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Ray Fittipaldo's Steelers chat: 11.12.18
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Ray Fittipaldo
12:17
It's a different approach. After a win this late in the season he was going to give them off Friday. The surprise was being off today. This is that so-called bonus day of practice and game-planning. Rest assured the players already have the game plan, or most of it. Just have an extra day off practice is all. I don't think it's a big deal, but it will be if they lose to a 3-6 Jaguars team.
Jake from DC
12:18
I know that when Conner gets hurt, we're all going to wish he was here, but honestly now that he's not coming back, would you consider kind of a relief? I'm so done with this guy...
Ray Fittipaldo
12:18
You hit the nail on the head. They don't need Le'Veon Bell unless James Conner gets injured for a long period. But if he does get hurt it could be a major issue for this offense.
Tprod
12:19
Ray, Burns has regressed, does that say anything about the new secondary coach or that they finally realized that Burns wasn’t coach able?
Ray Fittipaldo
12:20
A coach can only do so much. You try to put him in position to make plays, but when a guy is prone to mental lapses and doesn't know where to line up or who to cover I have a hard time blaming the coach. That's basic stuff NFL players should know.
FreeTankCarter
12:20
The Steelers are starting to look really good.  Just good enough to be embarrassed by the Patriots in the playoffs again.  Am I a pessimist or a realist?
Ray Fittipaldo
12:20
Well, for me it depends on their seeding. I could see them beating the Patriots if they were 2 seed and the Patriots a 3 seed. Not so much if the Steelers are a 3 seed and the Patriots a 2 seed...
Tprod
12:21
Ray, why hasn’t Washington been able to translate his training camp and preseasons success to the regular season?
Ray Fittipaldo
12:21
Sometimes it just takes longer for some rookies to get it. It seems like he's starting to understand things a little more. He's played a bunch of snaps the past two games. He could still play a big role this season before it's all said and done.
Steelcurtainx6
12:22
If this Bell thing plays out as recently predicted, and we don't even really try and bring him back in the offseason, any chance we use some of the spare change to go after a legit defensive guy? I know it's KC we're talking about here but from what I've seen the draft doesn't look in our favor this year if we're picking at the end of the round again
Ray Fittipaldo
12:22
The track record says they'll look to extend their own first, but it's nice to have spare cash around for someone like Joe Haden if that type of situation would present itself again.
Gene
12:23
Who is the backup running back Samuels or Ridley?
Ray Fittipaldo
12:23
Good question. It looks like Samuels might be passing him. He's definitely the better receiver so it would make sense to elevate him over Ridley because the Steelers pass so much.
Brandon
12:24
What are the chances of the transition tag being used next year as a match and trade type deal with L Bell next year?
Ray Fittipaldo
12:24
I don't know about that. The Steelers probably would be better to take their draft pick and move on. We'll see what happens.
Geo Net
12:24
Hi Ray. Last week was total domination. Do you agree that as long as defense continues to pressure the QB, everything else falls into place? Can't let up now to hated Jags!
Ray Fittipaldo
12:25
Good call on the pressure. That can make a secondary look really good. All of defensive players know how it goes: pressure and coverage work together. Each has to help the other out. It looked like a jail break at times for the front against Carolina. It was impressive.
Josh
12:26
Should C. Sutton get a bit more work at the outside CB spot? Played great last year.
Ray Fittipaldo
12:26
I think they're happy with Sensabaugh for now. Sutton certainly is an option if things go awry for Sensabaugh.
Clark
12:26
Do you think the Steelers wanted Bell back or did they want him to stay away once he held out?
Ray Fittipaldo
12:27
I think they wanted him as an insurance policy. I can tell you there was no way they were going to mess with the chemistry of the offense with James Conner playing so well. The only way this turns out bad for the Steelers is if Conner is injured down the stretch.
ATL Rich
12:27
Matt Feiler seems to "writing the end of Marcus Gilbert's career" here in Pittsburgh and it seems like it's hardly being noticed.  He seems to be playing real well.  Thoughts ?
Ray Fittipaldo
12:30
Feiler is playing really well. Gilbert has one year left on his contract after this year. Feiler will be an exclusive rights free agent in 2019 so the Steelers still have some control over him. Remember, Feiler is a guard who is bumping out to tackle because he is versatile. I still think his future might be at guard, but he's obviously a must-have in 2019 because of his versatility.
DW
12:30
Ray, what is Artie Burn's future with the team at this point?
Ray Fittipaldo
12:30
I can see him playing on the Steelers in 2019 but not beyond that. hey still might think they can work with him.
Bubby_Blister
12:30
Patrick Mahomes 2018 = Roethlisberger 2004?
Ray Fittipaldo
12:31
Except the Chiefs have a terrible defense and the Steelers had a great defense in 2004. Plus, Roethlisberger was a game manager in his rookie season. Mahomes is playing lights out in his second season.
tyler
12:31
so glad we don't have mike mitchell or leveon this year to open their dumb mouthes before this game
Ray Fittipaldo
12:32
Ed Bouchette wrote about that today. Good story to start off Jacksonville week.
Kdot
12:32
Projection for pro-bowlers this year?  7, 30, 53, 84, 66, 23, 90, 97? and Tomlin as coach again?
Ray Fittipaldo
12:32
They better hope not on Tomlin. That means they lose in the division round again.
Rudy from Irwin
12:32
What are the chances the Steelers release Gilbert given that Feiler has played so well in his absense and is much cheaper?
Ray Fittipaldo
12:32
See above answer on Feiler. He's an ERFA in 2019.
RealityMan
12:33
While Thursday’s win was an excellent step forward the real acid test will be the Chargers, Saints and especially the Patriots. Before we start booking the off week in the playoffs we have to exercise the Patriot demons. It looks like we are making big steps forward and are balanced on offence. The D will be the key. While improved, how do you think it holds up against an elite QB?
Ray Fittipaldo
12:33
That's the $100,000 question. Will the secondary that has taken strides against the Falcons, Browns, Ravens, etc. hold up against the likes of Rivers, Brady and Brees?
Ike Steelheart
12:34
Feiler and Finney next year's starters thereby a cheaper OL? So that money can be used on Defense? By the way, those 14.5 million saved how do you see The Steelers will use them?
Ray Fittipaldo
12:35
Either Feiler or Finney will be Foster's replacement. Let's see how this Gilbert injury plays out. If he misses another 10 games this year like he did last year then the Steelers very well could make a change. But it seems like he might be ready to come back from the knee injury. Going to wait to see how this one plays out.
Dj Cain
12:35
Ray like the Chats! Can this team right now win a Super Bowl?
Ray Fittipaldo
12:35
Sure. They hold their fate in their hands. If they get a bye they'll have as good a chance as anyone.
Ryno
12:35
What do you see as being the difference with Dupree this season?  He gets it finally?  Different coaching?  The move to the other side?
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