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Ray Fittipaldo's Steelers chat: 11.03.20
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Ray Fittipaldo
2:18
He tested negative all week. Tomlin said today he has no issues with the way the NFL is handling COVID protocols.
ypar70
2:18
Hi Ray, usually when a player is caught on camera in a shouting match with his coach, the situation will materialize an explanation post game, but I haven't come across an explanation in the print media (could have missed a blip somewhere).  What have you been told about the TJ and Butler exchange?
Ray Fittipaldo
2:19
Watt addressed it after the game but was vague. I'm paraphrasing here, but he said something to the effect of "this stuff happens in football."
TP Ranger
2:19
Probable first Steelers loss in descending order of probability: 1. Baltimore 2. Buffalo 3. Cleveland 4. Indianapolis 5. Cincinnati. What do you think Ray, or they going to go undefeated?
Ray Fittipaldo
2:20
If I had to choose I'd say Baltimore. Home-field advantage doesn't really matter in the rivalry and especially not this year with no fans.
Adam T
2:20
Hi Ray, the Steelers seem to have rejected their committee approach at running back and gone back to giving James Conner virtually all the touches. He's their most well-rounded runner and the results are hard to argue with, but do you think they should take this three game stretch against "weaker" competition to get McFarland some opportunities? Having an actual breakaway threat in the backfield seems to be one of the few elements this offense is missing. Plus, it's worth seeing what he can do for next year right?
Ray Fittipaldo
2:21
Tomlin said today he planned to play Snell and McFarland more, but the poor first half did not allow for it. I'd like to see more of McFarland. He has the speed and big-play ability this offense needs.
Reston Stiller Fan
2:21
Harbaugh has been whining about no PI or targeting call on Fitzpatrick on the last play of the game.  Looked like a clean play to me.  your thoughts?
Ray Fittipaldo
2:22
Harbaugh, like the rest of his family, is a whiner.
Ryno
2:22
How can the officials justify the penalty on Heyward?  Jackson was still in bounds with both feet, and was a runner at that point?  The announcers didn't seem to even question the flag.
Ray Fittipaldo
2:25
Jackson is a running back when he breaks the pocket. Plus, he plays this little game when he tries to bait defenders as he nears the sidelines. He'll stop really close to the sideline and then stay in bounds. He did it at least on two other occasions against the Steelers. Heyward had no choice but to hit him. That's his job. If Jackson continues his carless sideline routine he'll end up like Robert Griffin III.
U.S. Army Retired
2:25
Ray, is there a reason James Washington has been demoted to the 5th WR?
Ray Fittipaldo
2:26
I'd say he's the fourth receiver. I think McCloud getting more snaps on Sunday was likely game plan specific. And the reason he's No. 4 now is Chase Claypool is better. It's pretty simple.
Robert
2:26
Ray, I heard Tomlin say they need to make a decision on Stefen Wisniewski this week. Has he been practicing? He has not shown up on the injury report, is that just because he is not part of the 53?
Ray Fittipaldo
2:27
Yes he has a 21-day window in which time the coaches must decide if he's ready to go back on the roster or remain on IR for the remainder of the year.
Alex B
2:27
The secondary has allowed some big plays is it a scheme issue or a breakdown do you believe there is reason for concern ?
Ray Fittipaldo
2:28
It seems to me their zone coverage has some issues. I am going to watch some tape tonight -- between the election -- and see if I can draw any hard conclusions.
Ken
2:28
Should intentional grounding have been called on the Ravens' final drive?
Ray Fittipaldo
2:28
Yes it should have. The referee said there was a receiver in the area, but there was not.
Alex B
2:29
Steelers offense is a passing offense and with these young receivers why not lean on their talent but do you think the Steelers should lean more on the running game and use a fullback more  especially in situations such as the 3rd and 1 at the end of the game where Conner was stuffed ? Hopefully Derrick Watt will be back soon.
Ray Fittipaldo
2:29
Well, one problem with that is Derek Watt's health. He's been dealing with a hamstring injury though Tomlin said today he'll play this week.
Jacque Strap
2:29
Hi Ray...do you feel like Cam Sutton has earned a larger role, even after Hilton is active again? A good problem to have I suppose.
Ray Fittipaldo
2:30
He's had a role all season in the dime. Not sure he can have a bigger role unless there is another injury.
82nSunny
2:30
The C-Boys still have some playmakers on offense in Elliott, Cooper, Gallup and Lamb.  With Dalton (even though he's still the same Dalton of the Bungles) under center and 4 of our defensive starters potentially out - is this setting up to be one of those "how the heck did that happen" games?  What say you?
Ray Fittipaldo
2:31
It very well could be. As I said before this is the NFL. On any given Sunday...
Aileen
2:31
Al Villanueva's play seems to be much improved over last year or is that just my perception?
Ray Fittipaldo
2:31
Villanueva and Okorafor are both playing well. It helps Ben is getting rid of the ball quick, but there hasn't been a lot of pressure off the edges.
Scott
2:32
Of the next 3 games which one has the best chance of being the annual flop against a bad team?
Ray Fittipaldo
2:32
This one against the Cowboys for a variety of reasons.
Adam
2:32
Is Heyward's injury week to week or longer?
Ray Fittipaldo
2:32
Tomlin said he has a chance to play Sunday.
JerseySteel
2:33
Hi Ray - after a few games trending upward, I saw Terrell Edmunds bite hard on the pump fake on a long pass to Duvernay. What are your thoughts on his recent play?
Ray Fittipaldo
2:34
Yes you are right about the Duvernay play. He can't let anyone get behind him especially at that late stage of the game. He's been better, but gaffes like that are the reason the Steelers are giving up a lot of big plays on third-and-longs.
LarryG from Punxy
2:34
Appreciate all your work, Ray.  What do you think is the biggest thing the Steelers need to fix moving forward if they want to make a serious run for a Title?
Ray Fittipaldo
2:35
Run defense against the Ravens, third down defense, learn how to run the ball better and be more consistent overall on offense.
PAMMY WHAMMY
2:35
Good Afternoon Ray!  What's a defensive player to do? A guy like L Jackson constantly slips from defenders, but when he's hit in bounds as a runner, the flag gets thrown. Sure, the NFL has to protect the QB commodity, but when do QBs have to decide to protect themselves when they decide to run for a first?
Ray Fittipaldo
2:36
Jackson is getting a reputation among officials. If they continue to protect him on those situations then shame on them. You don't do his little sideline routine and not expect tog et hit. He's lucky some defender hasn't caved in his knee with a helmet. Heyward hit him above the waist. He might not be as lucky the next time.
Nate
2:37
Hi Ray, do you think the trade for Avery Williamson had less to do with Spillane (and his abilities) and more to do UGIII being able to stay healthy?  That the Steelers felt another ILB was needed for overall depth because Spillane has been playing well.  Or do you think Williamson will split time once up to speed?  Love the chats!  Thanks!
Ray Fittipaldo
2:37
Yes and Tomlin pretty much came out and said that today on his zoom call.
PAMMY WHAMMY
2:37
Ben seemed perturbed when Connor was stuffed on 3rd to give the Ravens their final shot. Did he prefer a short pass or slide kind of play? The quick slants were working in the second half.
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