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Ray Fittipaldo's Steelers chat: 10.22.19
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Ray Fittipaldo
2:04
Welcome to my Steelers chat. Let's get started.
Alan
2:05
How will the Steelers handle the punishment for Chickillo, if the allegations are proven true? Will he get the James Harrison treatment, or will it be more severe since he is a lesser player?
Ray Fittipaldo
2:06
Make no mistake there are different rules for different players. That's just the reality of the situation. As we sit here today, 2 o'clock on Monday afternoon, I don't have a strong sense for what they will do. I wouldn't be surprised if they tell Chickillo to stay away for the entire week. They'd have to sign an OLB to the 53-man roster if they do that, but that wouldn't be a big deal. They just cut Jay Elliott. I think he is still available.
Peking Duck
2:06
Will the Steelers promote Paxton Lynch to backup and let the Duck fly south for the winter?
Ray Fittipaldo
2:07
Why would they do that? Hodges did exactly what was asked of him and helped deliver a big win in Los Angeles before the off week. I expect Lynch will be cut and re-signed to the practice squad. That would open up a spot for another OLB, which they'll likely need this week.
Scott
2:08
Read a lot about releasing Moncrief in order to regain the 3rd Riund comp pick. IMO, they should release Barron, he’s been a BIG disappointment. At least Moncrief has an injury excuse. Thoughts?
Ray Fittipaldo
2:09
Barron is not factored into the comp formula because the Rams cut him. He was not technically an unrestricted free agent. I know it's confusing, but it's different if a player is released from his contract when it still had years remaining.
Picksixlisberger
2:09
Is the lack of production from JJSS proof that he is not a #1 receiver or it it the lack of continuity at quarterback?
Ray Fittipaldo
2:11
My opinion: I still think JuJu is a No. 1 receiver. I just think circumstances have conspired against the Steelers this year when it comes to their offense. The biggest factor, of course, is the season-ending injury to Ben Roethlisberger. As you mentioned, Mason Rudolph and Duck Hodges are young QBs just getting their feet wet in the league. It's going to take some time before chemistry is developed. Also, the absence of a running game early in the season really hurt the Steelers.
Franco
2:12
Do you think there will be any action for us at the trade deadline? If so, who would be potential targets or who would be potential trade bait to try and get back draft picks?
Ray Fittipaldo
2:13
I don't anticipate any more trades. Tomlin was on record saying the Steelers aren't usually in the trade market during the season. He said Minkah Fitzpatrick was the exception to the rule because the Steelers coveted him in the draft and were confident they knew the player well enough to pull the trigger on that deal. I suppose it could happen with another player the Steelers coveted in the draft, but I'm not expecting it.
Alberto
2:13
Hello Ray. Do you think theres a possibility that Artie Burns could be traded? If so, what would be the compensation?
Ray Fittipaldo
2:14
They just started him in a game they had to win. He played OK and they won. So as long as they fancy themselves as still in the division race they won't trade him before the deadline.
Dan from Southside
2:14
With Dupree's improved play this season, do you think the steelers resign him?
Ray Fittipaldo
2:15
Never say never, but when a player hits unrestricted free agency his financial compensation goes way up. In other words, someone will overpay him.
Y-Town Steeler
2:15
WHO is going to FINALLY step up as a LEGIT # 2 receiver for the Steelers??!!  And to be quite honest, our # 1 isn't doing us any favors either!!
Ray Fittipaldo
2:16
Diontae Johnson is guy. It's just that he's a rookie. It takes time. Things could click for him next week or next year. There is no telling when it will happen.
Y-Town Steeler
2:17
Man the Jets are bad.  Any sories about L. Bell being disgruntled or is he being a good team mate?
Ray Fittipaldo
2:18
He seems to be a good teammate in what has to be some trying circumstances.
Reymundo
2:18
To get in as wildcard or win division is looking very cloudy .. do you agree as standings are right now with ravens bills colts Texans and their schedules, it will take for us at least to go 8-2 in order for a spot.. that means 10-6. You agree? Thanks Ray
Ray Fittipaldo
2:20
I'd feel good about getting in by going 8-2 down the stretch provided one of those wins was against the Bills. I'd also feel pretty decent about my chance if they went 7-3 provided one of those wins was against the Bills. I'm not convinced the Bills will finish over .500. Then again, reporters in Buffalo are probably saying the same thing about the Steelers. The Steelers have to go out and win some games for this to be even considered a remote scenario.
Old School
2:20
Hi Ray. I was born and raised in Pittsburgh. A loyal emotional Steeler fan my entire life. While I believe Belichick is extremely bright, I can’t stand him due to the past cheating issues.  The Pats look completely unstoppable right now. Is there any team that can stop them from advancing to or from winning another Super Bowl?  Please give me hope.
Ray Fittipaldo
2:21
Maybe Kansas City, but it looks like the Chiefs will have to go on the road and win in Foxborough. In the NFC, the 49ers have a good defense, but I have questions about their offense. There are a few other decent teams in the NFC, but I'd favor the Patriots in a one-game scenario against all of them.
DaquidoBazzini
2:21
Hi, Ray - That was a nice article on the Steelers losing younger prospects like Tuzar Skipper and Fred Johnson. Who makes the final decision or has more input on these types of issues.....Mike Tomlin or Kevin Colbert?
Ray Fittipaldo
2:23
That's a good question. I think it's a collaborative effort. Kevin and Mike work well together. If there is a disagreement on which player should be cut I think Tomlin would have the final say because he has to go out and win with the roster. That being said, I think generally they are on the same page.
DaquidoBazzini
2:23
I've read where Kevin Colbert's contract expires after the 2020 draft. Any feel for what might happen to him after that?
Ray Fittipaldo
2:25
He could retire. He could sign another contract with the Steelers. He could sign a contract with another team. He'd be a free agent after his contract expires.
FatBuddy
2:25
Hey Ray, will the O-line increase the number of 3 point stance this week, we really need a running game much better than we’ve seen so far!!
Ray Fittipaldo
2:26
I think you'll see that introduced to the offense a little bit more in the coming weeks as the QB and the linemen get more comfortable doing it. Remember, Mason Rudolph ran the Oklahoma State offense almost exclusively from the shotgun. They are practicing more snaps from under center, but it be a while before everyone feels completely comfortable doing it.
Mark
2:27
Ray, there seems to be more in season trading this year.  The rich got richer (NE Pats) by snagging the Atlanta receiver.  Can you foresee the lowly Jets trying to unload Lev Bell on a contender?
Ray Fittipaldo
2:27
Maybe if the price is right.
Tom in Dallas
2:27
What is the delay on the Anthony C decision?   I recognize it's a bad spot for the Steelers.  If more bad news comes out and they cut him, then they take heat for why it took so long.  And if they cut him today, and the evidence points to him just defending himself, then they lost a player and did not stand by him long enough to get all the details.  But it seems to point like a dismissal is the eventual outcome, so why wait?
Ray Fittipaldo
2:29
The Steelers and the NFL are gathering information on the incident. When they feel like they have everything they need they'll make a decision. I don't know what else to say about it. Without being in the room no one knows exactly what happened. That's why they're interviewing all involved.
Retire21
2:29
Lamar Jackson’s backup in Baltimore is the original Lamar Jackson.....RG3! His career throttled by injuries related a lot to running. Can you see Jackson holding up long term with that style?
Ray Fittipaldo
2:31
No I can't. He exposes himself to a lot of hits in the open field. He will be protected in the pocket. We saw that at Heinz Field when there was that ridiculous call on Ola Adeniyi. But he's not protected once he becomes a runner. He's an elusive guy and doesn't seem to get hit square a lot. But it only takes one. And that one hit could put him on IR.
Tom in Dallas
2:31
Miami has been playing better and Steelers are listed at 14.5 point favs.  Does that seem excessive considering our offensive output and QB situation?  Maybe the bookies are counting on the defense scoring a TD or two?
Ray Fittipaldo
2:32
It's an NFL game. I realize the Dolphins are bad, but it's not the Steelers against Robert Morris or Duquesne. The Dolphins have NFL players and NFL coaches. I doubt they'll go 0-16. The Steelers better be ready to play because Ryan Fitzpatrick can sling it around the yard.
Guest 6Rings
2:32
The O-Line again seems to be strong in pass blocking but weak in run blocking. My untrained eye tends to agree with PFF that Pouncey is mediocre this year... do you agree?
Ray Fittipaldo
2:34
Pouncey might not be in his prime anymore, but still think he is a quality center. He's better in pass pro because he's not the heaviest guy in the league. He doesn't get a lot of movement in the run game as a result. He's best-suited as a move guy in the run game when he pulls. As with any players, you try to play to his strengths and minimize his weaknesses.
Gerry Mora
2:34
Do you think the steelers make the playoffs after the ravens win?
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