JotCast | Ray Fittipaldo's Steelers chat: 09.14.21

Ray Fittipaldo's Steelers chat: 09.14.21

Ray Fittipaldo

1:01

OK here we go.

21-58-66

1:01

Ray- Rough night for Big Al last night.....

Ray Fittipaldo

1:02

I saw that. Unfortunately, I'm not surprised. Anyone who watched his play closely last year knew he was in decline. Maybe the Ravens didn't pay close enough attention. Wonder if they'll brings someone else in. Either way, they committed a lot of money to him and beyond this year.

Guest

1:02

Would it be in the Steelers best interest to bring in any and all veteran OLine players that are not currently on a roster and at least work them out???

Ray Fittipaldo

1:03

Mike Tomlin was asked about the play of his young line today and he was more encouraged than discouraged. He noted they had some mistakes, but he liked their fire and intangibles. They need to get better, but as Tomlin noted they did enough to get the Steelers a win.

Worely Bird

1:04

Under 3 minutes left, 2nd & 10 Buf had just burned its first timeout. Steelers throw the ball incomplete, giving Buf a free TO. Then on 3rd & 10, they throw again for 1 yard (pass was bobbled too, btw), and we kick the FG on 4th & 9. Why did we draft Najee Harris? Running the ball up the middle three times gets you at least the same result (probably better) and forces Buf to use all their timeouts. Instead they get the ball back with 2:45 and 1 TO, down by 10, but with at least a slim chance. How can the coaches justify these play calls? I ask again, why did we draft Najee Harris?

Ray Fittipaldo

1:05

I didn't have a problem with the WR screen to James Washington on third down (the play before the field goal). I just though they should have called that play on second down. The second-down call, an incomplete pass to Diontae Johnson is the one I had a problem with it. It was not a high percentage pass. If you're going to pass in that situation, call a safe pass and not one that is going to stop the clock.

21-58-66

1:05

Ray - Thanks for the chats. Jordan Berry punted lights out for the Vikings on Sunday, much better than Harvin.....cause for concern or just rookie learning curve?

Ray Fittipaldo

1:08

I noticed that too. Berry had an unbelievable average of over 50 against the Bengals in the VIkings' opener. Harvin, meanwhile, struggled against the Bills, especially when he had long fields and could have shown off that big leg of his. Don't underestimate Harvin's role this year. If the offense continues to struggle field position is going to very important. They need him to be much better than he was in Buffalo.

Jerry

1:08

I think stopping the Raiders offense will be harder to stop than the Bills. Your thoughts

Ray Fittipaldo

1:09

They looked good last night although the Ravens are dealing with some injuries on defense. Darren Waller is a really good player. Derek Carr targeted him 19 times. That's the matchup to watch this week. And no, Tomlin didn't disclose how they might defend him today. He deftly sidestepped that question.

1:09

What are your thoughts on Norwood’s play in the first game?

Ray Fittipaldo

1:10

He got beat deep early in the game (Luckily for him, Josh Allen missed Emmanuel Sanders). But other than that I think he was solid. It's obvious the Steelers have a lot of confidence in him. He played 80% of the snaps. Not sure if he'll play that much every week, but he's going to be a big part of their sub-packages.

Tom

1:11

Did we see any of OC Canada's trick plays Sunday? Any pre-snap moves, etc? Looked like SOS to me.

Ray Fittipaldo

1:12

There was the 25-yard jet sweep by Chase Claypool. There was some misdirection on that play with Pat Freiermuth lined up as an H-back and then turning back and clearing a path for Claypool to get to the edge. It was a huge block that sprung Claypool down to the 5-yard line. But other than that there wasn't much trickery. In fact, we saw a lot of shotgun and short passes in the second half, much in the same way we did last season.

Jud

1:12

In your opinion, what was the difference between the first and second halves?

Ray Fittipaldo

1:13

I think Canada let Ben get comfortable and operate out of the shotgun more. He made some plays for them. For whatever reason, the wind, the shaky play of the line, etc., he just didn't look comfortable in the first half.

MrCJJr

1:13

Hi Ray....thanks for the chat. In your option, what is the best way to slow down Waller? Safety/CB or LB drop into coverage?

Ray Fittipaldo

1:15

All of the above. Ha ha...Honestly, if you look at his stats and how they target him, you have to mix in bracket coverage and double teams to contain him I think. He puts up numbers against almost every defenses he faces. Tomlin didn't want to call him a tight end when he was asked about him. He looks at him as more of a receiver given his skill set.

Buster

1:15

Was D. Watt ever used at FB Sunday? I thought we might see at least some of with Canada.

Ray Fittipaldo

1:15

He was not a big part of the game plan, but he did play three or four snaps.

Jud

1:16

Prediction for Week 2 score?

Ray Fittipaldo

1:16

My early prediction: Steelers in a close game. (I think they're all going to be close this year). I'll say Steelers 24, Raiders 23.

Buster

1:16

How does someone hurt their shin in pregame warmups? Did Spillane run into something?

Ray Fittipaldo

1:17

I didn't see it live and Tomlin didn't give an explanation after the game or today. But he did say Spillane should be available this week for the Raiders.

1:17

Harvin punted in one game- is this Steeler Nation or Overreaction Nation?

Ray Fittipaldo

1:18

Overreaction Nation, but he had better step it up.

Ryan

1:18

Good afternoon Ray liked the punt block and the touchdown by Ulysses Gilbert what did you think about it

Ray Fittipaldo

1:19

Huge play in the game. Not sure they win without it. And Killebrew did a really nice job to knife in there to get his hand on the ball. Gilbert was just Johnny on the Spot.

Philippe from Montréal

1:19

Hello Ray. Thank you for great work. I was wondering if the Steelers could take a look at LDT from KC (Dr. Laurent Duvernay-Tardif),.. a super smart player and fellow citizen from Montréal. He has now returned after a year off (due to Covid) but has been recovering lately from a hand injury. He says is ready now to play but they have decided that he would not wear the uniform for the first game. I think he is a good/great value for an offensive line. Do you think the Steelers are looking at these types of situations/opportunities (similar to LDT on KC roster but not playing) to possibly improve their OL. Thank you/merci.

Ray Fittipaldo

1:20

They monitor the waiver wire every week and are aware of who might be available. But they seem content with the guys they have, for better or worse.

walnutz

1:20

It seems the Bill's o-line took the approach that officials won't call holding on every play.

Ray Fittipaldo

1:20

Poor No. 75. He was almost as bad as Villanueva.

Chris Dolbow

1:20

RayRay- finally we have some ACTUAL Game content to talk about. In that spirit, how about the play from the rookies? Who were you most/least impressed by?

Ray Fittipaldo

1:22

Least impressed by Harvin. Most impressed? Maybe Freiermuth. I know he only caught the one pass, but do yourself a favor and look up the video of his block on Claypool's jet sweep. It's a thing of beauty and exactly what they're looking for out of their tight ends.

21-58-66

1:22

Ray - Any update on the severity of the Spillane injury? Thanks.

Ray Fittipaldo

1:22

It's not serious. He should be back this week.

ChasingPain

1:22

Is it me or does it look like Minkah don’t like to tackle?

Ray Fittipaldo

1:22

He's a free safety. How many of them do?