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Ray Fittipaldo's Steelers chat: 10.29.24
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Ray Fittipaldo
1:57
Good afternoon. Let's get started.
Tom
1:58
What did you think of Smith's play calling last night?  Even with the field goals I really liked some of new plays and shots they took.
Ray Fittipaldo
1:59
Overall, I think it was good. They need to start scoring more touchdowns rather than field goals. They were 0 for 4 in the red zone and Wilson has struggled passing in the red zone in his first two starts. He's usually really good in that area so maybe it's just a small sample size, but other than that there wasn't much to complain about. They had another 400-yard game. That's the third time this season they've had more than 400 yards.
Cooking with Buss
2:00
I'm amazed at when the Steelers are in a situation on defense where they must make a significant play, Watt actually does it. In a league where guys are paid crazy money, most still fail when it counts. Is there another player or particulary Steeler that you recall being that good at crucial times?
Ray Fittipaldo
2:01
He does have an uncanny ability to come through when it's needed most. I'm not sure they win in Las Vegas if he doesn't force those two fumbles. What's special about him is he can affect the game even when he's not getting sacks, which is unusual for an edge rusher. He's hands down the DPOY. They should just give him the award now.
Stairway to seventh seed
2:01
Ray: for all the talk about the lack of a WR2, how much of a disaster is the defensive line?  They are adding almost no interior pass rush to combat the quick throws used against them and are getting gashed in the run particularly when the Steelers employ the nickel.  What has stunted Benton's development?
Ray Fittipaldo
2:04
Yeah I gave them a D last night. Heyward has been really good this season, not so much last night. But when a 35-year old is your best player it's not a good sign. Benton was having a hard time getting off blocks last night. He's not really making any big plays. Maybe he's playing through an injury and the off week will help him. I expected more splash out of him this season, and he's just not impacting games the way I thought he would. D-line has to be a big focus in the draft.
Stairway to seventh seed
2:04
Ray:  Broderick Jones?  Is there any hope?  He just makes contact and then disengages without finishing his blocks so often.  What is going on with him?
Ray Fittipaldo
2:06
He's not having a good year, but there are no other options at this point with Troy Fautanu on IR. They're not going to bench a first-round pick for someone like Dylan Cook. He needs to work through his issues because Fautanu isn't coming back anytime soon.
Emilio
2:06
Hi Ray, what are the reasons for the inconsistent defense of the 2024 Steelers? Thanks
Ray Fittipaldo
2:08
Injuries certainly have played a part. Highsmith was out for a few games and Herbig remains out. Leal and Trice are on IR. Some of these guys might be backups, but they're part of the rotation and the depth has been tested. I also think teams are running on them in nickel and dime. It's a tradeoff. If they stay in base teams will check into a passing play to try to take advantage of Elandon Roberts in coverage.
DaquidoBazzinii
2:08
Hi Ray… Obviously the Steelers now have an official run defense problem with Tyrone Tracy running crazy for 145 yards last night. From your observation, do you think this is more defensive scheme or personal? Is it possible to pick up someone that could help before the trade deadline?
Ray Fittipaldo
2:09
Both. I thought the linemen and inside linebackers were off Monday night, not in the right gaps, not tackling well, etc. But as I mentioned the scheme and the willingness to play so much with five and six defensive backs is part of the problem too.
This Guy
2:09
Our receivers have been looking a lot better the last couple weeks, no? Any idea what could explain that improvement?
Ray Fittipaldo
2:10
Yeah two words: Russell Wilson
Yogi in Yonkers
2:10
What will be the starting OL against Washington?
Ray Fittipaldo
2:11
Same as it was against the Giants unless Frazier is ready to return from his ankle injury.
Pittfan
2:11
Hi Ray. I'm asking this question because I'm intrigued by Skyy Moore. Can a team trade a player who is on injured reserve? If so, does the injured reserve clock follow that player to his new team? I don't know how you feel about Skyy Moore but he is a second round pick who has found his way to the bottom of the Chief's depth chart. Most people know he played in high school with Tomlin's son.
Ray Fittipaldo
2:13
You don't trade for a guy like Moore. You just wait until the Chefs release him. Not every second-round pick works out. Andy Isabella was a second-round pick in 2019 and he just signed on to the Steelers' practice squad last week after being a street free agent.
Steelers Fan In New Orleans
2:13
In your opinion, is Najee on the team for 2025?
Ray Fittipaldo
2:14
He's playing really well, but I think the decision was made in May that they were going to move on from him after the season. Maybe he'll continue to change their mind, and they'll rethink the decision.
Greg
2:14
Have you seen enough of Wilson to think he can throw these WRs open or do you think we should try trading for one? Just a couple weeks ago I thought we wouldn't survive the playoffs with our current WR roster, but now I'm not so sure ....
Ray Fittipaldo
2:15
Yeah it's an interesting question. They have 835 yards of offense in the two games Wilson has started. The passing game has been a big part of that total. Maybe they don't need a No. 2, but their depth is really thin.
Yogi in Yonkers
2:16
Would this week off be a good time to get Roman Wilson prepared to start contributing?
Ray Fittipaldo
2:17
I have a feeling we won't be seeing Roman Wilson the rest of the season. He has to miss at least three more weeks. Unless there is an injury and they need a body I don't see him returning to the 53-man roster.
Tampa Too
2:17
Ray, do you see any scenario that the Steelers would sign Moore to a long-term contract and trade Jones away? Jones has been struggling quite a bit lately and Moore seems to be outplaying him.
Ray Fittipaldo
2:19
Moore definitely is playing better, which means some team will throw a lot of money at him in free agency. They drafted Jones to be their left tackle so they have to let him play and work out his issues.
Henry
2:19
Wilson is a huge upgrade but the defense isn't as good as advertised. Hate to think what Derick Henry will do to this defense. DL is a big weakness. What are your thoughts?
Ray Fittipaldo
2:20
The top three rushing teams in the NFL are on the Steelers' schedule in the second half. They play the Ravens twice and they have games against the Eagles and Commanders. They better fix their issues during the off week.
TX Pressure
2:21
Nice to be 6-2 and Russ has commanded the offense BUT this was against the Jets, that have been bad since Saleh fired and Giants just suck.  The Giants still had a chance to tie it before the Beanie interception.  During the bye a couple of guys like Frazier get healthy and Sutton back but what else do they need to be a legit contender?
Ray Fittipaldo
2:22
I wrote about that today. Fix the run defense and score more touchdowns in the red zone is a start https://www.post-gazette.com/sports/steelers/2024/10/29/mike-tomlin-ru...
David
2:23
If you had to do the 2017 draft over, who would you take over Watt? Mahomes for sure. Maybe McCaffrey. I don't see anyone else worthy. The guy is unreal.
Ray Fittipaldo
2:24
Yeah probably just Mahomes. No way I'm taking an RB over Watt under any circumstance.
Dr. Sardonicus
2:24
Hi Ray,  Thanks for the chats.  Was Dan Moore seriously injured yesterday?
Ray Fittipaldo
2:24
No he missed a play or two and then went back in the game.
Tampa Too
2:25
Ray. I thought this new offense was going to feature the tight ends more. Why hasn’t Muth been targeted more.?
Ray Fittipaldo
2:25
Great question. He needs to be, especially in the red zone.
Bubby
2:26
Steelers 6 and 2 but I think it is fools gold.  Still have not beaten a true contender.  Second half will tell the tale.   Have to shore up the DL to stop the run if they want to be playing in January.  I am just being pessimistic or valid points?  Thank you.
Ray Fittipaldo
2:27
You can only beat the teams on your schedule. They've done a nice job of winning games they are supposed to win. Falcons on the road might be a good win by year's end. The same goes for the Broncos, who are currently in the AFC playoff field. But no doubt they'll be tested more in the second half of the season.
Dom
2:28
Any idea when Cory Trice will return?
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