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Ray Fittipaldo's Steelers chat: 09.15.20
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Ray Fittipaldo
1:52
Welcome. Here we go.
Treesmann
1:52
with the injuries to the O-line last night are the backups who will ascend the depth ladder capable of getting the job done moving forward or are we one more injury on the O-line away from a real ness.
Ray Fittipaldo
1:55
Well, Mike Tomlin expressed confidence in Chuks Okorafor this afternoon, saying he was "extremely comfortable" with him as a starter. So that's one player who will ascend to a new role with Banner being done for the season. We do not know the severity of the Wisniewski injury just yet or whether Dave DeCastro could return this week. If they can't play then Kevin Dotson, the rookie fourth-round pick, would have to start. Tomlin was less enthusiastic about that. Dotson missed some time in camp due to a knee injury.
Guest
1:55
Ray - Any thoughts on Terrel Edmunds' performance?
He seemed a bit lackluster to me still.
Ray Fittipaldo
1:57
I haven't re-watched the game yet -- I just got home 10 minutes ago! -- but I did notice Edmunds trailing in coverage on a few occasions. On at least one of them he appeared fooled. He did lead the Steelers with 11 tackles although some of those were because he didn't cover well.
Retire21
1:57
Listened to MT's talk. Can't believe there were no q's on BB. Seemed like the underneath crossing routes may be a Canada influence?
Ray Fittipaldo
1:58
I think the injuries dominated most of the news conference and the Villanueva topic was asked as well. I also think a lot of people took that angle after the game so there was no need to revisit 12 hours later.
Steelrz guy in Jersey
1:58
Good start last night. Didn’t hear Tuitt’s name called that often but he must have had a lot to do with the run defense. And Alualu seemed to play really well. Is the D-line that good or is the Giants O-line not enough of an indicator?
Ray Fittipaldo
1:59
Giants have two young tackles that struggled. That certainly was part of it. But yes Tuitt, Heyward and Alualu played really well. When Saquon Barkley runs for six yards on 15 carries or whatever it was, it's a dominating performance by the guys up front.
Patricio
1:59
Ray, love this WR crew big time.. DJ separation is ridiculous, JuJu complete all around, James strong, tough, attitude.. and Claypool wow what can I say.. the sky is the limit for this 4 outstanding group.. thoughts?
Ray Fittipaldo
2:00
Yes, I thought it was a good night for that group. No crazy stats like you used to see when Antonio Brown was the No. 1 receiver, but they all played significant roles in the victory. I think the best is yet to come. The offense definitely was feeling out the Giants early in that game. It was a bit conservative. I expect a much better start against the Giants.
BB
2:01
Ray - Is this the last week McFarland spends on the inactive list?
Ray Fittipaldo
2:01
That might depend on the severity of Conner's injury. If Conner can't play then McFarland, in all likelihood, will get a chance to dress and perhaps have a role.
Retire21
2:01
Where do we trace the beginnings of Bud's awakening? I seem to remember late '18? Why did it take him so  long to look like what he looks like, a beast?
Ray Fittipaldo
2:02
He had some injuries in his first two seasons. And sometimes it just takes some players a little longer than others to develop. But you are right. He was a beast on Monday night. He was spectacular in the run game especially.
Frank
2:03
Why did Alejandro V choose to wear the name of Alwyn Cashe on his helmet?  Did they serve together?  Cashe is a hero and deserves the Medal of Honor for what he tried to do and I am glad that AV honored him, it just seemed strange that he was the only one to deviate from the team plan.
Ray Fittipaldo
2:05
Mike Tomlin was asked about that today. He said Al went to him beforehand and got his blessing. I understand both sides of the issue. Maybe Al could have honored Cashe and Rose. Maybe alternate week by week. Not sure why it had to go down like that, but it did. But again, if the head coach had his blessing then it doesn't appear this will be a distraction for the team.
SteelerFaninErie
2:05
Ray, I love the James Conner story but how could the Steelers FO and coaches think he could survive 16 games? He is a quality backup but his body can’t hold up.
Ray Fittipaldo
2:06
Unfortunately for Conner, this is a recurring theme. Tomlin didn't seem to think his ankle injury was all that serious, but even if it hampers him some this week it will open the door even more for Benny Snell to get a bigger role.
SteelerFaninErie
2:06
Ray, At what point foes Danny Smith get on the hot seat? Special teams continue to struggle.
Ray Fittipaldo
2:08
I gave them a C+ last night on my report card. In hindsight, maybe it should have been a C. Other than the 33-yard kickoff return from Ray-Ray McCloud there weren't many bright spots although I have a tough time blaming Smith for Diontae Johnson muffing a punt or Chris Boswell booting a ball out of bounds. Some of this is on the players too.
Chris
2:08
Any slightly past their prime OTs on the street? The idea of Gerald Hawkins as the primary backup scares the heck outta me.
Ray Fittipaldo
2:08
Hawkins apparently is going to the practice squad, so there should be another tackle being signed to the 53-man roster.
D S Fischer
2:08
With the injury to Conner last night along with Benny Snell 's Performance does he now become  the No 1 back  and what role will Anthony Mc Farland now play? Does he move up?
Ray Fittipaldo
2:09
If Conner keeps getting injured they won't hesitate to go to Snell. He had the hot hand last night and they needed him. He earned more playing time as a result whether Conner is healthy or not.
MG
2:09
Did anyone ask the players what the experience was like playing in an empty stadium? For example, presumably the visiting Steelers had a much easier time hearing offensive signals in the red zone than they would in loud stadium.
Ray Fittipaldo
2:11
The subject was broached last night and again today during Tomlin's news conference. He said it's easier to hear what's going on on the field. But that's a two-way street. Anything you pick up on your opponent likely means they have the same intelligence on you.
Javi
2:11
Hey Ray. Is it just time now to concede running duties to Snell? Can he be the bell cow as Tomlin puts it? Connor again injured after 1 game and other than nice third down catch he looked pretty pedestrian when he was out there. I like Connor but maybe reduce his role if and when he comes back.
Ray Fittipaldo
2:12
Sometimes changes like that happen naturally over time. We might be witnessing it with Snell and Conner although I don't think they'll ever completely phase him out of the offense. He's a three-down back. They like his skill set. It's just that it's hard to depend on him.
ASIANGOLFERMAN
2:12
Any chance Steelers bring in Earl Thomas to replace Edmunds poor play?
Ray Fittipaldo
2:13
Ha ha. The Steelers don't need a malcontent on their defense. It's working just fine without him.
ASIANGOLFERMAN
2:13
Will the Steelers put Connor on IR for 3 weeks and sign Devonte Freeman?
Ray Fittipaldo
2:13
Why? They drafted Anthony McFarland in the fourth round.
Treesmann
2:14
I thought Ben, once he settled d own, did a really good job of hitting his receivers in stride and allowing them the opportunity to make significant yards after the catch.  Case in point the TD pass to Washington right before halftime.  What say you.
Ray Fittipaldo
2:15
Yes. I think the offensive line did a better job protecting him too as the game went along. I'm sure he had some nerves early. That surely contributed to the offense's slow start. He and JuJu were on the same page all game. He had six catches on six targets. He and Diontae had some rough spots, but he wound up with six catches too. They need to start faster though. That's my only complaint, but it's completely understand that Ben wasn't sharp early in his first game in a year.
Waxman
2:16
NYG had no answer for Bud Dupree... and they seemed to make very little adjustment to address.  What was the biggest factor here... were they overly protecting against TJ, or has Bud simply become that much better (he was nearly taking the handoff from Jones before Barkley).  Great to see Bud not “over pursuing” on his rush (an issue in the past).. what a force last night.
Ray Fittipaldo
2:17
When you have two great edge rushers it's hard to focus on one. Watt will get more double-team and chips because he's been the far more productive players the past few years. Dupree also took advantage of his opportunities last night. He's a very good player in his own right.
DaquidoBazzini
2:17
Was Mason Rudolph warming up at some point in the 1st half? If so ....Why?
Ray Fittipaldo
2:18
I saw that too and then I saw Ben emerge from the locker room. Maybe nature called. Ben was asked about it after the game and said he was unaware Mason was warming up.
STEEL72
2:18
Hi, Ray. Obviously some avoidable gaffs last night that probably had many feeling the hangover from last season, but to my eyes... we seem to be more talented/seasoned at all positions with zero drama queens. The defense looked crisp, always in vicinity of the ball, and ready to make a play. Arrow up. Offense with Ben... sky's the limit. 40yd back leg toss to Juju for 6 could not be done last year. DId you see it all the same way I did?
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