Locked On Steelers – Daily Podcast On The Pittsburgh Steelers

Christopher Carter of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, hosts the Locked on Steelers podcast.

The Pittsburgh Steelers' top defender T.J. Watt wasn't as productive as a pass rusher last season, but is he not still one of the elite defenders in the NFL? Christopher Carter reviews a recent top 10 ranking of edge defenders where Watt was ranked seventh behind stars like Myles Garrett, Maxx Crosby, Danielle Hunter, Will Anderson Jr. and Aidan Hutchinson. But while Watt hasn't produced the sack numbers of some of his elite years, he's still having a big impact on games and Steelers wins. Is that an underrated part of his game that still makes him one of the best in the NFL? Or is he washed not an impact player anymore? Also, Chris answers a call from the Locked on Steelers call-in line about the outside linebackers. Does Watt make life easier for Alex Highsmith and Nick Herbig enough to make them an elite trio?

CALL INTO THE SHOW AT 412-223-6644 or if international, e-mail your audio message to [email protected]

Follow Chris Carter on Twitter: @CarterCritiques.

Theme music is 'How Can I Lose' by Johnny Quest the Rebel, under his label Renaissance Music. Find more from their label here.

This show is part of the Locked on Podcast Network.

Photo Credit: Charles LeClaire

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Christopher Carter of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, hosts the Locked on Steelers podcast.

The Pittsburgh Steelers' new head coach Mike McCarthy has a long history of playing in big and tough games. But how does that history stack against Mike Tomlin's? Christopher Carter did the research and breaks down the numbers about which coach did better against some of the better coaches in the NFL. How will Mike McCarthy coach his teams in games against other top NFL head coaches and opponents? Will the Steelers win a different way with an offensive-minded head coach vs a defensive one like Mike Tomlin, Bill Cowher and Chuck Noll? Also, Chris takes your questions on the Locked on Steelers call-in line. With the ascension of Mike Vrabel, Drake Maye and the Patriots, are they destined to be the first NFL franchise to reach seven Super Bowl wins? Or can the Steelers turn things around and beat them in a race to be first again in setting Super Bowl standards.

CALL INTO THE SHOW AT 412-223-6644 or if international, e-mail your audio message to [email protected]

Follow Chris Carter on Twitter: @CarterCritiques.

Theme music is 'How Can I Lose' by Johnny Quest the Rebel, under his label Renaissance Music. Find more from their label here.

This show is part of the Locked on Podcast Network.

Photo Credit: Charles LeClaire

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FANDUEL DISCLAIMER: 21+ in select states. First online real money wager only. Bonus issued as nonwithdrawable free bets that expires in 14 days. Restrictions apply. See terms at sportsbook.fanduel.com. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER or visit FanDuel.com/RG (CO, IA, MD, MI, NJ, PA, IL, VA, WV), 1-800-NEXT-STEP or text NEXTSTEP to 53342 (AZ), 1-888-789-7777 or visit ccpg.org/chat (CT), 1-800-9-WITH-IT (IN), 1-800-522-4700 (WY, KS) or visit ksgamblinghelp.com (KS), 1-877-770-STOP (LA), 1-877-8-HOPENY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY), TN REDLINE 1-800-889-9789 (TN)

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On this week's Locked On Steelers Squad Show, Tyler Feldman and Wayne Gandy tackle one of the biggest debates surrounding the Steelers heading into training camp. 

Did Joey Porter Jr. get snubbed from ESPN's Top 10 cornerback rankings? And if he did, does that give the Steelers more leverage in ongoing contract negotiations? 

Then, in honor of July 8 (7/8), we settle a fun debate: Who is the greatest No. 8 in Steelers history? Is it Tommy Maddox, Aaron Rodgers, Kenny Pickett... or someone else? We compare the resumes and make our case. 

Plus, it's another edition of Trip Down Memory Wayne, as Wayne Gandy shares stories from his NFL career, and we wrap up the show with our weekly Food for Thought segment featuring your questions and takes. 

In this episode: 

-Was Joey Porter Jr. snubbed by ESPN? 

-What his ranking means for contract negotiations 

-Tommy Maddox vs. Aaron Rodgers: Best Steelers No. 8 

-Trip Down Memory Wayne with Wayne Gandy 

-Food for Thought with Steelers Nation 

Subscribe for new Steelers coverage every day, and don't forget to like, comment, and let us know: Was Joey Porter Jr. snubbed, and who is YOUR greatest No. 8 in Steelers history? 

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Today's episode is brought to you by FanDuel. From the opening whistle to the final kick, Let There Be Goals on FanDuel. Visit https://FANDUEL.COM to get started now. 

Odoo 

Great organizations win because operations matter. And that’s why you should get Odoo. Try for free today at https://Odoo.com/lockedon. 

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This episode is sponsored by BetterHelp. Sign up and get 10% off at http://BetterHelp.com/LOCKEDON. 

FANDUEL DISCLAIMER: 21+ in select states. First online real money wager only. Bonus issued as nonwithdrawable free bets that expires in 14 days. Restrictions apply. See terms at sportsbook.fanduel.com. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER or visit FanDuel.com/RG (CO, IA, MD, MI, NJ, PA, IL, VA, WV), 1-800-NEXT-STEP or text NEXTSTEP to 53342 (AZ), 1-888-789-7777 or visit ccpg.org/chat (CT), 1-800-9-WITH-IT (IN), 1-800-522-4700 (WY, KS) or visit ksgamblinghelp.com (KS), 1-877-770-STOP (LA), 1-877-8-HOPENY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY), TN REDLINE 1-800-889-9789 (TN)

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Christopher Carter of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, hosts the Locked on Steelers podcast.

The Pittsburgh Steelers' defense is going to have to be prepared to stuff the run out of nickel formations more often in 2026. Can Patrick Graham make them one of the more elite units in that department joining the Seattle Seahawks and Los Angeles Rams? Christopher Carter and Nick Farabaugh discuss the key elements of the defense that had worked in the past but must still improve. Will that come down more to Derrick Harmon, Keeanu Benton and the younger defensive linemen? Or to Patrick Queen, Jalen Ramsey, and the off-ball defenders who will need to fill the holes? Also, Chris and Nick take a caller's question on where certain depth chart battles might become problems for younger players' development. Could lower depth chart developmental players like Yahya Black, Daylen Everette, Max Iheanachor and Gennings Dunker see a setback with veterans like Sebastian Joseph-Day, Asante Samuel Jr., Dylan Cook and Brock Hoffman in the way? 

CALL INTO THE SHOW AT 412-223-6644 or if international, e-mail your audio message to [email protected]

Follow Chris Carter on Twitter: @CarterCritiques.

Theme music is 'How Can I Lose' by Johnny Quest the Rebel, under his label Renaissance Music. Find more from their label here.

This show is part of the Locked on Podcast Network.

Photo Credit: Charles LeClaire, Katie Strahan, Mark J. Rebilas

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FANDUEL DISCLAIMER: 21+ in select states. First online real money wager only. Bonus issued as nonwithdrawable free bets that expires in 14 days. Restrictions apply. See terms at sportsbook.fanduel.com. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER or visit FanDuel.com/RG (CO, IA, MD, MI, NJ, PA, IL, VA, WV), 1-800-NEXT-STEP or text NEXTSTEP to 53342 (AZ), 1-888-789-7777 or visit ccpg.org/chat (CT), 1-800-9-WITH-IT (IN), 1-800-522-4700 (WY, KS) or visit ksgamblinghelp.com (KS), 1-877-770-STOP (LA), 1-877-8-HOPENY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY), TN REDLINE 1-800-889-9789 (TN)

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Christopher Carter of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, hosts the Locked on Steelers podcast.

The Pittsburgh Steelers' free agent signing of Jamel Dean pairs well with Joey Porter Jr. in that both were among the top three cornerbacks in NFL passer rating allowed. Does that make them the best cornerback duo in the NFL? Christopher Carter and Alan Saunders discuss the upsides both cornerbacks bring to each other in the Steelers' defense as two shutdown man coverage corners who can take away top receivers on a regular basis. Can they be pillars who prop up the rest of the defense? Christopher and Alan discuss the makeup of the defense and how Porter and Dean could support Jalen Ramsey in the secondary. But is free safety too big of a problem to overlook? Also, from the Locked on Steelers call-in line, is the Steelers' depth chart ready to take on injuries better than they have in recent years? Depth pieces like Sebastian Joseph-Day, Brandin Echols, Nick Herbig and Broderick Jones all provide help to positions could be essential to the Steelers surviving the long and grueling NFL season.

CALL INTO THE SHOW AT 412-223-6644 or if international, e-mail your audio message to [email protected]

Follow Chris Carter on Twitter: @CarterCritiques.

Theme music is 'How Can I Lose' by Johnny Quest the Rebel, under his label Renaissance Music. Find more from their label here.

This show is part of the Locked on Podcast Network.

Photo Credit: Charles LeClaire

FanDuel

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Betterhelp

FANDUEL DISCLAIMER: 21+ in select states. First online real money wager only. Bonus issued as nonwithdrawable free bets that expires in 14 days. Restrictions apply. See terms at sportsbook.fanduel.com. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER or visit FanDuel.com/RG (CO, IA, MD, MI, NJ, PA, IL, VA, WV), 1-800-NEXT-STEP or text NEXTSTEP to 53342 (AZ), 1-888-789-7777 or visit ccpg.org/chat (CT), 1-800-9-WITH-IT (IN), 1-800-522-4700 (WY, KS) or visit ksgamblinghelp.com (KS), 1-877-770-STOP (LA), 1-877-8-HOPENY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY), TN REDLINE 1-800-889-9789 (TN)

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Christopher Carter of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, hosts the Locked on Steelers podcast.

The Pittsburgh Steelers need to put together a new plan to cover the middle of the field under defensive coordinator Patrick Graham, and Jalen Ramsey is a big key for it. Christopher Carter goes over the Steelers' top coverage players in the middle of the field between Ramsey, Joey Porter Jr., Jaquan Brisker, Patrick Queen, Payton Wilson and Brandin Echols to find who the best player. But after how they performed last year, Ramsey clearly is the player the Steelers need to design around the middle of the field while Porter and Jamel Dean take away the outside receivers and make the lives of quarterbacks harder when they face the Steelers' defense. Also, Chris takes your questions on the Locked on Steelers call-in line. Should the Steelers keep an eye on Texans QB CJ Stroud as a future option of the Texans don't want to pay him? Chris looks at what that might do for Omar Khan's NFL Draft plans, as well as what they might do with young quarterbacks Will Howard and Drew Allar if they added another veteran quarterback in the mix.

CALL INTO THE SHOW AT 412-223-6644 or if international, e-mail your audio message to [email protected]

Follow Chris Carter on Twitter: @CarterCritiques.

Theme music is 'How Can I Lose' by Johnny Quest the Rebel, under his label Renaissance Music. Find more from their label here.

This show is part of the Locked on Podcast Network.

Photo Credit: Charles LeClaire

FanDuel

Odoo

Betterhelp

FANDUEL DISCLAIMER: 21+ in select states. First online real money wager only. Bonus issued as nonwithdrawable free bets that expires in 14 days. Restrictions apply. See terms at sportsbook.fanduel.com. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER or visit FanDuel.com/RG (CO, IA, MD, MI, NJ, PA, IL, VA, WV), 1-800-NEXT-STEP or text NEXTSTEP to 53342 (AZ), 1-888-789-7777 or visit ccpg.org/chat (CT), 1-800-9-WITH-IT (IN), 1-800-522-4700 (WY, KS) or visit ksgamblinghelp.com (KS), 1-877-770-STOP (LA), 1-877-8-HOPENY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY), TN REDLINE 1-800-889-9789 (TN)

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Christopher Carter of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, hosts the Locked on Steelers podcast.

The Pittsburgh Steelers look to have a completely new offense under Mike McCarthy that will prioritize first down passing success. That's why Michael Pittman Jr. plays a huge role in their plans to change. Christopher Carter explains how Pittman's efficiency at getting open early and winning on quick and short passes will play a big role in McCarthy's new offense with Aaron Rodgers to make the Steelers a more modernized offense that prioritizes successful passing on first down to open up more opportunities. Can that be the factor that provides a balanced offense with DK Metcalf, Jaylen Warren, Rico Dowdle, Pat Freiermuth, Germie Bernard and Darnell Washington? Also, Chris takes your calls on the Locked on Steelers podcast call-in line. Should the Steelers consider trading Keeanu Benton? How does Omar Khan work the market to find the right trade opportunities? And are the Steelers preparing rookie cornerback Daylen Everette for a big role in the secondary?

CALL INTO THE SHOW AT 412-223-6644 or if international, e-mail your audio message to [email protected]

Follow Chris Carter on Twitter: @CarterCritiques.

Theme music is 'How Can I Lose' by Johnny Quest the Rebel, under his label Renaissance Music. Find more from their label here.

This show is part of the Locked on Podcast Network.

Photo Credit: Charle LeClaire

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FANDUEL DISCLAIMER: 21+ in select states. First online real money wager only. Bonus issued as nonwithdrawable free bets that expires in 14 days. Restrictions apply. See terms at sportsbook.fanduel.com. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER or visit FanDuel.com/RG (CO, IA, MD, MI, NJ, PA, IL, VA, WV), 1-800-NEXT-STEP or text NEXTSTEP to 53342 (AZ), 1-888-789-7777 or visit ccpg.org/chat (CT), 1-800-9-WITH-IT (IN), 1-800-522-4700 (WY, KS) or visit ksgamblinghelp.com (KS), 1-877-770-STOP (LA), 1-877-8-HOPENY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY), TN REDLINE 1-800-889-9789 (TN)

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Christopher Carter of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, hosts the Locked on Steelers podcast.

The Pittsburgh Steelers' offense under Mike McCarthy is going to make big changes, and Christopher Carter sees a big difference coming in their first down passing attack. Chris breaks down how McCarthy's offense historically pass more often and more efficiently than recent Steelers offenses have, and why that might work with Aaron Rodgers, DK Metcalf, Michael Pittman Jr., Germie Bernard and Pat Freiermuth. The reason ties to McCarthy's plan to target the offense averaging 55 touches per game, and that less being more about possessing the football for longer drives, throwing on early downs to create shorter down and distances, and less about running the football. Could this be the key the Steelers need to unlock a new day for their offense?

CALL INTO THE SHOW AT 412-223-6644 or if international, e-mail your audio message to [email protected]

Follow Chris Carter on Twitter: @CarterCritiques.

Theme music is 'How Can I Lose' by Johnny Quest the Rebel, under his label Renaissance Music. Find more from their label here.

This show is part of the Locked on Podcast Network.

Photo Credit: Charles LeClaire

FanDuel

Indeed

FANDUEL DISCLAIMER: 21+ in select states. First online real money wager only. Bonus issued as nonwithdrawable free bets that expires in 14 days. Restrictions apply. See terms at sportsbook.fanduel.com. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER or visit FanDuel.com/RG (CO, IA, MD, MI, NJ, PA, IL, VA, WV), 1-800-NEXT-STEP or text NEXTSTEP to 53342 (AZ), 1-888-789-7777 or visit ccpg.org/chat (CT), 1-800-9-WITH-IT (IN), 1-800-522-4700 (WY, KS) or visit ksgamblinghelp.com (KS), 1-877-770-STOP (LA), 1-877-8-HOPENY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY), TN REDLINE 1-800-889-9789 (TN)

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Christopher Carter of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, hosts the Locked on Steelers podcast, and is joined by Nick Farabaugh of PennLive.com.

The Pittsburgh Steelers have been rebuilding under GM Omar Khan's leadership in recent years. But who are the players they've drafted who might be the hardest to keep from free agency? Christopher Carter and Nick Farabaugh explore that question with a hard look at the Steelers' roster and salary cap payments for the next few years. While the Steelers have paid Nick Herbig and Darnell Washington, could Keeanu Benton and Payton Wilson be the hardest draft picks to keep on the team? Other draft picks like Joey Porter Jr., Zach Frazier, Troy Fautanu and Mason McCormick could be players who the Steelers lock in, but Khan may have some tough decisions soon. Also, Chris and Nick answer a question from the Locked on Steelers' call-in line about who the top young development players are on the roster who aren't obvious standouts right now. Despite the heavy draft investments into the offense of late, it's the defensive players who might stand the best chance to be diamonds found in the rough like Yahya Black, Jack Sawyer, Daylen Everette, Carson Bruener and Robert Spears-Jennings.

CALL INTO THE SHOW AT 412-223-6644 or if international, e-mail your audio message to [email protected]

Follow Chris Carter on Twitter: @CarterCritiques.

Theme music is 'How Can I Lose' by Johnny Quest the Rebel, under his label Renaissance Music. Find more from their label here.

This show is part of the Locked on Podcast Network.

Photo Credit: Charles LeClaire

FanDuel

Indeed

FANDUEL DISCLAIMER: 21+ in select states. First online real money wager only. Bonus issued as nonwithdrawable free bets that expires in 14 days. Restrictions apply. See terms at sportsbook.fanduel.com. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER or visit FanDuel.com/RG (CO, IA, MD, MI, NJ, PA, IL, VA, WV), 1-800-NEXT-STEP or text NEXTSTEP to 53342 (AZ), 1-888-789-7777 or visit ccpg.org/chat (CT), 1-800-9-WITH-IT (IN), 1-800-522-4700 (WY, KS) or visit ksgamblinghelp.com (KS), 1-877-770-STOP (LA), 1-877-8-HOPENY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY), TN REDLINE 1-800-889-9789 (TN)

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Christopher Carter of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, hosts the Locked on Steelers podcast, and is joined by Alan Saunders of SteelersNow.com.

CALL INTO THE SHOW AT 412-223-6644 or if international, e-mail your audio message to [email protected]

Follow Chris Carter on Twitter: @CarterCritiques.

Theme music is 'How Can I Lose' by Johnny Quest the Rebel, under his label Renaissance Music. Find more from their label here.

This show is part of the Locked on Podcast Network.

Photo Credit: Charles LeClaire

FanDuel

Indeed

FANDUEL DISCLAIMER: 21+ in select states. First online real money wager only. Bonus issued as nonwithdrawable free bets that expires in 14 days. Restrictions apply. See terms at sportsbook.fanduel.com. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER or visit FanDuel.com/RG (CO, IA, MD, MI, NJ, PA, IL, VA, WV), 1-800-NEXT-STEP or text NEXTSTEP to 53342 (AZ), 1-888-789-7777 or visit ccpg.org/chat (CT), 1-800-9-WITH-IT (IN), 1-800-522-4700 (WY, KS) or visit ksgamblinghelp.com (KS), 1-877-770-STOP (LA), 1-877-8-HOPENY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY), TN REDLINE 1-800-889-9789 (TN)

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.