JotCast | Ray Fittipaldo's Steelers chat: 01.09.24

Ray Fittipaldo's Steelers chat: 01.09.24

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Stash

2:18

Ray, should Nick Herbig be on an ultra-high calorie regimen? Seems like he has the quickness, but does he not need some more mass to be expected to beat burly tackles?

Ray Fittipaldo

2:19

He seemed to do just fine versus Charles Cross, Seattle's first-round pick when he beat him and a double-team to strip sack Geno Smith.

Godwin

2:19

Ray, with all due humility, was mine the most clever special teams display in the history of Steelers/Steagles football?

Ray Fittipaldo

2:20

It's not like he performed a stupid human trick. He just did a routine thing routinely, if you will.

Guest

2:21

Tomlin got very irritated today when asked about the QB depth chart. Why? I think it is very reasonable to ask why Mason QB1. He has certainly shown he should be.

Ray Fittipaldo

2:22

I think he was perturbed because I think he'd like to protect Pickett's ego and not have him go in the tank. There was never any question Rudolph was going to be the starter in the playoffs.

Anthony from Long island

2:23

Ray, How is Pickett been since Rudolph has been appointed starter? Have not read anything since the question of him not wanting to suit up as the back up.

Ray Fittipaldo

2:24

Yeah that was last week. How often do you want him to talk? Especially now that he's the backup.

troysteelerfan

2:24

I assume I know the answer without asking but do you agree with the decision to continue starting Rudolph in the playoff game vs Buffalo?

Ray Fittipaldo

2:24

Of course. It was the only move to make.

LYM

2:25

Historically they have not been successful without TJ. What do you think they will do to try and change that? Ball control on O? 3-safety package with PP back at CB? Something else

Ray Fittipaldo

2:25

Everything you mentioned and having better players behind him this season.

troysteelerfan

2:26

I have hope that the Steelers can run the ball effectively enough to 1)limit possessions for Buffalo and 2) help with keeping 3rd down in manageable distances.....what are your thoughts on how effective the run game can be vs Buffalo?

Ray Fittipaldo

2:26

There is no question the Steelers would like to put the game on their shoulders. But the Bills front will have something to say about that. It should be a good matchup.

Unc

2:27

Would you agree that because he got paid handsomely, there should be a lot of pressure oh Highsmith to perform at a big time level this weekend? He’s been very hit or miss this year.

Ray Fittipaldo

2:27

Certainly he has to step up. But I think Cam Heyward and Larry Ogunjobi and Keeanu Benton and Montravius Adams have to step up too. They need the defensive line to play better overall.

Dan

2:28

Hey Ray, Do you know if Jack Lambert has any contact with the Steelers? He seems to remain one of the most sought after former Steelers for autographs and yet remains so distant from the team. Does he attend any of the player or team get togethers? Thanks for your great chats too.

Ray Fittipaldo

2:29

I can't remember the last time Lambert showed for an alumni event, but that doesn't mean he's estranged from the team.

Paul

2:30

Hi Ray why didn't Tomlin give Buffalo the allusion they may start Pickett/Rudolf to force them to waste resources preparing for both? While knowing internally.

Ray Fittipaldo

2:30

Because no one in Buffalo would have believed it.

Tom in Dallas

2:30

if there is one key to victory on Sunday, what is it? I say defense up front. Need to contain the runs, both the running backs and Josh scrambles. Agree?

Ray Fittipaldo

2:30

Don't turn the ball over.

Silly in Philly

2:31

Ray. Did you think Pitt had a better chance against Bills or the Chiefs?

Ray Fittipaldo

2:31

I think the Bills are the better team this season, but the Chiefs know how to win the playoffs. The Bills have had some playoff games where they played below expectations.

LYM

2:32

How many NFL teams are going to interview Canada for their OC?

Ray Fittipaldo

2:32

Tom in Dallas

2:32

Cinny and Seattle games, Pickens was a significant part of the offense. He was not part of it in Baltimore. I can't see us winning w/o George being a big part of the O. How do we get back to those two games where is was involved and successful?

Ray Fittipaldo

2:32

The Ravens double-covered him. Others had to step up. And guys like Diontae Johnson and the running game did.

Mr right

2:34

Ray time to eat some crow

Ray Fittipaldo

2:34

"You got the hen, the chicken and the rooster..."

LYM

2:35

If Vegas would put a number on it, do you think they’d set the O/U at 1 that Canada gets interviewed by an NFL team for OC

Ray Fittipaldo

2:35

+10000000

2:36

Herbig better at run stop or pass rush?

Ray Fittipaldo

2:36

He better be good at both.

Big Game James

2:37

Any word on how Pickens reacted after the game since he didn't get targeted ?

Ray Fittipaldo

2:37

He was in a great mood in the locker room.

Will

2:37

If Steelers survive 1st round, is there any chance Watt could return for 2nd round, or would Steelers need to push for championship for TJ to return this year?

Ray Fittipaldo

2:37

Yes.

NC Bruin

2:39

Hi, Ray, thanks for the chat! I know that this isn’t going to happen, but could the Steelers franchise tag Rudolf?

Ray Fittipaldo

2:39

They could, and you're right. It's not going to happen.

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