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

The Pittsburgh Steelers are reportedly keeping Mike Tomlin, and that causes big questions for how the team needs to move forward with any plans of change in 2025. Christopher Carter examines why there could be a ruse for a trade at play, even if it's a very outside chance of happening from Omar Khan.

But if Art Rooney does plan to make changes for the Steelers' coaching staff, where can that happen? Chris looks at defensive coordinator Teryl Austin and why his plans had their good days, but haven't helped the defensive front enough. What do the Steelers need at defensive coordinator?

And do the Steelers need a change in philosophy as a team? Is being a physical group not a goal in 2025? Chris says tell that to the Philadelphia Eagles, Baltimore Ravens, Detroit Lions and others who are proving that way of football can still be successful. But that does mean the team may need better efforts on its offensive line, and why Pat Meyer might be another target of change.

CALL INTO THE SHOW AT 412-223-6644 or if international, e-mail your audio message to LOSTEELERSTOPICBAG@GMAIL.COM

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.

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

The Pittsburgh Steelers lost to the Baltimore Ravens 28-14 in the playoffs, being eliminated in the first round for a fifth time in the last seven seasons. Christopher Carter breaks down more than just the loss, but the major problems abound for the Steelers that face them heading into the offseason.

Mike Tomlin's team looked like a strong defensive squad for most of the season, but was flat out destroyed by Lamar Jackson, Derrick Henry, and their usage of the read option, something they'd seen on tape from before. While Tomlin most likely won't be fired, Art Rooney II has major questions on whether trading Tomlin is an option, and if not, how the organization makes adjustments to field a more dominant team in the future.

CALL INTO THE SHOW AT 412-223-6644 or if international, e-mail your audio message to LOSTEELERSTOPICBAG@GMAIL.COM

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.

Christopher Carter of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, hosts the Locked on Steelers podcast, and is joined by Mike DeFabo, Steelers reporter for the Athletic.

The Pittsburgh Steelers face the Baltimore Ravens Saturday and will attempt to bounce back from their loss to the Ravens just weeks ago. Christopher Carter and Mike DeFabo think the defense has better answers for Lamar Jackson and Derrick Henry, but will it be enough to get a win? The keys could come down to Cam Heyward and the defensive line winning the middle of the trenches and Joey Porter Jr. leading a strong man coverage defense.

Also, Chris and Mike discuss what Russell Wilson to adjust to how defenses have played him over the last month. Can Wilson engineer the offense to take advantage of what the Ravens think he won't do--use intermediate passing concepts? George Pickens, Pat Freiermuth, Calvin Austin, Mike Williams and Darnell Washington all need to be part of the Arthur Smith gameplan to set the Steelers up for an upset.

Finally, Chris and Mike give their picks for Steelers vs. Ravens and all of the first round of the NFL Playoffs.

CALL INTO THE SHOW AT 412-223-6644 or if international, e-mail your audio message to LOSTEELERSTOPICBAG@GMAIL.COM

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.

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Christopher Carter of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, hosts the Locked on Steelers podcast, and is joined by Kevin Oestreicher of Locked on Ravens for Crossover Thursday.

The Pittsburgh Steelers have beaten the Baltimore Ravens and Lamar Jackson several times, but they shouldn't count on the 'playoff'Jackson narrative to save them Saturday. Christopher Carter and Kevin Oestreicher talk about how that narrative's been overblown for years, and why the Steelers must still bring their A-game to stop Jackson and Derrick Henry.

But is the key to doing that on Cam Heyward and the Steelers' defensive line? That's a factor that didn't work in the Steelers' favor the last time, but has several times in his rivalry. If they can control the interior, it could let T.J. Watt and Alex Highsmith have a strong game.

Finally, what parts of the Steelers' team scares the Ravens the most? Kevin gives his thoughts on how George Pickens could make things different for Russell Wilson, and how the Steelers' pass rush could play the biggest factor of all.

CALL INTO THE SHOW AT 412-223-6644 or if international, e-mail your audio message to LOSTEELERSTOPICBAG@GMAIL.COM

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.

In this week's NFL Squad, the crew discusses the current landscape of vacant head coaching jobs in the NFL and where things are headed with certain jobs, plus they discuss the NFL Playoffs Wildcard Weekend and which games on the AFC and NFC side are poised for Upset Alerts.

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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)

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

The Pittsburgh Steelers have the right plan to face Lamar Jackson and the Baltimore Ravens, which is why Christopher Carter thinks the defense must stick to its strengths, and not change the plan. T.J. Watt, Alex Highsmith and Cam Heyward have been very strong players all season, and need to be again Saturday. The plan should be to let them focus to take away Jackson and Derrick Henry on the ground, and force the Ravens' passing attack to have to be elite against tight coverage.

Also, Russell Wilson and the Steelers' offense must possess the ball and control the pace of the game, but that doesn't mean being a run-heavy team. Mike Tomlin and Arthur Smith's plan still needs to take to the air, but earlier in drives enough that allows the Steelers to still have a balanced attack that includes the run and wins time of possession considerably.

Finally, the Steelers are going to need young players to step up on both sides of the ball if they want to win in the playoffs. Chris focuses on specific players like Joey Porter Jr., Keeanu Benton, Zach Frazier and George Pickens who will be instrumental to upsetting the Ravens.

CALL INTO THE SHOW AT 412-223-6644 or if international, e-mail your audio message to LOSTEELERSTOPICBAG@GMAIL.COM

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.

Turbo Tax
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LinkedIn
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FanDuel
You can start the season with a big return on FanDuel. New customers can place a FIVE DOLLAR bet and you’ll get started with TWO HUNDRED DOLLARS in BONUS BETS - if you win or lose your first FIVE DOLLAR BET ! Visit FANDUEL.COM to get started.

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

The Pittsburgh Steelers' offense has stalled for a month. Christopher Carter thinks they can take a page out of the defense's book and turn up the aggression to turn things around against the Baltimore Ravens. The key will be Russell Wilson using the best parts of the offense, which means getting the ball to George Pickens and Pat Freiermuth early to create faster starts.

Also, Chris gives his Stars and Skulls grades on the Steelers' loss to the Cincinnati Bengals, including multiple Bust Ticket grades. Who graded out the worst in the loss? And which players on defense were most responsible for their turnaround last week?

CALL INTO THE SHOW AT 412-223-6644 or if international, e-mail your audio message to LOSTEELERSTOPICBAG@GMAIL.COM

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.

Turbo Tax
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LinkedIn
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PrizePicks
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FanDuel
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Christopher Carter of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, hosts the Locked on Steelers podcast.

The Pittsburgh Steelers know they'll play the Baltimore Ravens in the NFL playoffs. But Christopher Carter has a challenge for the offense to change if the team wants to start faster. Can Mike Tomlin and Arthur Smith give the offense a chance to do that with changing up the team's plan on first downs? Russell Wilson may not be playing well, but switching up how and when he's called to make certain reads could create better playmaking scenarios for George Pickens, Pat Freiermuth, Najee Harris and Jaylen Warren.

Also, Chris breaks down what the defense did to rediscover its formula to playing well in their game against the Bengals. Despite the loss, the Steelers' defense held the NFL's top passing offense in check and kept them under 20 points for the first time in over two months. Patrick Queen explains some of the things the Steelers' defense cleaned up.

Finally, Chris addresses the reset mentality the team seems to be embracing for the playoffs. It's the right thing to say, but it has to be followed with action.

CALL INTO THE SHOW AT 412-223-6644 or if international, e-mail your audio message to LOSTEELERSTOPICBAG@GMAIL.COM

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.

Turbo Tax
Ready for stress-free taxes and the most money back, guaranteed? Head over to TurboTax.com today and get matched with your Expert—who’s ready to take your taxes off your plate, so you can focus on your day.

LinkedIn
LinkedIn Jobs helps you find the qualified candidates you want to talk to, faster. Post your job for free at LinkedIn.com/LOCKEDONNFL. Terms and conditions apply.

PrizePicks
Download the app and use code lockedonnfl to win $50 instantly when you play $5. You don't even need to win to receive your $50 bonus, it's guaranteed! Prizepicks. Run Your Game.
Click Here: https://prizepicks.onelink.me/LME0/LOCKEDONNFL

Gametime
Download the Gametime app, create an account, and use code LOCKEDONNFL for $20 off your first purchase. Terms Apply. Download Gametime today. What time is it? Gametime.

FanDuel
You can start the season with a big return on FanDuel. New customers can place a FIVE DOLLAR bet and you’ll get started with TWO HUNDRED DOLLARS in BONUS BETS - if you win your first FIVE DOLLAR BET ! Visit FANDUEL.COM to get started.

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)