Does playoff results Monday or beyond change what needs to be done in draft. Moore and Mendoza not likely for sale what is the plan
Christopher Carter
11:47
Meh, at this point they're in the playoffs and I still consider them serious buyers in the trade-up market. Probably not for QB at this point, but there are some top flight receivers who I think can be an instant impact in this class.
Lou
11:47
Hi Chris. Where do you think the Steelers need to attack the most vs Texas D in order to win the game? More against run or pass?
Christopher Carter
11:49
Gotta open it up with the pass. They rank in the bottom half of the NFL in receptions and receiving yards allowed on passes targeting players 20 yards or further downfield, as well as in explosive pass rate allowed.

Hit on some big plays early, and it can destabilize the defense. To me, that's the key. They're talented, aggressive, and they'll fly to the ball underneath. But if you get them worried about soft spots in their defense or giving up the deep play, it can slow that down. Time for Aaron Rodgers to shine.
Pittfan
11:49
Hi Christopher. Going into the year the draft was hyped as a dream QB class and the Steelers collecting draft capital to trade up and get one, creating a frenzy with the Pittsburgh crowd. That's not going to happen. What kind of splash can the Steelers make that will make the home crowd go nuts? I would love to see them get Caleb Downs.
Christopher Carter
11:50
Hello!

Caleb Downs would be an insanely good get, and at a position of need. This team needs a playmaker at safety and that might make this secondary very dangerous in the coming years. Downs looks like a highly talented athlete great instincts who's able to be coached. Trading up for him would probably take a bit, but I think it would be worth it. He's one of the stars I think this team should consider being aggressive for.
Steel city kidd
11:51
Do we really have chance this Monday night
Christopher Carter
11:52
I think they do. The Steelers are playing better football on both sides of the ball over the past month and some change. The Texans' defense is tough, but has weaknesses and experienced and high IQ quarterback can exploit. They also don't have a top flight offense and a young quarterback who's not playing in the cold.

I'd say the path for the Steelers' to find a win this week is a lot wider with more options than it had been against the Ravens, Bills and Chiefs in their past three postseason losses.
artie bridge
11:52
Hey Chris,  Not really a question, but some rare praise for MT.  I don't think any of us predicted what a major contributor Kenny G would be to this team this year.  A GREAT signing.  Now, can we ante up and bring him back next year?
Christopher Carter
11:53
I do think he's back next year. They have the money and he wouldn't cost them bank breaking dollars to keep. Make him and Warren a tandem for another year while Johnson grows behind them and I can see something really cool developing for the RBs. Shoutout Eddie Faulkner too, because he's done a great job.
Arthur not Art
11:53
Christopher. No question here, just a thank you to you, Brian, Ray, Gerry and the rest of the PG staff for keeping us informed and for all the great articles and chats.
Christopher Carter
11:53
Thanks for being here! We're still kicking, and we hope you enjoy our works as we continue to push.
GM
11:53
Been a crazy season CC thanks for taking us through it with your reporting and analysis- first rate!!! full of ups and downs, new faces injuries, subs, suspensions and here we are at home Round 1 of the playoffs! I have to believe DK is on a mission. What's your take?
Christopher Carter
12:02
I do think he and the offense are a bit motivated. Everyone's talking about how this Texans defense will make it impossible for them to score, but they've got the weapon and I think the offensive line might be the best the Steelers have had in a playoff game, maybe since 2017.
JPinPDX
12:04
Good morning CC. How do you foresee the Steelers negating that fierce Texans pass rush? Can we do it well enough to win on Monday?
Christopher Carter
12:05
Good ... huh, it's the afternoon now! How about that.

I think Cook and Fautanu are ready for the matchups, but still expect the occasional chips from Warren, Gainwell, Freiermuth, Smith and Heyward. They don't want those guys wrecking the game.

I also think the Steelers' OL communication has been huge down the stretch of the season. Them being at home can be a boost too, as they'll have the advantage of it being quieter and more communication between them to work. I think they've got a chance.
demosthenes98
12:08
Slightly off-topic, but...this is the PG's first sports chat since Wednesday's announcement, so I have to ask--how are you and your colleagues holding up?
Christopher Carter
12:12
Can't speak for everyone, but I'm sitting next to Brian Batko right now and we're both diligent at work to get our coverage ready for this playoff game. Ray and Gerry seemed the same way yesterday.

Hearing that news hurt, naturally. But I think we're putting together a plan to do whatever we can to keep this place running. It's important to us, as I imagine it's important to many of you. Don't give up on us just yet.
Steelers fan from Cle
12:12
Why does it take till the 2 minute drills to get Muth the ball down the field? Do you blame AS for not using his weapons effectively? Are they going to feed Muth against the Texans?
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