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Ray Fittipaldo's Steelers chat: 09.24.24
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The Doctor
2:20
Do you really think the Steelers will be able to win a playoff game this year? They don’t have an elite offense…
Ray Fittipaldo
2:21
Getting a higher seed and a lesser opponent would certainly help their chances. It's tough when you're always the No. 7 seed.
Brian LA
2:21
Hey Ray, it feels like the league has calmed down with all the passing/TDs this year compared to last couple of years. What's with the change and could Tomlin and Co. anticipate and went with Smith?
Ray Fittipaldo
2:22
Smith is a good fit for this organization regardless of what's going on across the league in terms of trends.
Guest
2:22
Can Calvin Austin turn last week’s breakout game into a long stint as a consistently reliable #2 WR? Can he turn it into a breakout *season*?
Ray Fittipaldo
2:23
Weren't we all thinking that last year after his TD catch against the Raiders? Hopefully, this year is different. They need him, or someone, to step up in that receiving corps.
Jim from Colorado
2:23
Will Najee be ready to play this weekend?
Ray Fittipaldo
2:23
Tomlin said yes to that question today.
John from Toronto
2:24
Hi Ray. Do we now have a legitimate QB controversy? Is Fields the starter? Or Russell Wilson when he gets healthy?
Ray Fittipaldo
2:24
Not quiet yet. Not until Wilson is cleared by doctors or Wilson says something to the media
AK
2:25
What are chances for the following Steelers to get in the HoF: Ward, Pouncey, and Harrison?  Do you consider Roethlisberger a lock?
Ray Fittipaldo
2:26
Roethlisberger is a lock. He should be a first-ballot guy. The other three are all great players. Of the trio you listed I think Ward should get in first, but I'm not sure that will happen because of the number of receivers who are eligible every year. It's easier to get in as a center.
Jeff
2:26
Ray, what do you see as the short-term benefits of Herbig getting more reps? I think Alex is very solid, but I think Herbig brings more splash plays.
Ray Fittipaldo
2:26
Herbig likely better as a pass rusher and Highsmith better setting the edge versus the run.
AK
2:27
I saw online where a columnist proposed trading Wilson to the Dolphins for mid-round picks. In the preseason some writers and fans proposed trading Highsmith.  Don’t these people realize that you keep players in the off chance that your players might get hurt?
Ray Fittipaldo
2:27
Agree. They'll need Wilson at some point this season.
Nijinski
2:27
Good afternoon Ray, thanks for the chat! Any word on why Leal isn’t getting more snaps? He seemed to be trending up during training camp and the preseason.
Ray Fittipaldo
2:28
He should play plenty now as the No. 3 OLB.
NY Steel
2:28
Are the Steelers paper tigers? Do you think this offense can compete with teams that have a complete offense?
Ray Fittipaldo
2:29
Depends on what that "complete" offense does against the Steelers defense.
Ryan
2:29
Good afternoon Ray what do you think about the play Of Nick herbig he looked good on Sunday
Ray Fittipaldo
2:29
I think Herbig could start for a lot of teams.
SizzSam
2:29
What are the chances we pick up a true #2 receiver in the coming weeks and who are your top 3 targets?
Ray Fittipaldo
2:30
Not in the coming weeks, but maybe something closer to the trade deadline.
Jeff
2:30
with all the negativity when schedule was announced did anyone really foresee Steelers being atop AFC north and Bengals 0-3 at this point?
Ray Fittipaldo
2:30
I sure didn't. I picked the Bengals to win the division.
MP Jams 2
2:31
Ray, given the surprising starts by the Ravens and the Bengals, do you believe the Steelers have a better chance of winning the North and a playoff game this year?
Ray Fittipaldo
2:32
Yes. How can you not feel that way? But there is a lot of season to go. The Bengals and Ravens can rebound. The Steelers can't let up.
Jim_Bow_Dean
2:33
When was the last time you saw a defense delay of game penalty? I can’t remember one.
Ray Fittipaldo
2:34
It happens quite often. Apparently Benton simulated the Chargers' snap count.
CoalportKid
2:34
Year 2 rank for the 2023 draft class (Jones, JPJ, Benton, Washington, Herbig, Trice and Anderson).  7 out of 7 making important contributions in year 2.  Has it ever been so good top to bottom?
Ray Fittipaldo
2:35
It has potential for sure. Don't forget about the 2002 class. That was a deep class. Brett Keisel was a seventh-round pick. The 2010 class was really good too. Antonio Brown was a sixth-round pick (and Pouncey came in the first round).
Stairway to seventh seed
2:35
Ray: not much to complain about after Sunday, but what are your thoughts on Connor Heyward?  When they line him up at fullback, he gets blown up in the hole.  At H-back, he is in an illegal formation.  He has made no plays on special teams whereas Rodney Williams, who they leave exposed on the practice squad, came in and immediately contributed on special teams.  Does this nepotism roster spot still make sense now that Cam signed an extension?
Ray Fittipaldo
2:36
Heyward can have a role in this offense because of his versatility, but he has to cut out the penalties. He was called for holding on a second-and-1 play in Denver. You can't have that.
Brod Jones
2:37
Ray great chats and insight as always. I appreciate your opinions on all things Steelers. What was your opinion on Brod Jones’ play on Sunday?  He certainly looked good to me.
Ray Fittipaldo
2:37
I thought he was solid. More importantly, Tomlin said he had a nice bounce-back game.
bwalker
2:38
I like the unbalanced line they were running with McCormick. Starting to see A. Smith's creativity in the this offense. Last year it was incessant jet sweeps and screens. Impressive win last week. What do you think?
Ray Fittipaldo
2:39
The results are not consistent yet, but you can see Smith's game plans are well-crafted. Everything he does has a purpose. He's constantly showing different formations and personnel groupings to set up the defense in future weeks. Or later in games.
Kalamazoo Dave
2:39
Ray, Do yo think Pat Freiermuth will get more targets as the season progresses?
Ray Fittipaldo
2:39
I hope so. He's their second-best pass catcher.
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