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Ray Fittipaldo's Steelers chat: 09.24.25
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Ray Fittipaldo
9:59
Good morning. Let's get the chat started. Please continue to post your questions.
Lou
9:59
Hi Ray. With all the draft capital the Steelers have, if they wind up picking around #20 how far up could they realistically get in order to get their next QB?
Ray Fittipaldo
10:02
Depends on how much they want to give up, of course. They'll have grades on each quarterback and they'll have them slotted throughout the first and subsequent rounds. When they moved up to get Devin Bush from No. 20 to get to No. 10 a few years ago they gave up No. 20, their second-round pick and a third round pick the following year. Trading up for a QB is usually more expensive so figure on adding another second or first in there somewhere, especially if you want to get into the top 5. That'll be extra expensive.
Stairway to seventh seed
10:02
Ray: is this the worst Steeler offensive line you have ever seen?  Are there any specific changes that you might try?
Ray Fittipaldo
10:04
They might have to make a move at left tackle soon if Jones doesn't improve. He's giving up too many pressures and the pocket isn't good because he's getting pushed backward far too often. Fautanu to LT is a natural move I might explore because he played LT at Washington, but the Steelers seem to want to keep him at RT. Maybe Calvin Anderson, who is currently the swing tackle. Or maybe Jones improves week by week. I know they're giving him some runway, but I'm not sure how long they can wait for him to get up to speed.
Sam
10:04
how did Broderick Jones’s look to you in the last game?
Ray Fittipaldo
10:05
He's better in pass pro when he jump sets, which is when OL attack the defender at the LOS rather than get into their kick slide. He's been pretty bad when he gets into his kick slide.
Takoma Tom
10:06
Please bring back Munch as a consultant ! The OL needs help especially #77. Also, consider #80 for LT he has a lot of upside.
Ray Fittipaldo
10:06
Not during the season! Washington would need an entire offseason to make a move like that.
Mark
10:06
Hello Ray.  I'm thinking that Cam Heyward has to be the longest tenured Steeler to never appear in a Super Bowl.  Is that correct?
Ray Fittipaldo
10:07
Certainly in the modern era. There might be some guys from the 50s and 60s who played a long time and never got to aa Super Bowl or championship game.
Rudolph’s Mustache
10:07
Hi Ray. Been a long time proponent of drafting a NT. The argument has always been. It’s only a two down player so they’re not going to waste a high draft pick on that position. My belief is that position may be the most critical to how the defense runs. Get a really good one to keep the linebackers clean and you stop the run, put them in obvious passing situations and let your OLBs and secondary take care of the rest. Do you see them taking that position more seriously going forward. Benton could be a nice player, but he’s not a nose tackle.
Ray Fittipaldo
10:09
What the NFL really needs are nose tackles who can defend the run and provide pass rush, but those guys are few and far between. There are coaches who will just pass if they know an opponent has a dominant nose tackle. Back in 2002, the Patriots and Raiders came out and passed all the time against the Steelers because they knew they couldn't run on them. Coaches are always going find an answer. I agree the Steelers need better play at nose tackle. Daniel Ekuale played 17 snaps against the Pats and played well I think. I think you'll continue to see more of him with Benton in the middle.
Nicky G.
10:10
Hi Ray, I know Payton Wilson had the fumble recovery on Sunday, but how would you assess his play to date?  Thanks.
Ray Fittipaldo
10:10
He's struggled against the run and he seems to be involved in some of the communication issues too. Cole Holcomb replaced him in the base against the Pats and I suspect Holcomb will get a second consecutive start against the Vikings on Sunday.
Jim Bauccio
10:11
Ray, How can the defense be so fooled on the touchdown throws in the end zone, the defense was completely non the left side of the field with exception of one or two defenders?  I’m tired of Tomlin running an antiquated defense, we need an innovative young minded coordinator and Tomlin has to relinquish his and delegate his authority over the defense.  Especially since both were in the end zone, when the field is shorter it is easier to defend, so one would think.
Ray Fittipaldo
10:12
These are the communication issues of which I speak. Guys are running wide open because there are a lot of new players who didn't play together in previous seasons. I'm sure the Steelers knew it would take some time to jell, but I'm not sure they envisioned all of the issues they've had. It hasn't been good.
Yuri
10:12
Good morning Ray.  The Steelers have plans to use their draft picks and compensatory picks to move up in next year’s draft.  With the injuries to Najee and Fields and the lackluster play and possible season long benching of Russell Wilson, how do you see those plans being affected?    Thank you Ray.
Ray Fittipaldo
10:13
You just have to wait until the end of the season. Maybe those guys regain their jobs although I know Harris is done for the season.
Tim Zwis
10:14
Good morning Ray. Interested in your thoughts on utilizing Washington more obviously not only as a receiver, but how about as a potential running back or even take the quarterback snap for a tush push when we really need a yard?
Ray Fittipaldo
10:15
I'm all for creative coaching, but running back? Even the QB sneak thing is a bit of a stretch. Most TEs who do that have some experience taking a snap from center. I'm not sure Washington has ever done that.
Pittfan
10:17
Hi Ray. The main reason Arthur Smith lost his job in Atlanta was his inability to establish a prolific offense. He for some reason didn't get the ball to his playmakers (Kyle Pitts and Bijan Robinson). He seems to be having the same problem here. Is it his schemes, personnel or as has been the case, Tomlin?
Ray Fittipaldo
10:18
It's early, but at least DK is catching touchdowns. Obviously, it's not good that Jaylen Warren is the team's leading receiver, but they have time to figure things out. The bottom line is they need to have the ball more. They haven't been able to stay on the field as much as they'd like.
Southside Jimmy
10:18
Hey Ray, how deep do you think Kaleb Johnson is buried in Tomlin’s doghouse?  When do you see him getting back on the field, be it on special teams or at running back?  Thanks Ray.
Ray Fittipaldo
10:19
I'm not sure you'll ever see him as a kick returner again. As far as the offense goes, Warren is RB1. He helped them win that game when he made a few plays. Honestly, the RBs need better blocking in front of them. I don't think Warren and Gainwell, or Johnson for that matter, are the issues facing the run game.
Guest
10:19
Morning, Ray. How did you grade the OL's overall performance in week 3 vs. week 2?
Ray Fittipaldo
10:19
Better in pass pro overall but still terrible in the run game.
chris
10:20
do you think the Steelers will start to use Smith as a slot WR more and get him more involved in the passing game
Ray Fittipaldo
10:21
Maybe. He's versatile like that. I keep coming back to it, but opportunities are limited when the offense can't stay on the field and the defense can't get off the field. It makes it hard for any of the offensive players to get into good rhythms or put up good numbers.
TS
10:21
Ray, as always thanks for doing these chats. What is your opinion of what’s wrong with this offensive line. Are these guys just not physical enough.
Ray Fittipaldo
10:22
That's certainly part of it. I watched the Lions plays the Ravens and those guys are in attack mode. They get great push at the LOS. When I watch the Steelers and sometimes I think they're happy with a stalemate at the LOS. I know scheme factors in, but I'd like to see a more downhill, physical mentality overall with this team on both sides of the ball.
Patrick
10:23
I understand teams can turn around fairly quickly in the NFL, but the Steelers need a franchise QB and help on the D-line and maybe the O-line, so how far are they away from being serious title contenders? Thank you
Ray Fittipaldo
10:25
It's not a maybe on the O-line. I think they have to use more picks there because some haven't worked out and a guy like Seumalo probably won't be back. Let's say they do get a franchise QB in the spring. What good does it do if you have one and you can't protect him. Look at the Bengals. You'd always be worried about injuries. They need to be stronger on both the OL and DL so when they get their franchise QB he can excel.
Big Bri
10:25
Seems to me that the best teams in the NFL are run first teams, Detroit ran it down Baltimores throat. Not having a legitimate nose tackle and Benton is not, is defensive coordinator malpractice. What is the hesitation not putting Black in there?
Ray Fittipaldo
10:26
Tomlin and Austin have explained it this way the past couple of weeks: Black isn't experienced enough to read inside blocking schemes to play there effectively just yet. They believe in time he can handle it but not now. And they believe because he has long arms he can be effective as a 4I technique.
Sunner in Orlando from Lebo
10:27
Good morning Ray! Should we just come to the realization that the Steeler team ss currently constructed is basically an average to above average team and we should not expect anything more than 10–7 or 9–8 and a first round exit if they get into the playoffs?
Ray Fittipaldo
10:27
They seem to be on that course again although I'd like to see this team with Rodgers in a postseason game. Good QB play can make all the difference in the postseason.
Jim
10:28
Good morning Ray, Do you think the Steelers would have been better off facing the Vikings with the rookie instead of Wentz?
Ray Fittipaldo
10:29
Maybe. Tomlin talked about last year's matchup with the Colts when Richardson got knocked out and Flacco came in and tore them up. Wentz played pretty well against the Vikings. Let's see if he can do it again.
Doyle37
10:30
Do you think the steelers will make a trade before the deadline  ?
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