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Ray Fittipaldo's Steelers chat: 10.15.24
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Ray Fittipaldo
2:25
He could improve. Geno Smith did and now he's a quality starter for the Seahawks. It happens. But even if he does improve is Fields ever going to be a franchise QB? Probably not.
CG
2:26
After losing to the Cowboys, and the Lions beat down of the Cowboys, are the Steelers still capable of getting a playoff win?
Ray Fittipaldo
2:26
That likely depends on how Russell Wilson plays.
DC
2:27
Does Fields really not have the option to audible at the LOS?  If so, is it because he doesn't the freedom to, or the ability to?
Ray Fittipaldo
2:30
Fields told us two weeks ago he can audible from a running play into another running play, but he is not allowed to audible to a passing play. Arthur Smith called it a function of NFL offense today. I don't quite understand that. QBs have been calling audibles at the LOS for decades now. Terry Bradshaw basically called his own plays. Ben Roethlisberger had the freedom to get out of bad plays and into better plays. Seems short-sighted to limit your QB in those situations unless you don't trust him. It would be telling if Russell Wilson comes in and has that freedom. That would tell you a lot about Fields and his abilities at the LOS.
62 Stack Monster
2:31
Hi Ray, I loved watching the Oregon vs Ohio State game on Saturday.  One particular play, the on-side kick recovered by Oregon was unexpected and expertly planned: The kicker pegged an unassuming Buckeye front return man, bouncing the ball back for an Oregon recovery.  Now you won't see that in the NFL.  Its product is boring.  Last night's MNF was chock full of penalties, roughing the passer calls, missed field goals. I thought these guys were professionals?  What can be done to revive the NFL's soul?
Ray Fittipaldo
2:33
Get better officials, or amend the rulebook so these guys don't make these ridiculous calls. You saw it last night in the Jets-Bills game and you saw it in the Steelers-Raiders game. Justin Fields got two called against him and neither was egregious. You also need these college coaches to embrace pro-style offenses again rather than the high school offenses they run. Teach these QBs how to play the game so they're prepared for the NFL. There are so many QBs who enter the league without any idea of how the game should be played at the pro level.
steve
2:33
With Frazier out this week and backup center in, who would be next center if Frazier replacement gets hurt?
Ray Fittipaldo
2:33
My guess is Spencer Anderson.
2:34
McCormick can span too.
Jay-J
2:34
I know it’s early Ray, but do you think wide receiver will be a position of depth in the next draft?  Thanks.
Ray Fittipaldo
2:35
It's usually very strong and deep. The Steelers need it to be again in the spring.
Bern
2:36
Tomlin hedging his bets on starting QB this week.  Is Russ getting frustrated or is Tomlin simply keeping the Jets guessing?  Russ might get killed behind this OL given the injuries.
Ray Fittipaldo
2:36
Gamesmanship. I'll be shocked if Wilson does not start the game.
Rarely Bleeping Dependable
2:37
Ray thank you for the great articles and chat time. How badly does Frazier’s injury impact the offense. I know he’s a rookie but he seemed to be playing at a veteran level already and their best Olineman this season - no knock on Seumalu or Moore, who’s been surprisingly good. Thanks
Ray Fittipaldo
2:38
It does not sound like Frazier has a long-term injury. They have the Jets and Giants the following week and then the off week. If Ryan McCollum has to play two games then so be it. He filled in on Sunday and the offense survived. He's not a household name, but he's been in the Steelers program for a few years now. He knows the ropes.
Steelers Fan In New Orleans
2:38
What's more of a concern, Drop balls by George Pickens or his immature behavior?
Ray Fittipaldo
2:38
Behavior
G Taylor
2:39
Ray, I believe the WR lack of production is more on the QB than the WR.  If Russell Wilson is the QB Sunday night let’s see if there is more production of the  group other than George.
Ray Fittipaldo
2:39
Well, we'll see if you're right on Sunday night.
Chuck in MD.
2:39
Oh dear god.  I just choked on my beer.  NOT allowed to change the play from a run to a pass?  I've given up now.  LOL.
Sunner in Orlando from Lebo
2:40
Does Warren not seem like his old self yet? Not much participation last week.
Ray Fittipaldo
2:40
He played 25 snaps. He's been banged up, but the explosive plays haven't been there like they've been in the past.
Sunner in Orlando from Lebo
2:41
How long might Herbig be out? Depth is very vital down the stretch.
Ray Fittipaldo
2:41
They haven't put him on IR so my guess is he's back after the bye week. I think the hope is he'll be good to go for the second half of the season.
Bos
2:42
Ray, if I keep this up much longer, I may just be a HOFer, no?
Ray Fittipaldo
2:43
You and Jan Stenerud. Not many place kickers in the Hall.
NY Steel
2:43
Why is it so hard for Tomlin to get a run game going?  Harbaugh did it with the Chargers in 1 year.  The Bills created a great run game in 1 year.  The Lions did it.  Is it because Tomlin keeps hiring mediocre OL coaches/run game coordinators?  Does he underinvest in coaching in that area?  Or do they just evaluate talent poorly in this area?
Ray Fittipaldo
2:45
It does take time. They've invested resources in their line the past two years. Some of those picks have worked out. Some haven't. Some of them are injured. They have a good RB group, but they've been injured too. And it's not like they're terrible again. They're ninth in the league in rushing. They just need to be more consistent and bring up their run efficiency numbers.
Chuck in MD.
2:47
Do you feel that the defense was made "less complex" this past week...based on Minkah's comments?
Ray Fittipaldo
2:48
I did not get that sense. In fact, they had a blown coverage on the first drive of the game. It led to the Raiders' first touchdown. I just think they communicated better after that and made some plays. Oh, and the Raiders stink, too.
Cam
2:49
Ray, is Father Time still undefeated?
Ray Fittipaldo
2:49
Yes, but maybe not in 2024.
Guest
2:49
Why not just make holding between the tackles legal ? They changed an old rule to let QBs ground the ball when outside the pocket. Holding is too arbitrarily called.
Ray Fittipaldo
2:50
You can't have wrestling matches or rugby scrums in there. Teams invest millions into scouting and finding the best athletes. They have to be able to use it in games. The officials should call what they see. I have no issue with officials calling holding penalties. It's the phantom ones that irk me.
Mike Mitchell DB
2:50
Will Adams play for jets sunday nite?
Ray Fittipaldo
2:51
He was in the Jets building today so my guess is yes if the hamstring "injury" is OK.
G Taylor
2:51
Ray, How did Moon play on Sunday. To me I did not see any splash plays but not any glaring mistakes?
Ray Fittipaldo
2:51
He had the huge blocked punt. He'll be a No. 4 when everyone else is healthy.
mrbig
2:52
Adams to Jets? Is this the first time a player will "face" the same team 2 weeks in a row?
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