JotCast | Ray Fittipaldo's Steelers chat: 10.28.25

Ray Fittipaldo's Steelers chat: 10.28.25

Prev Page View Full Chat Next Page

Marvin P

11:05

I was excited when Porter, Jr. was drafted but I’ve been disappointed in his play. His production leaves a lot to be desired. Sometimes he looks lost out there. Do you see them extending his contract at year end?

Ray Fittipaldo

11:06

If I had to make that decision now I would not sign him to a second deal unless he wants to play on a cap-friendly salary.

Marvin P

11:06

During the offseason, there were a lot of discussions about moving TJ around in the defense. I’ve not seen him moved around. What can they do for him to have more impact on the game?

Ray Fittipaldo

11:07

He does not like to move around so I don't think they ask him to do it that much. They can have their DBs play better. All the QB is doing now is get the snap, grip the ball and throw the ball to an open receiver. And there are always open receivers against the Steelers secondary.

Jacksplat

11:08

simple question: is art rooney 2 to blame at this point? Its like he is an absentee owner.

Ray Fittipaldo

11:08

One thing he is not is an absentee owner. You can criticize him for sure for his decision-making, but he's here on a day-to-day basis and is very involved in the team.

Jacksplat

11:09

Ray, the 70s were triumphant. The 80s were awful and cowher turned the ship around very quickly for an extended run of real Steelers competitive relevance. Tomlin rode the tail end of that wave and has now coached this team into mediocrity. My question: this version of decline seems far worse and more prolonged than the 80s. Do you agree?

Ray Fittipaldo

11:11

In some ways yes. I do think Art has to commit to getting younger. That might mean some losing, but oh well. As I said earlier rebuilding in the NFL doesn't have to be a long-term deal. Unless you're the Browns of course.

Tommy in Florida

11:11

Good Morning Ray, why isn't Herbig playing more? He's always aroung the ball or is all over the qb? Your thoughts?

Ray Fittipaldo

11:12

Tomlin said he would play more against the Packers and he really didn't.

Yancey Mills

11:14

i think i am too late Ray, but among our defensive deficiencies is Queen. He is borderline good, but not great. Do we resign him when its time?

Ray Fittipaldo

11:14

Probably not.

Rocky B

11:14

How would you assess the play of our inside LBs?

Ray Fittipaldo

11:14

Up and down

Big Ed

11:15

Good morning Ray. Is there any chance Acrisure Stadium will change to a different surface besides grass?

Ray Fittipaldo

11:15

As much as players complain about the grass when it's bad they'd complain even more about an artificial surface.

AKK

11:17

Ray, with their defensive woes, is there a reason why Peppers isn’t getting more minutes?

Ray Fittipaldo

11:17

He might be getting more time now, but I'll say it again: there aren't many good options on the current roster.

Keith from Atlanta

11:18

If the Steelers continue to trend down and Tomlin does not get an extension. Would you foresee MT coaching final year of contract as lame duck HC? My compliments on your objective sports reporting.

Ray Fittipaldo

11:18

Yes that's probably how it would play out.

Andrew S. , Vancouver

11:19

Hello Ray, do NF teams have chaplains? If so, are they appointed or is there some application process? Thank you.

Ray Fittipaldo

11:19

Most teams have a chaplain or a priest. But in terms of how they're hired I don't know that.

Stairway to seventh seed

11:21

Ray: the last two games plus the opener are three of the worst defensive performances in years. Highsmith outsnapped Herbig quite a bit in each of those three games. This is overly simplistic, but should Herbig be starting and getting anout twice as many snaps? They have to start changing something.

Ray Fittipaldo

11:21

I'd change some things in the secondary before the OLBs, but I agree with you that Herbig should be playing more. And remember, his playing time likely decreased after his personal foul penalty. He might have had more time if he didn't commit that penalty.

Bedford

11:23

So it appears that we will not be drafting a QB next year (which it good because this class has severely dropped off), so we will need all those picks to rebuild our 'elite defense'. What positions do you think they need the most? I'm thinking CB, DL, and S to start. Also, do you think any big names get the ax this off-season?

Ray Fittipaldo

11:23

You want me to do cut them or keep them now? It's a little early for that, no?

Leemarvinwannab

11:23

Hi Ray, if the Steelers would force Tomlin to change his Defense Co. and other coaches would he quit bc he wants to be in charge of all on field decisions?

Ray Fittipaldo

11:23

Would you quit if you had $40 million coming your way?

Glorious Comrade

11:24

Ray, it is a shame the Steelers need a QB so badly they could use and all defense draft! Outside of divine intervention do you see more than three wins in the next ten?

Ray Fittipaldo

11:25

I think they'll win 8 or 9. I think they beat the Bengals at home. They should beat the Browns in Cleveland. They should beat Miami and I guess I'll give them a split against the Ravens. Maybe one more out of nowhere somewhere.

Steelers70

11:26

Any chance Big Ben would ever be considered for HC?

Ray Fittipaldo

11:26

And give up his podcast?

11:26

Pickens should be on this team. True or false?

Ray Fittipaldo

11:26

False.

Steelers70

11:27

Interesting that the NFL congratulated the packers on winning in Pittsburgh. GB hadn’t won in Pittsburgh since 1970. Maybe that explains the lopsided officiating?

Ray Fittipaldo

11:28

You have to be able to respond from adversity.

Tommy in Florida

11:29

Good Morning again Ray, Do you think Metcalf got the message Rodgers was ticked off about his untimely penalty and will Tomlin do anything about it? I saw nothing of the sort on the sideline. Thanks for your time in advance, sir.

Ray Fittipaldo

11:29

He did a few things like that in Seattle. I'm sure Tomlin addressed it behind closed doors.

Steelers70

11:29

Any chance one of our minority owners would pony up the money to buyout Tomlinson contract, like college teams do today?

Ray Fittipaldo

11:30

Just because they have money doesn't mean they tell Art what to do.

Connecting…