JotCast | Ray Fittipaldo's Steelers chat: 11.05.19

Ray Fittipaldo's Steelers chat: 11.05.19

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Ray Fittipaldo

1:53

Welcome to my Steelers chat. Let's get started.

DaquidoBazzini

1:54

Hi, Ray - I don't disagree with waiving Donte Moncrief. In fact, I think he would've been a better choice than some in recent weeks. My question is when did this start that players had to be dropped or you would lose a comp pick? I don't remember that becoming an issue till this year.

Ray Fittipaldo

1:56

Good question. I don't remember any situations like that in previous years, either. Perhaps it's a loophole that a team discovered and then other teams saw it and started doing it as well. I don't think it's good for the game. Players don't deserve to have their careers hinge on what happens in another city.

Artie Bridge

1:57

Was the report of Steeler interest in trading for Le'Veon credible? MT said in his post-game remarks that "to his knowledge" there was no such attempt. Was he being coy? Hard for me to believe the Steelers would pursue Le'Veon - as good as he can be - after such a public and nasty divorce. But I never thought we'd give up a first round selection either.

Ray Fittipaldo

1:59

I have not heard that it is true. The source of the story was Le'Veon Bell, who said it on a podcast that he does with other NFL players. He said that midweek. Adam Schefter didn't report it until Sunday morning, and his information was almost exactly the same as Bell, which teams were involved, the Steelers were interested, etc. I'm sorry I just don't buy it. Agents have agendas and like to put things out there for their benefit or their client's benefit.

Retire21

2:00

So if Bud roughly had the same start this year that he did last year in the first half before his pec injury, maybe we shouldn't have been surprised Steelers picked up the option?

Ray Fittipaldo

2:01

He's playing very well. He's the most disruptive I've ever seen him -- both in the run game and the pass rush. His TFL before the Vinatieri miss was a huge play in that game. You'd like to be able to keep re-sign him, but it's going to be tough. You have to pay JuJu, Watt and Fitzpatrick in the coming years. Those contracts will be among the highest at their respective positions. You can't pay everyone.

Franco

2:02

I figured we would split these 2 home games and am shocked and please we beat the Colts as I thought that the Rams were the team we would beat. With that being said, 1) how good do you think our chances are at winning this game and 2) what Part of the Rams team (rushing, passing, pass rush, run D, Pass D) do you think will the one thing we need to contain to have a shot at a W?

Ray Fittipaldo

2:05

First and foremost, Aaron Donald can't be disruptive. You have to find a way to limit his impact in this game. It's hard. He's almost unblockable at times, but you have to minimize his impact... The Rams are a bit different than they were early in the season. They gave up 55 points to the Bucs and 30 to the Seahawks, but they've since added Jalen Ramsey to the mix. He makes them an entirely different team on defense... The Steelers can't let Todd Gurley be a factor in this game. The Rams have too many weapons to account for, and if Gurley is running well, it's going to be a long day for the Steelers defense. They have to make the Rams one-dimensional on offense. Hard to do, but that's their best shot at winning this game in my opinion. Shut down the run and get after Jared Goff in the pass rush.

Jerry

2:05

I think our OL is better when we play Feeney over Foster! Your thoughts?

Ray Fittipaldo

2:06

You mean Finney, and they are very good when he's in the lineup. But I can't say he had a huge impact in the run game against the Colts. I thought he did OK, but the Colts controlled the line of scrimmage. The entire line has to play better.

Dr. K

2:07

Best word to describe Rudolph so far: disappointing, underwhelming, average or OK?

Ray Fittipaldo

2:08

Work in progress. I don't think it's fair to judge a QB after five starts. This is a hard league. He's seeing things for the first time. He's still getting used to his skill position players after limited reps with them in camp, etc. Tomlin said he has to play better. That's obvious. The Steelers won't make the playoffs if he continues to struggle. But it takes time to get comfortable in this league. The Steelers are hoping he finds a comfort level soon.

FineLine

2:08

Watt and JuJu are first in line to get new contracts. Do you think they give Connor another one?

Ray Fittipaldo

2:09

Depends on the price. He's not the most durable back. That will work against him. And going back to what I wrote about Dupree. You can't pay everyone. Plus, it's easier to draft or find a back in free agency than some other positions.

Lloyd's 3-Count

2:09

Have you seen Sean Davis at the facilities?

Ray Fittipaldo

2:11

He's been around a little bit. Tomlin was asked about him today and whether he's a candidate to return from IR. Tomlin said he hadn't thought that far ahead. If he does come back he's not going to play much unless there is an injury. Maybe the Steelers can wait and see. There is a three-week window when he can practice before having to decide to activate him. They can just wait it out and only activate him if there is an injury. Otherwise, they'll just keep him on IR.

T Rex 2020!

2:11

Do you know if the Steelers showed any interest in Josh Gordon or reached out to his camp? With our receivers underperforming this season, it seems like his ability (or at least potential threat) to stretch the field could have been beneficial

Ray Fittipaldo

2:12

Seattle was 28th in the waiver claim process and they were awarded Gordon so no teams in front of them wanted to sign him, including the Steelers.

Steelers

2:12

Ray, is TJ Watt subbing himself out of the game in the 4th quarter? Looked like Chickillo was on the field for some snaps in his position.

Ray Fittipaldo

2:13

Other than the defensive backs no other defenders play the entire game. Chickillo and Adeniyi get about 5-7 snaps per game, sometimes more depending on situations. Watt and Dupree ended up playing 85-90% of the game.

Greg

2:13

How far do you see the dink and dunk taking us? By the law of averages aren't we due for a big offensive showing one of these days anyway? (The O-line looks ready at least)

Ray Fittipaldo

2:14

The O-line looks ready at least? Really? We must not be watching the same games. Even Tomlin isn't happy with the play of his line. He opened his news conference today lamenting the struggles in the running game and said the Steelers lost the battle of the line of scrimmage.

Lloyd's 3-Count

2:15

What's the % chance Steelers re-sign Bud?

Ray Fittipaldo

2:15

My crystal ball says... 3%

Gravel

2:15

Hi Ray - If Switz can't dress does #40 return kicks and #18 punts or does Sutton slide in to return punts? Anything out of the return game would be welcome....

Ray Fittipaldo

2:16

Tomlin didn't mention Switzer today when he ran down the injuries. Unless I missed it. But if he can't play for whatever reason then Diontae Johnson would return punts. They have a few options for kickoff returner, including JuJu Smith-Schuster if they wanted to have a game-breaker back there.

NC Steel

2:16

Ray, If a big part of the passing game's problems are the receivers not getting open, why didn't the team look for a solid WR before the trade deadline? Also, what's up with the lack of production by the TEs? Thanks

Ray Fittipaldo

2:18

The TE production, or lack thereof, is difficult to understand. One would think a young B would find big TEs in the middle of the field attractive. McDonald is on pace for one of his worst years in terms of receiving yards... As far as trades for WRs go, they only have so many draft picks left after making those trades for Fitzpatrick and Vannett. You have to have some left to build you team in the spring.

Matt P

2:19

Do you think we use franchise or transition tag on Dupree after this season? Him and Watt are making our defense tick. He’s becoming a leader and pass rushers are hard to find.

Ray Fittipaldo

2:21

The franchise tag would be steep. Last year the tag for a LB was over $15 million. That's only $6 million more than what they're paying him this year so it's not out of the question. But again, eventually it's going to be hard to keep Watt and Dupree.

Lloyd's 3-Count

2:21

Likelihood the Steelers restructure Tuitt's contract or cut?

Ray Fittipaldo

2:22

He was having his best year. I think you give him the benefit of the doubt and see if he can come back and do it again.

LA Matt

2:22

Is Switzer the best that we can do on kickoff and punt returns? I know that this area of the team has never been one of Tomlin's priorities or strengths, but it is getting embarrassing!

Ray Fittipaldo

2:23

I know they like the fact that he's reliable as a punt returner. He's not going to fumble or drop kicks very often. But I'm with you on the kickoff returns. I think they can find someone with more speed and size.

Gravel

2:23

HI Ray - Why did #18 not see the ball more last game? Same with the tight ends? Vance is healthy right?

Ray Fittipaldo

2:25

He's been dealing with a shoulder injury, but he hasn't been on the injury report for a week or so...Right now, the passing game is limited. Tomlin intimated today it was due to injuries. I think he was hinting that things might be different if Conner and Samuels could ever get healthy at the same time. But who knows?

Lloyd's 3-Count

2:25

Is the 11% PI overturn rate about what you expected?

Ray Fittipaldo

2:26

If it was under 10% the Steelers would be 5-3. The Seahawks don't win that game without Terrell Edmunds getting called for PI.

Cole from NY

2:26

What do you think the Steelers chances are for winning the division or wild card spot?

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