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Ray Fittipaldo's Steelers chat: 11.12.19
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Ray Fittipaldo
12:25
Any QB struggles when they're under pressure. The nice thing about the Steelers this season is they can pressure with four. That leaves seven to defend the pass. I think that's why you're seeing more turnovers this season. Being able to get pressure with a four-man rush is key.
574Fan
12:26
RE: Lacking WR play - this team could have many needs in the offseason (aging OL, Bud, Hargrave may leave,TE play still not settled,etc).  Washington and Johnson have shown flashes, but not consistency.  JuJu looks like he needs those guys to develop so he can move inside to the slot at least occasionally. So, are these flashes enough stick with those 2 young guys as 2 of your top 3 WRs going into next season?
Ray Fittipaldo
12:28
That's a good question. I don't think they want to invest another high draft pick in a WR. They've done that three years in a row. A 2 for JuJu, a 2 for Washington and an early 3 on Johnson. As you mention they'll have other needs. It'll be interesting to see how the coaches and GM are thinking after the season ends. JuJu is going into the final year of his contract so a lot of that will depend on whether they think they have a good chance of re-signing him.
MrCJJr
12:28
Hello Ray, I didn't get a chance to formally say "Thank you" for correctly predicting the Cincy game awhile back. I was able to go to work (here in Cincy) w/o the embarrassment of the Steelers losing. On to the question: Can the NFL make "stick-um" legal again? The receivers need something to cure the case of the dropsies ASAP.
Ray Fittipaldo
12:28
Some call Lester Hayes!
574Fan
12:28
Any feel for how long until Snell is able to go again?
Ray Fittipaldo
12:29
The time frame is 2-6 weeks and we're about at week 3 now. I'm guessing he'll be ready for the Cardinals game or the Bills game. Not sure about the Bengals.
Fitzburgh
12:29
Do the Steelers have the 5th year option on #39 or is that reserved only for the team that drafted him?
Ray Fittipaldo
12:30
The Steelers have the fifth-year option. Control his right through 2022. I'm sure they'll try to sign him to a second contract when the time comes.
Goldstar
12:30
Seems like Bush has been much less noticeable last few games - has his play slacked off a bit or just overshadowed by others?
Ray Fittipaldo
12:31
Well, in the Rams game he didn't play all that much because the coaches used Mark Barron for almost the entire game and played with six defensive backs. But I agree with you for the most part. He hasn't been as noticeable. I think he's struggled in coverage some so that's the reason. He's simply not playing as much as he was earlier in the season when Barron and Vince Williams were injured.
Goldstar
12:31
Would this team be a legitimate super bowl contender with a healthy Ben?
Ray Fittipaldo
12:33
I think so yes. I wasn't really impressed with the offense against the Patriots or in the first half of the Seattle game. Ben wasn't playing very well. But we now know Ben was injured before the Seattle game so that explains why there might have been some struggles in that game. Whatever the case, I think he would have been better if he was healthy, and this team would be dangerous.
Utah Jim
12:33
Is it time to put Nix on IR and sign a fullback?  I think they desperately need one.
Ray Fittipaldo
12:34
I wouldn't rule it out. Only six games left after the Browns. But it's not like there are a lot of quality FBs on the street. Not many are being produced by the colleges. The Steelers had to convert Nix from a DL to a FB when they signed him.
Justin
12:34
In the last game, right before the Steelers kicked the field goal to go up 17-12, Mason Rudolph threw what was later called an incomplete pass that Villanueva recovered at midfield.  My question, when the ball was loose it appears that Clay Matthews purposely kicked ball towards the Steelers endzone.  I thought that was a penalty, why wasn't it called?  Because it was an incomplete pass or did they miss it?  Sorry for a long worded question.
Ray Fittipaldo
12:35
I asked the same thing. I know batting the ball forward with your hand is illegal. The Steelers got called for that a few years ago. I think it's probably more difficult to prove with a kicking motion. But I agree with you. I thought he purposely kicked it. Which really was kind of dumb. If he fell on it (if it was a fumble) the Steelers would only have had a 2-point lead the Rams had plenty of time for a winning drive.
CincyJoe
12:36
What percent of the time does McDonald fumble his catches, if he completes the catch?
Ray Fittipaldo
12:36
He's another one who had a drop against the Rams. He also had a bobble on one of his three catches. Not having a great year.
Munchak’s ghost
12:36
Thought the O-line experiment an unusual mid-season re-arrangement, any insight as to the reasoning and how would you grade the result?
Ray Fittipaldo
12:37
Tomlin said he want three tackles against the Rams for pass protection purposes. In other words, he didn't think BJ Finney was athletic enough to handle Aaron Donald. That's basically what went into the decision.
Rob
12:38
Do you expect to see the same OL lineup vs the Browns' pass rush? It would seem the weather will dictate more of a smash mouth game, especially with Conner back.
Ray Fittipaldo
12:38
I don't. If Ramon Foste r is able to play he'll go back to starting at LG and Matt Feiler will go back to RT.
Lenny from NY
12:38
Morning Ray. Why go shotgun on 3rd and 1. You take away the defense defending against a possible QB sneak. Horrible play calling. Something Haley would have done. Thanks
Ray Fittipaldo
12:39
I agree. But Rudolph almost never took a snap from under center in college. I think that probably has something to do with it.
Jerry
12:39
With our schedule I think we can win the North! Your thoughts
Ray Fittipaldo
12:40
My crystal ball says 3.5% chance. But hey, the Ravens overcame a similar deficit after nine games last season so never say never!
Harold H.
12:40
The Browns received more hype prior to the season than any other team I can remember in recent memory. Of course, their starving, gullible fan base bit on the hype fish hook like a hungry walleye. Was it all because of OBJ and Mayfield - or did the national media truly believe they were going to be legitimate?  What were your thoughts while the hype machine was humming?
Ray Fittipaldo
12:41
Who knows what goes into forming the opinions of national people. I don't think they're very informed for the most part. They're easily swayed by free agency and acquisitions and give little thought to other aspects that go into team-building. I picked them to finish third in the AFC North. And so far I'm right!
Guest
12:42
Ray - How does a QB get hit from the front, driven backwards, and "fumble" a ball 10 yds downfield? The genius broadcasters never address this, so maybe you can help.I'm not a rocket scientist, so perhaps I don't understand the special laws of physics that apply on - and only on - a football field.
Ray Fittipaldo
12:43
The open hand. That's what the officials look for. So even though the momentum of the hit took him forward the arm didn't necessarily cause the ball to go forward. In other words, the arm has to be coming forward. And from the angles I saw it was difficult to determine if it was.
Jon Snow
12:43
I predict the Steelers MVP for the thursday game will be Vince Williams for helping to shut down their run game. what do you think?
Ray Fittipaldo
12:44
He might get to play a lot because of that. The Browns have a very good running game.
Jake
12:45
Ray,  What is up with Vance?  As No. 1 TE he can't be dropping passes?  Has to be more involved?  He is due for a big game don't you think?  Thank you.
Ray Fittipaldo
12:46
I'm not sure. I'm writing about his struggles later on today after practice. Make sure to come back and read it!
Mark M
12:46
Seems a lot of people especially the national media/talking heads have forgotten the 3 losses to Seahawks, 49'ers, and Ravens (all considered top teams) could have easily been wins if not for turnovers in the 4th quarter and all in scoring position.  I think we are a lot better then we get credit for...agree?
Ray Fittipaldo
12:46
I tend to agree. But good teams find a way to beat other good teams. Have to find a way to win some of those.
Professor Flush
12:47
Do the Steelers intend to use Banner as an eligible receiver in their 3 tackle set?
Ray Fittipaldo
12:48
Not really.
Tony
12:48
I still think the Browns are a team to be careful with the Steelers always play down to their competition what do you think
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