JotCast | Ray Fittipaldo's Steelers chat: 01.21.25

Ray Fittipaldo's Steelers chat: 01.21.25

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Ray Fittipaldo

12:33

Moore is a free agent. And yes, Jones is going to move to the left side. Be careful when people cite sacks for offensive linemen. Sometimes running backs are supposed to help, or a protection call is missed, and they're held responsible. Who is responsible for sacks is debatable and oftentimes linemen get blamed when they shouldn't.

Steeltown

12:33

Hi Ray, Why don't the Steelers (and every other team for that matter), do the tush push when we need a yard? Seems virtually unstoppable, yet we trot out Russ (not even Justin) to do a traditional qb sneak...makes no sense!

Ray Fittipaldo

12:36

If Justin Fields is the QB in 2025 I would have him take every snap this spring and summer from under center so he can get comfortable there. They don't do traditional sneaks with Fields all that often because he never took snaps from under center in college. It's a real problem across the NFL. He needs to learn how to do that and feel comfortable doing it if he's asked. I agree with your premise. Even if the Steelers have to get a TE to take a snap and get pushed forward, do it! The Ravens do it with Mark Andrews. To me it's like stealing, and the Steelers don't even try to mimic these other teams. It should be an offseason emphasis.

Stan P

12:36

Are we at the point of the offseason where it's safe to say that if any staff changes were going to happen, they'd have happened by now?

Ray Fittipaldo

12:36

No.

Hammering Hank

12:36

Even though Riley Leonard didn’t have a great game last night, like his athleticism, running ability, awareness, toughness, needs work on arm strength and pass footwork. I’m thinking good late round choice?

Ray Fittipaldo

12:37

Maybe, but arm strength and passing ability are prerequisites to play in the NFL. He's not going to line up under center and run 10 times like he did last night on the first drive of the game.

APK

12:37

Can we please cut out the talk of tanking to get better draft picks?? The fans who advocate that know nothing about the Steelers.

Beer_baron

12:38

Any inside scoop on a possible Dublin game?

Ray Fittipaldo

12:38

Gerry Dulac reported it's happening a few weeks ago. The NFL announced a game in Berlin last week so I'm guessing the Ireland game is announced in the next week or two.

Steeler Nut

12:39

Would you spend a 3rd rounder on a guy like Will Howard? Winner, great size, mobile and has played in many pressure situations. Some scouts compare him to Mason Rudolph, but I think he is far more dynamic as a play-maker

Ray Fittipaldo

12:39

I don't think he's worth a third-round pick, but QBs are pushed up draft boards all the time so who knows where he'll go?

ATLsteelerFAN

12:40

good morning Ray. The way I see it, the Steelers have 2 “elite” players and one of them is Boswell. Would you agree, slightly agree, disagree or slightly disagree with my analysis? Thanks!

Ray Fittipaldo

12:40

I'd add Watt as an elite player. I assume you were already counting Heyward. (And he's 36!). Some of their young players could develop into that type of player, but they're not there yet.

APK

12:41

Do you think Fields is capable of being a franchise QB?

Ray Fittipaldo

12:41

Probably not, but find out in 2025.

Ben

12:41

Hey Ray, after watching the Steelers lose to playoff teams 4 of their last 5 games and then watching this past weekend of football, I don’t think they’ve made very good decisions on the talent front. When you look at players not on a rookie contract, who among their roster would other teams want at the price the Steelers are paying? Watt, Bosworth, maybe queen, Elliot… Who else? Thanks -

Ray Fittipaldo

12:42

Maybe Frazier. Payton Wilson looks like a good young player. But you're right. They need more young talent. That's for sure.

Hi Ray -

12:42

What do you think about Minka's contract vs his play? For many, he is an iconic part of the team, but the business is what it is. Would they ever approach him to restructure - or is that off-limits?

Ray Fittipaldo

12:42

The way he's been deployed he's not worth the contract, but they'd have to eat $15 million in dead money if they cut him. They don't typically do that.

Hi Ray -

12:43

One thing I was thinking about during my ongoing depression of another season with our JV Coach, Mike Tomlin, was if a new staff was brought in and they were a 4-3 scheme, not a 3-4 scheme, how much upheaval would that cause to the roster? That seems like a multi-year transition and would raise fundamental questions about Watt and Highsmith.

Ray Fittipaldo

12:44

NFL teams are only in base defenses maybe 25-30% of the time. There would be a transition for sure, but a good coach could incorporate good players into any scheme.

Linebacker Lounge

12:44

Would like to see them bring back Skowronek. Feel he and Robinson are key ST’s players. 93 seems to be very good against the run, but assuming he struggles with past coverage? What say you

Ray Fittipaldo

12:44

I agree on both counts although Robinson just might be a special teams player only. And that's OK. He can make a living doing it if he excels at it.

Yinzer Stuck in Crabby MD

12:45

Ray, do you have any predictions on if the Steelers will get any compensatory picks? Would love to see them use a mid round pick on a qb that falls just to have some little glimmer of hope (for the future) while watching the offense move like a WWII Italian tank this fall. Wish they had taken Jordan Travis in 24.

Ray Fittipaldo

12:45

They are not projected to have one according to the sites that track that stuff.

Tampa Too

12:46

Ray. What is your best guess as to who the starting quarterback will be for the Pittsburgh Steelers next year?

Ray Fittipaldo

12:46

I don't think they've decided yet, but if I had to guess I'd say Fields.

Grahambo

12:46

Ray, the options for Steelers QB seem very limited. There isn’t any obvious choice that we should trade up to get. I think we go with Fields and focus on building out rest of the team. Appreciate your thoughts! Grahambo

Ray Fittipaldo

12:47

I agree. Build up other positions on the roster and get your QB when you can get a good one. Just don't get one for the sake of getting one.

Hi Ray -

12:47

Is Fautanu better suited for guard? Save some $ with Seumalo and play him at LG. Sign a true RT in FA?

Ray Fittipaldo

12:47

I won't rule that out, but he excelled at tackle until he got injured.

Jim

12:48

Would you keep Moore and cut Jones? Jones doesn't seem to be playing all out when you watch him.

Ray Fittipaldo

12:48

No. Jones is younger and has more upside.

Jim

12:48

Do we need a pounder to pair with Warren or a scat back? I think we need speed, couldn't believe Smith kept trying to run sweeps with the slow footed Najee. Didn't look good for him or the OC.

Ray Fittipaldo

12:49

I don't think they need a pounder. I think you can add a back with speed and maybe another one for short-yardage situations.

Jay

12:50

Great job this year Ray. Not a question, just an observation. Every Ravens position group except maybe edge rusher are better than the Steelers. Thanks.

Ray Fittipaldo

12:50

Thanks for reading Jay!

DaquidoBazzini

12:50

When looking at the tape from the Ravens playoff loss, what grade would you give the Steelers for overall effort?

Ray Fittipaldo

12:51

I try not to question the effort of professionals all that often, but there were a few plays in that game that opened my eyes.

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