You are viewing the chat in desktop mode. Click here to switch to mobile view.
X
Ray Fittipaldo's Steelers chat: 10.9.17
powered byJotCast
Prev Page View Full Chat Next Page
Ray Fittipaldo
12:24
Well, it's hard to argue your point when you look at the stats. Blake Bortles, Trevor Siemian and Jameis Winston are among the QBs with better quarterback ratings than Roethlisberger. It kind of puts it into perspective when you see it laid out in front of you like that.
JerseySteel
12:25
Hi Ray - will Tomlin have a sit down with Mike Mitchell and tell him how idiotic it is to celebrate a tackle on a 12 yard run play while down by 2 scores in the 4th quarter? That turned my stomach - lost all respect for Mitchell after that.
Ray Fittipaldo
12:25
That was a joke, but he's done it before. He embarrasses himself and the organization when he does it. The fact that he keeps doing it tells me the coach is OK with it. Otherwise, it would stop.
Mtsteel
12:26
Thanks for your time Ray. Ben threw 55 times and Bell ran 15 times. The game wasn't out of reach until late. In your opinion, is Haley's game plan a big reason this offense is where it is? So much talent and cannot capitalize? Thank you sir.
Ray Fittipaldo
12:27
The players seemed to think afterward it was the lack of execution in the red zone that caused the imbalance in the offense. They seemed to think if they scored a TD or two they'd have been in the lead and would have been able to dictate more. But by holding the Steelers to field goals the Jaguars defense was able to dictate to the Steelers offense.
Jacque Strap
12:27
Hi Ray, can you explain why the $100 million quarterback needed a 'veteran's day off' on Wednesday before the Jax game, this early in a season where it sure has looked like he needs the practice? Not enough chemistry with receivers not named AB...hmmm, well...
Ray Fittipaldo
12:27
That's not new. He rests his arm regularly over the course of the season.
Chuck Noll
12:27
If I saw someone celebrating every time they made a play, they would not be making any more plays any time soon.
Ray Fittipaldo
12:28
Didn't you once cut a WR after he danced in the end zone?
Mike
12:28
Could alex smith be bens replacement if he retires at the end of the season.
Ray Fittipaldo
12:28
I have a hard time seeing the Chiefs part ways with Smith if he continues to play this well.
Yorktown Rob
12:30
Thx Ray for the chats. Has HC Mike Tomlin yet provided any level of detailed explanation as to why his teams consistently fail to win games against what most experts and odds makers deem lesser opponents? Despite his 11 season overall winning percentage being at .642, a major pock on his resume are those unexplained losses to inferior opponents. What has been his explanation?
Ray Fittipaldo
12:30
Good point. I don't know his explanations but it's been his inability to beat these types of teams has been well-documented.
DaquidoBazzini
12:31
Hi Ray.... There are many problems, but what do you think is going on with the OL and DL? Can’t run much or stop the run.
Ray Fittipaldo
12:31
I'm more concerned about the offensive line. I think the defensive front is talented but they're not on the same page right now. Both units have to get much better, that's for sure.
Mike
12:32
Tomlin has got a free pass every yr,because of his seasonal record as HC,but a lot has to do with Dick L.These tirades by AB and Big Ben calling him out publicly is not helpful and Tomlin has lost control of team.Haley is a hyped OC and he is overrated.Bengals fired their OC and improved.Steelers are just too conservative.They should take a page out of the Penguins Management and do whats needed.Bens window is almost shut for good.Do you foresee them making any changes with staff?
Ray Fittipaldo
12:33
Never say never on staff changes, but the Steelers almost never pull the trigger on such a move in-season. They usually wait until after the season is over to make a move like that. And you're right. The Bengals have been better. But let's see how that plays out over 11 more games.
Stephon
12:33
Ray, First time, long time.   Love your chat.   This is not really a question but a request for the psycho Steeler fans out there.   I have seen a great deal of venom coming out against Ben regarding his play this year.   I am begging the fans of this team to get over the shock of what could have been, and not get angry at Ben for getting old.   We all fall off our performance levels as the years go by.   The only difference is that there aren't millions of people watching as we slide.   Please remember the good years and celebrate Ben's career.   Prepare your mind for what might be a lengthy rebuild process in the years to come, and cheer our team on.
Guest
12:34
based on 5 weeks what record do you predict this team will finish with?
Ray Fittipaldo
12:34
Right now after that performance? I'd be viewed as a homer if I predicted a winning record. Honestly, my gut right now tells me 9-7, which believe it or not, might be enough to win the AFC North.
chuck D
12:35
What about FA QBs next year...The Steelers would have the cash to make a run at Cousins or Alex Smith if Ben retired.  What do you think?
Ray Fittipaldo
12:36
If Ben Roethlisberger retires, they will look at all options, free agency and the draft. Cousins will be high priced and Smith is aging. He's playing well now, but he's aging and he's been a system QB.
AndyCan
12:36
So glad Ben didn't throw any interceptions during training camp....it's translating well during the regular season don't you think?
Ray Fittipaldo
12:36
He has six TDs and eight INTS through five games. That's not good and he knows it.
JJ
12:36
Are the Steelers a playoff caliber team?
Ray Fittipaldo
12:37
My eyeball test: not now. But as I wrote previously this division stinks this year. 9-7 could win it and get a home playoff game.
Latrobe guy
12:37
Hi Ray, after yesterday is reall should be oblivious that M. Gilbert is a huge difference in the o-line and his missing is really hurting. As bad as the QB play had been, the line is real culprit, everything starts with them
Ray Fittipaldo
12:37
But they've won with reserves filling in in the past. Shouldn't be a whole lot different now.
Troy
12:38
It seemed to me that we gave up on the run game way too early even though we were having some success.  Why do we continually throw in short yardage situations when we have the best back in the league?
Ray Fittipaldo
12:38
I'm sure Tomlin will be asked about it tomorrow at his weekly news conference.
Zack B
12:39
Bryant doesn't seem to be playing very well.  Why not start Ju Ju, and activate Eli as the 4th wr?  Ben doesn't seem to have a lot of dependable wr's other than Brown.
Ray Fittipaldo
12:39
Bryant hasn't looked good, but I'm not sure if Eli Rogers is the answer.
Troy
12:40
Why is it that we have seen such a decline with our offensive line?  Pass blocking has been suspect and they are not opening any holes for the running game
Ray Fittipaldo
12:40
Great question. It might just be a matter of getting leads and being able to be in position to run the ball more. But it certainly is an issue.
GlassHalfFull
12:40
At least our coaches aren't snorting cocaine on facebook.
Ray Fittipaldo
12:41
Ha ha. I was waiting for this one. Yes, it could be worse Steelers fans. You could be Dolphins fans!
AndyCan
12:41
When do the Steelers begin to take accountability for ridiculous penalties, lack of a red zone offense, and hot dogging when they are getting dominated by inferior opponents at home?  That's a Mike Tomlin issue right?
Ray Fittipaldo
12:42
The head coach always is at the front lines when it comes to blame after losses. He certainly has to take some blame for the poor play especially at home. It's one thing to lose on the road to a team like the Bears, but you can't lose at home to a Jaguars team that has some very real problems defending the run.
chuck D
12:43
When is this coaching staff going to be held accountable for their poor preparation.  Yes, I know Tomlin or Haley did not throw the interceptions, but they were playing the 32th ranked rush defense.  Why didn't we see more Bell/Connor?  This is getting old really quickly.
Ray Fittipaldo
12:43
The players seemed to think afterward that the volume of runs happened because of the poor execution in the red zone. Not saying I agree, but that was their take.
Connecting…