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Ray Fittipaldo's Steelers chat: 10.20.20
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Ray Fittipaldo
2:28
I think they'll look within first to see if they have answers. And if not, they'll consider a trade. They knew this was a possibility before the season started. They have a plan. And we're going to find out what it is soon.
MG
2:29
I have a strong hunch that a big reason for Ben's early success this season (only 1 INT) is he isn't worrying about feeding (and maybe forcing balls) to one diva receiver. The Ben-AB connection was obviously sensational, but feeding the ball to the open guy is what wins games consistently. Agree?
Ray Fittipaldo
2:30
I agree. Ryan Tannehill is having success the same way, too. Ben is throwing to the open receiver. He's taking advantage of mismatches when defensive coordinators want to double JuJu. It's been a nice early-season formula for wins.
Guy Millick
2:30
It looked to me like the turf caused the injury to Devin Bush (his foot getting caught in it causing his leg to twist awkwardly). Where's the league "Player Safety" policy when it comes to this?
Ray Fittipaldo
2:31
Players love to play on grass, but knee injuries happen on any surface. It just happens.
Rocket City Steeler fan
2:31
Do you consider the Bush injury as bad to this defense as the Shazier injury was to that defense
Ray Fittipaldo
2:31
It could be if they don't have better answers this time around.
Tprod
2:31
Ray, how munch will the loss of Lewan affect the Titans offense?
Ray Fittipaldo
2:32
It could be a big key. Right after he left the game they gave up a strip sack to the Titans. They have given up only five sacks all season so they have a good line. But they haven't faced a defense like the Steelers yet. This is going to be an "old-school" type of game, and I'm looking forward to it.
AK
2:33
How do the Steelers slow down Henry?  What would you consider a good showing?
Ray Fittipaldo
2:34
It all depends on how many carries. The Bills and Jaguars both had success slowing him down, but they gave up some things in the process. And Tannehill took advantage. So I would say 80 yards on 20 carries, something like that. Don't let him control the game but don't over-commit to the point where Tannehill will exploit you.
Greg
2:35
Chucks and Doston seem to have stepped in seamlessly. Excited to see them both doing so well. How much harder is it for new linemen on the road? Will the quieter stands benefit them or is that a wash for offense/defense?
Ray Fittipaldo
2:36
Tennessee is allowing some fans, I think, so the Steelers will have to deal with opposing crowd noise for the first time this season. They didn't have to worry about that for their opener in New Jersey. I'm sure it will be a bit different for them, but DeCastro might be back, too, so they might not have to worry about starting a rookie in this game.
Nitro
2:36
Greetings Ray-  Based on what you have seen so far, do you think the Titans or Ravens will be the bigger test for the Steelers?  Explain your reasoning please.
Ray Fittipaldo
2:38
Both will be tough outs. They're two good teams and both games are on the road. If you look at the Titans, they've struggled to defend the pass, so maybe the Steelers can exploit that. The Ravens have been pretty strong all around. So I'd say the Ravens are the better team overall and the toughest matchup because Lamar Jackson is such a wild card.
Dave
2:39
Ray, after much ado when the Steelers (except AV) had Rose’s name on the back of their helmets I haven’t heard anything about it for about 2-3 weeks.  Do most Steelers still have his name or someone else’s name on their helmets?  Thank you.
Ray Fittipaldo
2:39
I haven't noticed to be honest.
putinbatch
2:40
did you watch a replay of the 3rd down offsides penalty on Watt? Could have been delay of game on the Browns. This should have been a shutout ;)
Ray Fittipaldo
2:41
Yes I know that penalty started their first scoring drive. That was a third down. Watt has to know the referee keeps the clock though. And it's not always the same as the play clock. Or, to explain it better, sometimes the referee's give the offenses the benefit of the doubt on those close calls when it does go to zero.
John
2:41
Good afternoon Ray! Obviously the loss of Bush hurts. Aside from Spillane/UG3/Allen filling his position, do you see others on D (Edmunds, Minkah) adjusting their game to accommodate for his loss? I anticipate Minkah playing an even bigger role now as a playmaker in the middle of the field but am interested in what you think.
Ray Fittipaldo
2:42
I think Edmunds could be asked to take on some new responsibilities, but they actually have a lot of options. I'm not sure which options are best right now, but they have collected a number of versatile defensive backs and now is the opportunity to let them spread their wings.
Guest
2:42
Hi Ray,  first time chatter,  kudos to James Conner who is hugging the ball with both arms in traffic...a beautiful sight.  Are you worried the way Diontae Johnson carries the ball?
Ray Fittipaldo
2:42
I'm worried about Diontae Johnson staying healthy.
Lambert Lunatic
2:43
Hey Ray, I think Spillane deserves a chance to prove he can handle the job, and the Titans would be a perfect test. Lots of names and ideas tossed around since yesterday like Allen and UGIII if Spillane is not up to task. But what about Sean Davis? Maybe not in Bush’s spot, but moving him or even Sutton to safety then dropping Edmunds to the dime LB?
Ray Fittipaldo
2:43
I think you might be onto something there. We'll find out soon. Maybe not this week but soon.
TC in CLT
2:43
DJ play this week?
Ray Fittipaldo
2:43
Tomlin said he is hopeful.
Gene
2:44
Ray do you think Spillane will still play special teams ?
Ray Fittipaldo
2:44
Yes I do. He's one of their better special teams players.
Lambert Lunatic
2:44
Thanks always for the weekly insight Ray!  I’m mostly paraphrasing but when Ben and his WR room make statements like, “we have an unselfish group of players” or, “we don’t have to keep feeding the ball to one person”, is it safe to say they’re speaking to someone who’s last name rhymes with Clown? And we can be even more successful this way?
Ray Fittipaldo
2:44
Good deduction, Lamber Lunatic.
Steeler in Virginia
2:45
Bush would have been key in spying on mobile QBs like Tannehill, Jackson and eventually (maybe?) Mahomes. How much does that play in to the decision on filling that gap?
Ray Fittipaldo
2:46
That's why I think Edmunds is a logical choice as a replacement in those situations.
Troy's hair
2:46
What  are the strength and weaknesses of the titans' defense?
Ray Fittipaldo
2:46
Teams have been able to throw on them. But they've been able to come up with timely turnovers.
Heptawinners
2:47
With Tannehill being the 3rd least sacked Qb in the league right now, and Steelers Ranking 1st in sacks.  Do you think Pittsburgh matches up well to be Tannehill’s first big disruption this week?
Ray Fittipaldo
2:48
The Steelers are the Titans' toughest test so far. And watch whoever plays left tackle. Taylor Lewan is a Pro Bowler and was playing well.
The Dude
2:48
Does Colquitt really have to step it up? What if he doesn’t? What are the Steeler options?
Ray Fittipaldo
2:48
Corliss Waitman is on the practice squad and Jordan Berry is available if they want to go down that road again.
Lambert Lunatic
2:49
Hey Ray, I know we’ve had some close games so far, but the Titans barely squeaked by 1-win teams in 4 of their victories. Do you really feel they’re as formidable as their record indicates, and do  you mind revealing your prediction?
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