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Ray Fittipaldo's Steelers chat: 09.24.24
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Ray Fittipaldo
1:57
OK let's get it started. Fire away!
Turk in MD
1:58
Hi Ray!  Thanks for the chats. What are the team’s RB options if Najee is limited this week?  How much more pressure does that put on Fields against a very beatable Colts team?
Ray Fittipaldo
2:00
Even though Harris was in a sling yesterday in the locker room Tomlin said he will have no limitations this week and "will be ready to rock and roll" against the Colts. Warren's injury is a little concerning though. This new injury is not related to the hamstring injury that affected him in the first two weeks of the season. The only thing Tomlin said about this injury is that Warren "has a limp." Two lower-body injuries for a running back is not ideal. He is questionable to begin the week. After Harris, they do have Cordarrelle Patterson, and Jonathan Ward would be a candidate to get called up from the practice squad if Warren does not dress.
Turk in MD
2:00
Waitman (and Boz) flipped the field a few times in the game.  I’m convinced (with this defense) Harvin III cost the team at least one game last year.  Thoughts?
Ray Fittipaldo
2:01
He certainly wasn't a weapon the way Johnston or Waitman was and is. I'm sure it's nice for Tomlin to have that with the defense he has behind him.
KJ
2:01
Hey Ray, thanks for the chats!  The loss of Fautanu is devastating, so how do you believe the Steelers OL will fare without the Steelers' #1 draft choice this season?
Ray Fittipaldo
2:02
They fared pretty well against a very good Chargers defense. They are a young line. There will be growing pains, and they're committed to playing them, and they'll be better players later in the season because of that.
Stairway to seventh seed
2:02
Ray: I've always thought that a secret to Tomlin's no losing seasons record is that he responds well to adversity and is able to fix problems after they arise whereas the truly great coaches fix potential problems before they cause a loss.  What problems do you see that the team should be correcting while winning before they lead to losses down the road?
Ray Fittipaldo
2:03
To name a few: slot corner, overall corner depth, lack of impact receiver after Pickens, the inability to get the tight ends more involved. They have some issues, but they're 3-0. Credit to Tomlin and his coaching staff for crafting quality game plans to get those wins. They might be important come January.
KJ
2:04
Would you say the Steelers and Najee's slow start against the Chargers is more on the OL or #22?  The run game was not even serviceable in the first half, and most of the 3rd quarter, then exploded in the 4th quarter.  Do you believe the run game will start stronger this week in Indy?
Ray Fittipaldo
2:05
I'll give the Chargers and their coaching staff some credit. They have a good front, and the coaches were thoughtful in how they wanted to defend the run. They committed defensive backs on run blitzes. Really, they invited Justin Fields to beat them with his arm, and that's what Fields did in the second half.
KJ
2:05
How is Isaac Seumalo coming along? Can we expect to see him start this week?
Ray Fittipaldo
2:06
Doesn't seem like it. Tomlin said he's questionable to start the week. Not sure why they didn't put him on IR. If he doesn't play this week they could have had a player on the roster for the past four games who could have helped out in another area.
Robert
2:06
Hi Ray, how would you evaluate McCormick’s play on Sunday?  Do you think he will get more minutes depending on injuries/availability on the offensive line?
Ray Fittipaldo
2:06
If Seumalo does not play I think we'll see even more of McCormick. I wouldn't be surprised if he started.
Craig G.
2:07
Ray, with Highsmith being out, will Herbig or Leal get the majority of playing time or does that depend on what defense is called, game situation, etc?  Thank you.
Ray Fittipaldo
2:07
I would expect Herbig to get the starter's snaps and for Leal to play the No. 3 role on both sides.
Vincent LaGuardia Gambini
2:08
Ray, we all know there is no way, unless Fields really craps the bed in Indy, that Tomlin is going back to Russ. Just no way you can. Why does he play this game of refusing to discuss it? He is visibly annoyed by the questions every week, you'd think he'd want them to end.
Ray Fittipaldo
2:09
I can appreciate why he is toeing the line that he is. Russell Wilson is a Super Bowl-winning QB. He's been around a long time. Why would Tomlin name Fields his starter when Wilson's only mistake was getting injured. There will come a time when the Steelers need Wilson. Why demote him if he's still injured and not able to fully participate in practice.
the real guest
2:10
Ray, PFF isn't too high on Larry O performance. He isn't getting the tackles but he seems to be applying pressure. What is your assessment?
Ray Fittipaldo
2:11
I don't really pay much attention to PFF's grades. I just watch the games on my own and form my own opinions. I think most fans do it that way. Larry Ogunjobi has never been a big stat guy in his tenure with the Steelers, but he's been OK in the pass rush and against the run through three games.
Jim_Bow_Dean
2:12
On the team’s site, Fautanu’, Matakevich, and Skowronek are not listed as “Designated for Return”. Is that correct? Are their seasons over?
Ray Fittipaldo
2:12
They can pick and choose which players are designated for return when it's time to determine if they can come back. You'll know when they open their 21-day window.
Jim_Bow_Dean
2:13
Not a lot of designed runs for Fields. Does that have anything to do with Wilson’s health and not wanting to risk Fields getting hurt?
Ray Fittipaldo
2:13
I think that's a big part of it.
Guest
2:13
Ray, not to get ahead of ourselves but If the Steelers wanted to extend Fields in this Season can they do that or do they need to negotiate post season or slap the tag on him?  Thanks
Ray Fittipaldo
2:13
They could, but the Steelers never do.
steelmann58
2:13
Think We finally see Roan this week? even though Austin and Miller had Sold games .
Ray Fittipaldo
2:14
Didn't sound like it today. Tomlin used his moving train analogy today when he was asked about Roman Wilson. Paraphrasing, Tomlin said it's hard to get on a moving train, and it's especially challenging for a rookie.
Guest
2:15
Good afternoon.  At one time, the Tuesday afternoon press conferences showed the person asking questions.  Apparently, this no longer the case.  Is there a particular reason for not showing the media people questioning the coach?  Thanks.
Ray Fittipaldo
2:16
That was a TV show that was produced by Root Sports. No new outlet has the rights to broadcast it now so it's basically just a livestream through the team's web site and social media channels.
Tampa Too
2:16
Ray. Scotty Miller looked good on Sunday.  Do you think he should have more playing time than Van Jefferson?
Ray Fittipaldo
2:17
He's made more plays than Van Jefferson. He had two important catches in the Chargers game.
John
2:17
What is the percentage chance Justin Fields is named the starting QB once Wilson is healthy?
James Harrison HOF
2:18
If the Steelers remain undefeated in the next 3 games and Fields is continuing to elevate his play, Should the Steelers look into trading Highsmith or maybe James Daniels for a wide receiver?
Ray Fittipaldo
2:18
No.
steelmann58
2:18
Ray if Isaac can't go this week think we see  Mason as the Starter2 LG?
Ray Fittipaldo
2:18
Would not surprise me.
Hines Ward HOF
2:18
If this trend of lower scoring and less passing continues league wide Should the Steelers be considered one of the favorites along with KC and maybe Buffalo to come out of the AFC?
Ray Fittipaldo
2:19
Not sure about that. I still don't put the Steelers in the Chiefs' or Bills' class, but they might be changing my mind soon if they keep winning.
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