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Ray Fittipaldo's Steelers chat: 10.25.21
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Ray Fittipaldo
1:19
they're asked about him, but the coaches give some cryptic answers when they're asked.
HitManHartnerMiami
1:19
Better safety right now- Former Pitt Panther Jordan Whitehead on Tampa Bay or our Steeler's Minkah? It speaks to the absurdity of signing Minkah to a long term-deal this offseason. His play has earned nothing beyond a franchise tag, at best.
Ray Fittipaldo
1:20
We're all prisoners of the moment. People won't have as much of a problem with Fitzpatrick if he had a few more turnovers.
Guest
1:20
Ray, wouldn't it be nice if the Pitt QB  could fall to the Steelers in the 2022 draft?  Seems like the kind of QB they could use with the mobility and decision-making skills of a veteran.  Thanks!
Ray Fittipaldo
1:22
Pickett has looked good. I like his efficiency. He's got a good arm. I think he is mobile enough to move around the pocket. But I am not ready to say he'll be a first-round pick. The good news for him is this year's crop of QBs is fairly weak, so he'll likely be pushed up draft boards, but it's still October. So much will take place between now and the draft that it's not worth discussing where any of these QBs will go. There is too much uncertainty at this point.
Ryan
1:22
Why do you think the run defense keeps dropping off significantly in the second half of games?
Ray Fittipaldo
1:23
Tuitt and Alualu are not playing. The ILBs have been ineffective. And, in the last game at least, they played a little too much nickel and dime for my taste.
Jeff
1:23
Hi Ray and thanks for the chats.  What is the purpose of all the pre snap motion, in particular, when the left tackle lines up on the right side then moves to his normal position.  I get some motion is needed but is that really fooling anyone?
Ray Fittipaldo
1:24
Sometimes the unbalanced looks will force a mental mistake, but you're right. Good coaching and good players aren't fooled when tackles flip like that.
Gino
1:24
Hey Ray, it seems Justin Layne hasn’t been getting much playtime lately.  Is this because of injury, poor performance, other?  Thanks Ray.
Ray Fittipaldo
1:25
He's a good special teams player, but he's their No. 4 CB. That's how they view him. They think James Pierre is better.
Sunner in Orlando
1:25
Who are the Steelers better off playing against? A healthy Case or a banged up Baker? My vote is Baker so we can rush him into a pick or 2.
Ray Fittipaldo
1:25
I think Baker too.
Sunner in Orlando
1:25
Are the Steelers relatively healthy going into this game on Sunday?
Ray Fittipaldo
1:26
They'll be healthier, but they'll still be down two starting defensive linemen and playing the likes of Chris Wormley, Isaiah Buggs and Henry Mondeaux against one of the NFL's top running teams.
HitManHartnerMiami
1:27
Can speak about the role of Josh Dobbs on this team? He seems to connect with Big Ben in a way that coaches have been unable to, since the departure of Bruce Aryans.
Ray Fittipaldo
1:27
Ben has always respected Dobbs and how he thinks the game.
Sunner in Orlando
1:27
What is the best percentage of run plays vs pass plays? I say 60/40 run v pass so as to eat up some clock and control the game.
Ray Fittipaldo
1:28
I don't think any team is 60-40. I think most teams shoot for 50-50, but most teams pass more than run nowadays because the rules are geared toward being more successful if you have the right personnel.
TThe Real TP Hunter
1:29
Do the Steelers have to win their next three games to have a chance to make the playoffs as a wild card?
Ray Fittipaldo
1:29
That would certainly improve their chances, but if they win two of three they'll be right in the thick of things at the season's midway point.
Rudy
1:30
I am pretty sure the Browns are going to come in believing that they can win the game with Chubb back by running all over us.  Will Spillane get to start? Will we focus on stopping the run this week? If so, can we do it?
Ray Fittipaldo
1:31
I am sure they know they have to stop the run but can they do it is the bigger question. They might have to commit some safeties to the box to make it happen, which would then leave them susceptible to play-action passes.
Yuri
1:32
Hello Ray.  Were you surprised by John Clayton’s  comments about Cam not being a Hall of Fame player and that when healthy, Tuitt is better than Cam?  Thank you Ray.
Ray Fittipaldo
1:33
I was surprised to hear him say that, but he's not around the team at all and I question how much of this team he actually watches. Just being honest. He's based in Seattle and doesn't cover the Steelers. Why would anyone make a big deal out of his comments? I just sort of took it as him being uninformed on the team.
kevin in Punxsy
1:33
Ray, I was worried, a little, about Mincah, but read today that for the first 4 games he was positioned all over the field by MT and has just returned to his "outfield" position the last 2 games.  He should be better the last 11 games, as a result.  Your thougths?
Ray Fittipaldo
1:34
If the defense can put opposing QBs in second- and third-and-long then yes. But as long as teams are running well against the Steelers and in manageable downs and distances it's going to be hard for Minkah's full potential to be realized.
Stiller
1:34
Hi Ray, speaking of too much nickel and dime- why do you think, against a geno smith qb’d team and with them running the ball down the Steelers throats, was tomlin stubborn and sticking with nickel and dime ?
Ray Fittipaldo
1:35
He was trying to keep a lid on things. I  other words, he didn't want Smith to make any big plays in the passing game. It worked, but Smith almost led a comeback anyway being handing the ball off and being patient.
Gene
1:36
Do you think we will see more of James Washington this week? I personally think he is a good receiver just hasn’t had many opportunities. Your thoughts please.
Ray Fittipaldo
1:36
If he is healthy then yes I would expect to see him more than eight snaps.
daniel1111
1:36
I think next 3 games are winnable games, but did you see our schedule after these 3 games? It's gonna make or break our season. How do you see the season unfolding?
Ray Fittipaldo
1:37
I said 8-9 before the season, and I don't think their final record will be far off from that prediction. Within a game either way.
AK
1:37
Teams don’t run the trap plays that used to be a staple of the Steelers much anymore, right?  Due to the speed of defenses?
Ray Fittipaldo
1:38
Probably more due to the girth of the interior defensive linemen.
david
1:38
What is behind #69's struggle this season? I thought he was our run mauler but I don't see much movement when we run to his sdie.
Ray Fittipaldo
1:39
He had an ankle injury early in the season that bothered him. But they need him and everyone else on the line to block better in the run game.
Tim
1:39
My question got chopped so to follow up.  Do you think the bengals are for real and would Kenny Pickett be a solid replacement as we transition from big ben?
Ray Fittipaldo
1:39
Depends where you get him in the draft. This team needs much more than a QB going forward.
Smashing Pumpkins... Sorry Linus
1:40
Hey Ray, You & Brian have spoke about Keith Butler's unusual candor since training camp. Do you think his latest revelations are a indication of internal strife, his signaling he doesn't want to retire or something else, perhaps?
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