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Ray Fittipaldo's Steelers chat: 10.12.21
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wallace82@comcast.net
1:02
Hi Ray, I have been disappointed in low number of targets to the TE. Can this be ramped up 6 games into the season?
Ray Fittipaldo
1:03
I think it will be as they get more comfortable playing Pat Freiermuth in all situations. I think he's a little limited in his blocking ability at this point so that has limited the number of snaps he's played. But I tend to agree with you. He's a big target over the middle of the field, and they've lacked a consistent presence in that area.
Nick
1:03
Good afternoon Ray, I know Tomlin has a reputation for running the wheels off his primary tail back, but don't you think it would be wise to limit Nahee's carries?
Ray Fittipaldo
1:05
They drafted him in the first round for a reason. They  view him as a three-down back that doesn't have to come off the field. Now they'll spell him every once in a while, but their desire is to play him 80-90% of the snaps in any given game. Given what's behind him on the depth chart I think they need to do whatever they need to do to be in games. In other words, Benny Snell and Kalen Ballage aren't impacting the running game the way Harris can.
21-58-66
1:05
Ray - Thanks for the chats.  Why draft Freiermuth in the second round if the plan is to rarely target him?  I don't get it.
Ray Fittipaldo
1:06
He's a rookie and still learning. I think the fan base has to have some patience.
Tom
1:06
I know Ebron has "hands of stone," but would he or Pat be a good fit for slot receiver? Big body, not afraid of catching in traffic, etc.
Ray Fittipaldo
1:07
Tomlin said today that a number of players will be asked to fill in for Smith-Schuster. It won't be one player. So I do think the tight ends have a chance for their roles to be expanded.
21-58-66
1:07
Ray - What are your thoughts on the defensive package that has all three outside LBs on the field at once?
Ray Fittipaldo
1:08
They wanted to beef up the pass rush because they're a little thin along the defensive line. Melvin Ingram in the middle gives you some of that rushing ability they are missing. He didn't have any pressures or hits on the QB, but maybe he gets home this week if they stick with the package.
The GM
1:08
Ray, with JuJu headed to IR, do you think the team will finally emphasize getting James Washington involved into the Offense?
Ray Fittipaldo
1:08
He's now the No. 3 WR. No need to emphasize it. He will be a bigger part of the plans now.
Bernard
1:08
Small thing but wanted your take on how it reflects on special teams coaching.  With less than 8 mins left and a two score lead, Harvin punted with the play clock still showing 20+ seconds (and game clock running).  Is that just nit picking or does it point to a lack of coaching to detail especially with a young punter?
Ray Fittipaldo
1:10
I see your point, but I think with a rookie punter they just want to make sure the operation is solid and weren't worried at that point about adding another element to the play.
Jay
1:10
Ray, the Ravens are very lucky to be at 4-1 and rely solely on Lamar Jackson while everyone else seems to be mediocre.  Don't you think their overuse of Jackson will backfire?  I see them trendy downward and the Steelers upward.  Your thoughts.
Ray Fittipaldo
1:10
Too early to tell, but you are right in one sense. They are fortunate to be 4-1 at this point. But hey, good teams find ways to win games, right?
Carl in Carrick
1:11
Hi Ray,  do you think the injury to JuJu increases the possibility of him playing for the Steelers next season?  Thanks.
Ray Fittipaldo
1:11
Hard to say because I don't know his intentions, but this injury surely does not increase his value on the open market, nor does his production before the injury.
ev
1:11
Good Afternoon Ray, Any news regarding Banner and Tuitt?
Ray Fittipaldo
1:12
Tomlin said he is excited to add Banner back to the mix whenever that is. He did not commit to bringing him off IR this week. He gave no update on Tuitt.
Bill
1:12
Hi Ray, Thanks for doing this chat. If the Steelers do ultimately sign Anthony Miller to the PS, how long do you think it would take for him to get elevated up to the 53? Through the bye week? Also, do you think they have any plans to use Sims in the offense near term?
Ray Fittipaldo
1:13
I think Cody White will get first shot. He's been elevated from the practice squad to the active roster the past three games. If he fails then I think you can see someone else from the practice squad get a shot. Miller is intriguing as a former second-round pick. Not sure why he hasn't been able to find his niche yet.
Darnell
1:14
Hey Ray.  I heard that Tuitt was seen at the Steelers facilities.  I was wondering if you have seen him and how soon he might be ready from a physical point of view to resume his career?  Thanks.
Ray Fittipaldo
1:15
He was doing a little conditioning on the side at practice last week. He looks better than he did at training camp. Not sure when they'll start his 21-day window because he's working through some issues other than his knee.
juju
1:15
Ray, I think juju has gotten treated poorly. The guy is a great Steeler. Tough, works hard, productive, a good teammate. He brought extra scrutiny on himself with all the social media. But that guy knocked out Vontaze Burfict as rookie. Basically ended his career- and sadly that was something that had to be policed on the field because the NFL wouldn't regulate his dangerous behavior. I guess my question is- do the Steelers value Juju more than the public thinks of him? I think he's like a poor man's Anquan Boldin, and those are guys you win with.
Ray Fittipaldo
1:16
I think Mike Tomlin and Kevin Colbert have great respect for his game. I just don't know if they'll value it going forward in a third contract. But I agree with everything you said. He's a valued member of the team. But the value for a possession receiver who blocks well isn't all that high when it comes down to it.
Guest
1:16
Do you think the Steelers will sign both Johnson and Claypool to second contracts?
Ray Fittipaldo
1:17
They might have enough money under the cap to do it, but they draft receivers so well that I'm not sure both get second contracts.
Tim
1:18
What is it about the ravens, they always find a way to win?  Our bitter rival seems to never be out of it.  22 unanswered when it looked like lights out.  Converting a 4th and long vs Detroit and then banging a record 66 yd fg at the buzzer.  Not to mention all their injuries.  What resolve.
Ray Fittipaldo
1:18
Shades of the Steelers in 2017.
Southside Jimmy
1:18
Hey Ray, any idea if the Steelers are planning on activating Banner before the deadline?  Thank you.
Ray Fittipaldo
1:19
I think they will, but not sure which lineman is cut to make room for him.
John in Florida
1:19
Ray, thanks as always for the chat. Any word yet on the severity of Bush’s injury? I thought he was having a solid game Sunday, and they really need him on the field. Thanks.
Ray Fittipaldo
1:20
Tomlin addressed his situation today. It was the usual we'll let his preparation determine his availability answer. So I guess we'll see as the week goes on. But the Steelers do have a bye after this game. Might be smart to sit him and let it heal.
Bill
1:20
I can't understand why Benny Snell made the team. Against Denver opened with a special teams penalty and a drop. OK he can run if the blocking is perfect, but that's it. I say cut him for McFarland or anyone else from practice squad, agree?
Ray Fittipaldo
1:21
Maybe that's an option when McFarland is activated from IR. But your assessment is fair. Snell made too many mistakes against the Broncos.
Alan from Indy
1:21
Nice to see the win Sunday but still looking at the reality of a so so season at best. That said, do you think Sunday’s game gives hope for the O line maturing into protecting the future QB and solid blocking for Najee down the road?
Ray Fittipaldo
1:22
It's encouraging. We all want instant results, but they dealt with so many injuries this summer you could see the slow start coming. Tomlin said today they are starting to develop some cohesion so I think they'll continue to get better. Probably not fair to expect 147 yards rushing every game, but that was a good sign.
Matt P Venice FL
1:22
Can Canada make this work? Can he grow into the “position” and be a good coordinator for the next QB era? What about bringing in someone next year like Whisenhunt or Mularkey as a consultant to help Canada out?
Ray Fittipaldo
1:23
Tomlin was chosen to be the HC over Whisenhunt. I doubt he'd come back to work under him.
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