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Ray Fittipaldo's Steelers chat: 01.04.22
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Ray Fittipaldo
2:35
Micah Parsons seems to be getting a lot of love, but he didn't do much against the Cardinals when I watched. Watt should have been DPOY in 2019 and 2020.
Dave
2:35
The defense looked like last year's version for a change. Helped by the Browns drops. Did you notice them doing anything differently that made them more successful last night?
Ray Fittipaldo
2:36
Mike Tomlin said the front was the difference in stopping the run. He gave lots of credit to the DL.
Nick
2:36
Ray, first time on the chat.  How much of an overhaul do you think the WR room need?  It seems like we cannot get any separation downfield.  Is that a function of ability or of the offensive design?
Ray Fittipaldo
2:38
Probably both, but James Washington gets almost no separation in man coverage. Diontae Johnson does, but he gets double-teamed a lot. Chase Claypool, while fast, doesn't demonstrate the football athleticism that is necessary for the position. And Ray-Ray McCloud is a No. 5 WR being targeted like he's a No. 2. Mostly because of Claypool and Washington's shortcomings. They'll need to sign a veteran WR or draft one to help this group.
Nate
2:38
Hi Ray, you just responded that Steelers should draft a CB even if they re-sign Witherspoon.  Regarding drafting a CB, I say NO, NO, NO!!!  LMAO
Ray Fittipaldo
2:39
I hear you, but it's kind of a need. Even if Sutton and Witherspoon project as starters on the outside (provided they re-sign Witherspoon) you still need a potential player for the slot. Arthur Maulet is serviceable, but they need to develop some younger CBs.
TDtoledo
2:40
D. Bush hurts the team when he's on the field. PERIOD & FACT   Will the Steelers do the right thing and let him go in 2022?
Ray Fittipaldo
2:40
The Steelers kept Artie Burns for four years. They'll keep Devin Bush on the roster next year.
Alaska Steeler
2:41
As sure as its cold and dark in my home state in the winter, so is it true that on 3rd and any distance, Canada call for a play that requires the player to break 3 tackles to get the first down.  How does a good head coach put up with this nonsense.  Oh wait, I just answered my own question.
Ray Fittipaldo
2:42
I don't think the offensive staff has any confidence the OL can hold up in pass protection. That's the only explanation I have for throwing short of the sticks so often. I'm convinced now it's part of their identity of not allowing the offense to lose the game. Kind of like 2019 except the defense isn't as good.
Nick
2:42
The off-ball LB play was much improved last night. Is that a function of better line play or better effort?
Ray Fittipaldo
2:42
Mostly better line play.
Yates
2:43
Hi Ray-  Ben was not sharp last night but our WR corps seems to worsen with each passing week.  DJ back to dropping balls, 11 making 50-50 balls seem like 1-99 balls and Ray Ray only good on 5 yards in.  What is rank order 0f root cause of problem with WRs.  Talent vs scheme vs WR coach?
Ray Fittipaldo
2:44
No. 1 scheme and philosophy but they need to upgrade the talent in the room. Johnson is a legit NFL receiver. I'm not sure any of the others are.
Mass Formation Psychosis
2:44
Najee.. only 2 time winner this season of Kyle Brandts "Angry Runs" Ceptor... or as Najee refered to it... "Little Harry Potter Stick"... I noticed 2 things... 1.) The Oline opened holes for him and 2.) When they did or even didn't  there was a noticeable difference  in Harris' being decisive i.e. less shimmy/dancin' and more Go! Did you notice that?
Ray Fittipaldo
2:44
I thought Roethlisberger's description after the game was apt. He ran "possessed."
BPOS32
2:45
Ugh, after being spoiled with high caliber QB play for over a decade, we now get.... Mason Rudolf. <falls asleep as I type>  It's going to be really hard to get excited for games. Do we really have to suffer through 2022 with him?
Ray Fittipaldo
2:46
The Steelers won't be terrible with Mason Rudolph. I'm not predicting the playoffs, either. But this team is severely flawed with or without him. Big job for Kevin Colbert and his staff to rebuild the roster over the offseason.
JerseySteel
2:46
Hi Ray - Witherspoon and Montravius Adams look like keepers. Will the Steelers bring them back?
Ray Fittipaldo
2:47
]They have to want to come back, but I think they will. Both had trouble finding homes with other teams. And they seem to have genuine opportunities to have roles with the Steelers.
Jud
2:47
In your opinion is Spillane better, the same, or worse than Vince Williams in coverage?
Ray Fittipaldo
2:47
Probably about the same.
Jamesboro
2:47
What would be easier to find  in free agency, a starter for the  DL or OL?
Ray Fittipaldo
2:48
I haven't studied the top UFAs, but it's not just players on expiring contracts. Some guys who are under contract now will be cut, and those players could be answers too.
Mass Formation Psychosis
2:49
Any truth to the rumor that Claypool is using Botox in his hands because he has a 'hand modeling' gig in the off season?
Ray Fittipaldo
2:50
His top competition is George Costanza.
Paul
2:50
Should OL coach Morgan receive some credit, best performance of year on short notice! This line couldn't move Detroit.
Ray Fittipaldo
2:51
Sure. He might be the next full-time line coach too, although I believe Tomlin should interview other qualified candidates.
Dan
2:53
If the Jags win, why wouldn't the Chargers and Raiders play to a tie?
Ray Fittipaldo
2:54
Because both teams could get in with a win too. I think the NFL made a mistake making it the night game, but this idea of both teams kneeling on the ball for 60 minutes if the Colts lose is ridiculous.
ErneeHARTner412-305
2:54
Did you see Kordell Stewart's comments about Big Ben? How would you compare the fanbase's embrace of Big Ben and their treatment of "SLASH" ?
Ray Fittipaldo
2:54
I didn't see them.
BrooklynAdam
2:55
Do you expect Canada to be fired after next week?  If so, who are some coaches you’d like to see the Steelers look at for O Coordinator?
Ray Fittipaldo
2:55
Ken Whisenhunt.
Mercury
2:55
With all the available cap space next year, should the Steelers take a lesson from the Patriots and be big players in the free agent market to quickly improve their team?
Ray Fittipaldo
2:55
Of course. They have the cap space to make some improvements. Doesn't mean they'll sign the right guys or that it will automatically work out, but the Steelers always spend close to the cap.
ErneeHARTner412-305
2:56
Will BIG AL "accidentally" miss a block this weekend and allow Watt to break the sack record? I BET SO!
Ray Fittipaldo
2:56
I don't think it will happen by accident. You might be giving big Al a bit too much credit at this point in his career.
AZZuke
2:57
Hi Ray correction on first question. Bengals were in 2 super bowls they just never won one.
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