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Ray Fittipaldo's Steelers Chat: 02/25/19
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Culture Club
12:19
Is there a chance the Steelers will re-evaluate their stance on one year vs. multi-year guaranteed contracts? While it works for average players it seems to fall short when highly compensated divas are involved.
Ray Fittipaldo
12:19
It really hasn't been a problem until recently with Bell and Brown. And I don't think the Steelers will change their negotiating style much. They've done business that way for years.
Jay B
12:20
Is this the season that Tomlin learns how to protect a second half lead and pound the ball with Conner and Nix? I'm worried that Randy has Ben passing way too much.
Ray Fittipaldo
12:21
Good question. I thought the pass-run ratio was out of whack last year. I'm all for using your franchise QB, but they threw the ball so much -- 45 times for more than any other team in the NFL. I'm not saying you turn into the 1970s Steelers and build the offense around the running game, but it certainly can be utilized more in my opinion.
section 115
12:21
ray, its time for 84 to go, but is it really his fault this team has failed? record breaking receiver for a 6 year span in the history of the league.
Ray Fittipaldo
12:22
No one has ever said it was his fault. What sane people say is no one, no matter their status, is a good teammate if he quits on their team. Brown quit on the Steelers. He has to go as a result.
Culture Club
12:22
If you agree that Ben’s radio show played a significant role in costing the Rooney’s $21 million, should it be a causualty of Tomlin ‘s impending upgrade of disciplinary protocols (despite Colbert’s endorsement of public shaming)?
Ray Fittipaldo
12:23
You can't tell a player not to do a radio show. It's a free country. All I'm saying is I would encourage him not to do one in the best interests of his team. It would be up to Ben to comply or not comply.
Brian
12:23
Who has more upside Conner or Samuels ?
Ray Fittipaldo
12:25
Conner is best suited to be a workhorse, every-down type of back though his injury history suggests the Steelers should use a backup more. Samuels is terrific as a receiver out of the backfield and did OK as a runner. I just haven't seen enough from him to convince me that he's a full-time RB so to speak in the event of a long-term injury to Conner.
Nick in Long Beach
12:25
Very simple question: What set AB off? He used to be a fan favorite, then really changed. I realize you never really know someone completely, but any theories among the press corps?
Ray Fittipaldo
12:26
If you believe him it's all about the relationships with Tomlin and Roethlisberger. I suspect it also might have something to do with getting a new contract. And he knew that wasn't going to happen with the Steelers so soon after he just signed his name on the current contract.
jake
12:26
Could you see Edmunds being the type of player that we could move to ILB? His Brother had a great year for the Bills and Edmunds reminds like a Mark Barron type of player.
Ray Fittipaldo
12:27
I wouldn't rule it out. Before Morgan Burnett suffered those injuries in the preseason the coaches wanted to use Edmunds as the dime LB and have Burnett as the strong safety. Those plans changed when Burnett was unavailable for so long.
Guest
12:28
how come no one mentions that Ben made AB? in 8 games without Ben (all these are avg/game) ABs stats are as follows...6 catches, 60 yards and Z E R O TD catches. Good Luck! :)-
Ray Fittipaldo
12:28
True, but most NFL teams have someone better than Landry Jones and an old Mike Vick throwing the ball.
Nick in Long Beach
12:29
Why was Grimble excoriated for trying to run over that defender when MacDonald is celebrated for runningI know it happened at the goal line, but it had every appearance that he was going to score anyway.
Ray Fittipaldo
12:30
Um, because he came out and said he wanted the contact when there was no need to initiate it. And he fumbled and cost the Steelers a touchdown and maybe a playoff berth. McDonald like to use his physicality, but he's nifty enough to go by or elude defenders too. When you're in position to score you cant the path of least resistance. Isn't that obvious?
KDub
12:30
Back in the day, didn’t Keyshawn Johnson and Terry Glenn garner high round picks? Currently, Brandon Cooks. None of them were the caliber of Mr. Big Chest. Age and baggage aside, I believe they should get at least a low first or high second and maybe a player for him. Your thoughts, please.
Ray Fittipaldo
12:31
I tend to agree with you.
KDub
12:31
There is some minor rumblings that Arizona would give the Steelers Josh Rosen for AB because Cliff Kingsbury wants Kyler Murray. Please say that would not happen. Especially since they have Mason Rudolph who the Steelers had a 1st round grade.
Ray Fittipaldo
12:31
The Steelers want to sign Roethlisberger to an extension. What would they do with a young QB?
Dylan
12:32
Do you think we will cut Marcus Gilbert and let Feiler take over? Have Okarafor back up along with Hawkins (if he can ever stay healthy)
Ray Fittipaldo
12:33
They do have a lot of tackle depth. And Gilbert is entering the final year of his deal. I wouldn't be surprised. But I don't know at this point if Feiler would be the favorite to be the starter. If Okorafor has a good spring and summer he might be the guy. We'll have to wait and see how that plays out.
Frank
12:33
Is it likely the Raiders would trade one of their first-round picks for AB?
Ray Fittipaldo
12:34
I read a report that Jon Gruden said the Raiders are opening to trading those picks. So the answer apparently is yes.
Dylan
12:34
Whats your thoughts on bringing back Emmanual Sanders? Rumor has it that Denver is going to release him? Is he still quick enough to maybe stretch the field for us?
Ray Fittipaldo
12:34
I'm not sure he'd be the answer. He's in the same age range as Antonio Brown. And given his track record he might command more $ than say someone like John Brown, who is 28.
Paris in Tucson
12:35
Hi Ray. What are your thoughts that the Shazier injury was the moment that broke the Killer B incarnation of the Steelers? It seems from that point on the defense went into a decline that led to the discontent from the other big stars that have led to the current retool. Also he seemed like one of the only true locker room leaders of the team from this outsiders perspective.
Ray Fittipaldo
12:36
It certainly played a big role. They need to do a better job of getting someone like him this offseason.
Nick
12:36
The Steelers need playmakers on defense.  Inside linebacker and corner are the biggest needs, but it's not like we're super strong at safety.   Do you think Tyrann Mathieu is on their radar?  He's the kind of player that defense is lacking.
Ray Fittipaldo
12:38
Mathieu wasn't the same player he was in Houston as Arizona. And he had injuries that hampered his performance his last couple of years in Arizona. So I think you'd be taking a little bit of a gamble with him. That being said, if he doesn't break the bank and is willing to play dime LB without complaining about his role, then I might be interested.
Jack Lambert's Big Toe
12:38
Based on Steelers GM KC's statement of Steelers not trading Brown away for less than their perceived preferred value, what do you see them realistically getting in return? If you were Colbert how would you present ABs value to would be trade suitors?  Thanks.
Ray Fittipaldo
12:38
A first or an early second.
Milk Dud from State College
12:38
Why does it appear that the Steelers are ignoring the defensive help they need to get over the last few drafts ?
Ray Fittipaldo
12:41
It probably has something to do with their perceived lack of depth in the ILB last year. I think it's clear now that they didn't have a high grade on Darius Leonard, and that obviously was a mistake. But maybe the ILB class last year didn't offer much after Leonard and the three guys who went in the first round before the Steelers selected. However, I remain surprised that they used third-round picks on a QB and OT. Maybe Okorafor will turn out to be a 10-year starter and the decision will be a great one, but the 2018 Steelers needed defensive depth more than OL and QB depth.
Jeff
12:41
Whats the deal with Mogan Burnett.  Will the Steelers give him what he wants?
Ray Fittipaldo
12:42
I'm sure Kevin Colbert will be asked about that at the combine. Unless I overlooked it last week Burnett was not addressed during his meeting with local reporters.
Alaska Steeler
12:42
Tomlin and Colbert allowed AB to do whatever he wanted.  Now the message is Ben can say whatever he wants.  Why can't they get this right?
Ray Fittipaldo
12:43
I agree with you on AB. I think the comments on Ben are getting blown out of proportion. All Kevin was trying to say was Ben is the unquestioned leader of this team and should have a strong voice. The national media read way too much into his quotes.
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