JotCast | Ray Fittipaldo's Steelers chat: 01.04.22

Ray Fittipaldo's Steelers chat: 01.04.22

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Ray Fittipaldo

1:57

Good afternoon. Post your questions and we'll get started soon.

Mark

1:59

Hi Ray. To quote the famous philosopher Socrates, er I mean Ju Ju, the Browns is the Browns. They got lucky and won a wild card game last year. My question is, of the four teams that have never been to a Super Bowl, who do you think will get there first, Cleveland, Detroit, Houston, or Jacksonville? I'll go with the Jags.

Ray Fittipaldo

2:01

I'll go with the Bengals because they finally have the quarterback to get them there. Joe Burrow is very good, and he's going to be very good for years to come. If the Bengals can keep this core together I would expect them to be among the AFC contenders for several years to come. You say Jacksonville, and I know they have Trevor Lawrence, but they're so dysfunctional. I can't agree with you there. Baker Mayfield isn't the answer in Cleveland and Jared Goff isn't the answer in Detroit so they're going to need some time to build to a Super Bowl as well.

Nate

2:07

Hi Ray, thanks for the chats and Happy New Year to you and yours! If TJ breaks Strahan's sack record, do you think he has a shot at MVP as well? I believe Lawrence Taylor and Alan Page are the only 2 defensive players to ever win MVP. Thanks!

Ray Fittipaldo

2:09

There seems to be a pretty strong national sentiment that Aaron Rodgers has the MVP all wrapped up, so I'll say no. But I think he should be a unanimous selection for NFL defensive player of the year. What he's done, all while not being healthy for the bulk of the season, is pretty incredible. Makes you wonder what kind of sack numbers he could post if he can be 100% healthy for an entire season.

Jps717

2:09

Maybe they should have started JCH at center all year. Noticeable improvement in O line play last nite. Do they sit Green on Sunday?

Ray Fittipaldo

2:10

Tomlin had some good things to say about Hasseanauer's play today, but he did not commit to him getting another start. But based on the 188 yards from Najee Harris and what Tomlin had to say about Hasseanauer's play and his communication skills in the game, I am guessing they give him another start. Much tougher assignment this time out. The Ravens have the No. 1 run defense in the NFL.

artie bridge

2:11

Ray, If nothing else these last two games have, imho, identified two keepers for next year: punter Waitman, and cb Witherspoon. Your take?

Ray Fittipaldo

2:13

Yes I agree. Montravius Adams too. Witherspoon made $1.5 million this season and he's a free agent in March. With Joe Haden likely to move on, it makes sense to sign Witherspoon to a modest deal and see if he can be part of the equation next season. But they still probably have to draft a CB. Same goes for a DL. Adams has been a nice late-season find, but the Steelers should still invest heavily in their DL this offseason either in the draft or free agency. It's a must.

Scott

2:13

Ray, Did Mike Tomlin's stubborn refusal to stick with Kendrick Green until it was too late doom Ben's final season to failure? JC looked much more competent to my untrained eye.

Ray Fittipaldo

2:16

I can't imagine they would play an inferior player for an entire season, but it's the NFL. Draft picks are always going to get more chances to prove they can't play than undrafted free agents. I think everyone witnessed something similar with Robert Spillane at ILB this year. Let's see how Hasseanauer plays in Baltimore before we crown him the starter next season. And just like the previous question about Witherspoon and Adams, the emergence of guys like Hasseanauer and John Leglue should not sway the Steelers from drafting offensive linemen early in next year's draft. One 188-yard game from Najee Harris won't take the stink off the running game overall. It was terrible for most of the season.

Texan Steeler

2:16

I don't know what to think of our OL being so good last night. Is it OL coach or JCH? It looked like JCH held on his own unlike Green who got pushed backward quite a bit. I thought JCH was too small to play NFL center too.

Ray Fittipaldo

2:16

Hassenauer, at least last night, played with better leverage and technique than Green, who often stands straight up and gets driven into the backfield as a result.

Retire21

2:17

All these stats but the one I haven’t seen is what appears to be the Steelers losing record in the coin toss.

Ray Fittipaldo

2:17

What's the record? I know it's not very good.

Greg

2:17

When T.J. blocked a Mayfield pass last night, he pointed his finger, shouted trash at Baker, and laughed and danced. This went on for at least half a minute. How was this not a taunting penalty? I have seen a lot less called this season. Seems the refs were watching and enjoying the show themselves...

Ray Fittipaldo

2:19

It's like MLB and umpire strike zones. Everyone has a different interpretation of the rule. And by the way, the NFL competition committee, of which Tomlin serves, needs to abolish that rule this spring. I don't care if players talk or get in another player's face. Think the NBA ever told Larry Bird to stop talking? Or Michael Jordan? It's part of the charm of the game. The NFL should stop being the No Fun League and start allowing players to decide the games on the field.

SMF

2:19

Hi Ray: Happy New Year. The Steeler OL definitely had more forward “push” against the Browns. Was it as obvious as it appeared that JC Hassenauer is a better Center than Kendrick Green? Or just my lying eyes?

Ray Fittipaldo

2:20

You're right. Hassenauer had a good game. The other four linemen did their part too. But it's just one game. Let's see them do something similar against the stout Ravens front. Part of me observed that game last night and wondered whether the Browns had quit after learning they were eliminated from the playoff hunt on Sunday. It sure looked like they were disinterested.

Fineline

2:20

Have the Steelers found something in Monty Adams? He’s awfully quick off the snap and moves pretty well.

Ray Fittipaldo

2:21

Maybe, but his emergence should not dissuade the front office from drafting a DL high. They need to get younger across the front seven. Cam Heyward can't play at this level forever given his age.

Nate

2:22

Hi Ray, I asked Brian yesterday and wanted to get your take. Do you think the Steelers should 1) have Mason as starter in 2022 (with low priced veteran to mentor and even push for playing time), 2) bring in mid priced veteran QB to be the starter, or 3) trade for someone like Russell Wilson? Thanks!

Ray Fittipaldo

2:22

None of the above. Let Mason run the show in 2022 and draft a QB to develop behind him. Not necessarily in the first round but a developmental prospect with some upside.

Devon

2:23

How is Canada still an offensive coordinator?

Ray Fittipaldo

2:23

But will be a week from now?

Daniel11

2:23

How would you analyze the plays of our ILB (Spillane, Allen, Gilbert) without Bush and Shobert? I know #41 got beat couple times on passing plays, but I didn't think the unit was overwhelmed. Maybe we can trade Bush for a decent pick.

Ray Fittipaldo

2:24

Spillane was good versus the run. (He led the team with eight tackles). But his warts in pass coverage were evident again. Not that Devin Bush or Joe Schobert would fare much better trying to cover a WR over the middle. To me, that's scheme. Don't ask players to perform duties they're not capable of performing.

Eric Carr

2:25

Correlation between Green's absence and Najee's huge game last night? I think not! And keep Waitmann!

Ray Fittipaldo

2:26

I think Waitman is eligible to be offered a futures contract. And given what he knows about Harvin and his success with the Steelers he'll probably take it. Good situation for him. He knows he'll have a legitimate shot at unseating Harvin and a legit opportunity to be a starter.

Devon

2:27

The bengals been to two Super Bowls and lost both of them

Ray Fittipaldo

2:27

I know. I think he was talking about winning a Super Bowl though.

Nate

2:27

Hi Ray, if you're the Steelers do you give Moore and Green another shot next year, or do you find their replacements in FA and/or draft? Would love to know your thoughts since you're familiar with o-line play. Thanks!

Ray Fittipaldo

2:30

I'm more skeptical of Green because I think he lacks the size and technique to play center. If you're undersized like he is you better be a technician, and he's far from that. He does give full effort, but that hasn't been good enough. Moore has endured his struggles, but he's playing left tackle in the NFL as a rookie. DO you know how hard that is? The fact that they haven't had to bench him speaks volumes. He's been satisfactory and will get better. Doesn't mean I bypass a stud tackle prospect in the draft is one available though. As I stated earlier, the Steelers need to invest heavily in the OL in free agency and/or the draft.

Mercury

2:30

With all the outpouring of love for John Madden from everyone including Steelers fans, aren’t people forgetting that he coached what Chuck Noll called a “criminal element” in pro football whose aim was to hurt and maim other teams’ players?

Ray Fittipaldo

2:31

Delicate balance I suppose. I think 75% of the football fans know him as a broadcaster and video game icon. Not as the leader of the so-called criminal element. But I hear you.

Daniel11

2:32

I suppose last night's game was last home game for many other Steelers such as Haden, JuJu, Edmunds, Turner, JW, Alualu, Wormley, Tuitt, etc. Thank you all for great memories and wish everyone the best of luck!

Ray Fittipaldo

2:34

Alualu and Wormley could be back. They're both under contract for 2022 and won't count a lot against the cap. Could be decent rotational pieces. But they need to draft and develop the next Heyward.

Mike

2:34

You think Pitt will be big players in free agency?

Ray Fittipaldo

2:34

They'll have to be. Lots of holes to fill and not enough draft picks to do it.

Eric Carr

2:34

TJ unanimous DPOY? Who else deserves even 1 vote? 21.5 sacks in approximately 12.5 games!!! Has it ever been unanimous?

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