You are viewing the chat in desktop mode. Click here to switch to mobile view.
X
Ray Fittipaldo's Steelers chat: 09.27.22
powered byJotCast
Prev Page View Full Chat Next Page
Bud
2:13
Would you be in favor of the Steelers using 2 tight ends more often to help establish our running game?
Ray Fittipaldo
2:13
I'd be in favor of whatever it took to score three touchdowns in a game for the first time this season. Or is that asking too much?
Mercury
2:13
Has last year’s injury cost Alualu a step?
Ray Fittipaldo
2:14
Not sure if it's the injury or maybe just his age. He turned 35 in the spring.
J
2:14
Hi Ray, any chance Brian Flores could get promoted to OC while still running the linebackers? He seems overqualified for his current role, while Canada seems under qualified.
Ray Fittipaldo
2:15
This isn't New England, where the former DC now calls the offensive plays;
GM
2:15
Hey Ray, the year Ben went out MT wasn't hesitant to make a change at QB with guys off the street cause they gave us the best chance to win a game.  It also made the games fun to watch!  Why the hesitation now?
Ray Fittipaldo
2:16
Well, for one, they weren't really invested in Duck Hodges. He was on the roster after earning a spot following a tryout. He was never the future franchise QB. Pickett is that guy, and I think they are handling him in a different manner because of that.
MD
2:17
Ray:  Heyward and Alualu:  Just tired from the first game or looking like the end is near?  Cam was dominated by the Browns and single blocked on that last 3rd and 3 vs the Pats who ran right at him to put the game away.
Ray Fittipaldo
2:18
I don't put Alualu and Heyward in the same category. Hey sometimes you get beat and everyone sooner or later is caught by Father Time.
Guest
2:22
What do you think of the play of the DBs outside of Minkah?
Ray Fittipaldo
2:22
Their job is much tougher when there is no pass rush. We've seen that the past two weeks.
JerseySteel
2:22
Hi Ray - Witherspon after looking so good last year has been consistently beat this year. Was he playing hurt before leaving the Browns game or just exposed more with a lesser pass rush due to Watt being out?
Ray Fittipaldo
2:23
I'd lean toward the latter. Any CB isn't going to be able to hold up when the pass rush fails to get home.
Brian Batko
2:23
Based on three games, has Jaylen Warren earned 8 to 10 touches a game?
Ray Fittipaldo
2:23
Well, he had four in the first half before the fumble and then  none after the fumble. So I think he's close to being that 8-10 touch guy, yes.
Guest
2:25
Miles Jack has been impressive.  Is he rubbing off on Bush?  He also seems a little better of late.
Ray Fittipaldo
2:26
Lots of tackles for those two in the last game but too many downfield if you ask me.
Bud
2:26
Do you think Alex Highsmith has improved overall in his play this year? I mean specifically besides his sacks.
Ray Fittipaldo
2:29
Yes I think he is better, but anyone who loses TJ Watt will suffer.
Guest
2:32
Do you think it is time to blitz more to create some splash plays and turnovers?  Pressuring with a four man front is not working.
Ray Fittipaldo
2:33
That has to be a consideration given the four-man rush hasn't worked the past two games.
coachjpat
2:42
These next 5 games are huge.  Could make or break this season.  If the Steelers are sitting at 2-6 or even 1-7 (with the offense still struggling) - could you see the Steelers going against their recent past history and letting go their OC?
Ray Fittipaldo
2:42
I suppose anything could happen, but I doubt it.
Guest
2:42
From your perspective, has the OL made any progress?
Ray Fittipaldo
2:43
Baby steps. They were bad in the preseason, but the coaches have helped them out with formations and keeping some guys in to help.
Phil from Montréal
2:43
Hi Ray, what's the situation with Mark Robinson? Available?
Ray Fittipaldo
2:43
Yes just inactive for the first three games.
Guest
2:44
Hey Ray, thanks for the chats! I see a lot of writers point out that the defensive woes can be placed at the foot of the offense, by not staying on the field. But the bad D looks so familiar and not good on multiple levels. How much blame can really be placed on the Offense?
Ray Fittipaldo
2:45
They're part of the problem. The time of possession and the number of snaps the defense has had to play is a problem. But as you mention the defense certainly could help itself and get off the field with some timely plays. They just haven't been getting anyone to step up and make an impactful play when they need it.
Thomas
2:46
Will any heads roll after steelers lose to NY Jets?
Ray Fittipaldo
2:46
Head roll on the coaching staff? I doubt it. But you'd likely see more personnel changes.
Donna
2:47
Good afternoon Ray.  Were you surprised that Coach Tomlin was so blunt saying Alualu was being replaced as starter because he wasn’t playing as well as Adams?  Thanks Ray.
Ray Fittipaldo
2:47
Not really. The NFL is a business. Tomlin did mention Adams' injury in camp might have slowed the inevitable.
Roscoe137
2:51
Losing might not be so bad this season. No way this team is a contender. Restock the D and O lines in the draft and FA. Let face it-----The Steelers are in rebuild stage.
Ray Fittipaldo
2:51
No matter what happens this year they do need to pour more draft resources into both lines.
Tom
2:51
is Calvin Austin going to be available soon?
Ray Fittipaldo
2:52
He has to sit out this week and then he'll be eligible to return. Usually, though, they evaluate him for a few weeks before they start his clock.
Homer
2:52
Tomlin is 8-9 in the playoffs do you think he's overated?
Ray Fittipaldo
2:52
Terrific first four seasons and then he has underachieved after that.
Connecting…