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Ray Fittipaldo's Steelers chat: 11.13.17
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Ray Fittipaldo
1:58
Let's get started.
John
1:59
Todd Haley's play selections are horrible. The offense has underperformed every game this year. Is it time to show Haley the door ?
Ray Fittipaldo
2:00
The Steelers don't make coaching changes at midseason. That won't happen. But the issues facing the offense are worrisome. We're nine games into this and it doesn't look like any big steps forward are about to take place. I'd be in a favor of trying something new, maybe the no-huddle to jump-start things. At this point, what would it hurt? What they're doing now is not working.
Reality Man
2:01
All this talk about Ben coming back to form to rally the team is just nonsense. The facts are they looked terrible against one of the worst defences in the league. After 9 games it’s clear Ben is playing at a different level than we have come to expect and we are one Bell injury away from having a totally dysfunctional offence. So, it’s up to the defense, will Cam Sutton likely be activated?
Ray Fittipaldo
2:03
I think Sutton will be activated eventually but it doesn't sound like it will happen this week. Tomlin was asked about that very subject today and pretty much came out and said it's Sensabaugh's job. So maybe next week they'll activate Sutton and he might have a role later in the season, but he won't have an immediate role.
JerseySteel
2:03
Hi Ray - I am sure you will get a lot of Cam Sutton questions today with the Haden injury. How has Sutton looked in practice and does the injury to Haden increase the likelihood that the Steelers activate Sutton?
Ray Fittipaldo
2:05
He's looked Ok in practice, but he hasn't practiced much. I can count on two hands the number of times he practiced in training camp. And he's only been back for two weeks in-season. That's not a lot of practice time. He needs to prove to the coaches that he can handle some things before they put him on the field.
Lambert's Gang
2:05
Ray - I continue to be baffled at why the Steelers do not use the middle of the field more in their passing game. I watched Brady throw 13-14 passes to the middle of the field last night to keep the chains moving. It seems the only time the Steelers do that is in their hurry-up offense? Is their any explanation for this?
Ray Fittipaldo
2:07
Other than the obvious: Eli Rogers has basically disappeared from this offense. He's a slot WR that had that role last season. JuJu has made some plays over the middle, but it's not a part of the field they're attacking right now. I think they need to use Bell more as a pass receiver. Get him matched up on an LB or safety and let him do work. Don't just throw check-downs to him. Let him run routes and see if you can get some favorable matchups. Rex Burkhead did it last night for the Patriots. I'm pretty sure Bell can do the same thing.
JerseySteel
2:07
Hi Ray - our offense looked anemic in the first half before waking up and adding 17 points in the second half. What do the Steelers need to do to fix an offense loaded with talent? I have never been the guy calling for a change at OC, but Haley has had plenty of time to find a way to make the offense fire on all cylinders with an awesome collection of talent.
Ray Fittipaldo
2:09
Do some no-huddle to change the pace. Maybe more James Conner. Bell doesn't have the speed to get to the edge. He's not producing big plays in the run game. I'm not down on Bell, but I think it's time for a little changeup at RB. I'd go with fewer TEs in these packages, too. Get your best receivers on the field -- Brown, JuJu, Martavis and Eli or Bell.
Steelnutz
2:09
Another ugly win against a crummy team.  Almost a trap game. What's your biggest concern with the rest of the schedule?
Ray Fittipaldo
2:10
New England. I don't think the Steelers can beat them the way they are playing right now.
Dj Cain
2:10
Ray I’m glad Tomlin overruled Haley’s Decision on the 2pt try! Is this some of the reason why the Offense can’t get going or having problems in the redzone? Do you feel Haley is holding this offense back? I know we talked about this all season but after yesterday has your thoughts changed?
Ray Fittipaldo
2:12
I know what they are doing now is not working. I know they are 7-2 and but you can't wait until you lose a game to fix these problems. You have to be proactive and nip it in the bud. I'd make some changes because they won't be able to win in the playoffs with an offense putting up 20 points per game. Maybe a game. Maybe two. But not four en route to a Super Bowl.
D.M.
2:12
Just curious as to what the Steelers/coaches do during BYE week ?  Playing the Colt's after a BYE week and THAT was all they came up with was pathetic. I'll take the win, but it was embarrassing to say the least when total domination was expected.   Maybe looking ahead to Tenn.?
Ray Fittipaldo
2:12
They worked through Wednesday and then everyone had some time off.
AK
2:12
It's looking very likely that the Steelers will activate Sutton because of Haden's injury, right?
Ray Fittipaldo
2:13
Yes but not this week. At least it didn't sound that way when Tomlin addressed the media today.
Jeff
2:13
Any reason why Steelers aren't using Conner more he has some nice runs when he plays, his style is  different from Bell teams are stacking the box when Bells in.
Ray Fittipaldo
2:14
I agree. I want to see more of Conner. He has more speed to the outside and is bale to gain the edge. He's decent enough as a receiver out of the backfield, too. The only question is his pass protection. But I'd definitely run him more.
JerseySteel
2:14
Hi Ray - good thing the defense has performed above expectations so far this year. The offense has underperformed and the special teams were a disaster again yesterday. Agree?
Ray Fittipaldo
2:15
Yes the defense has carried this team so far. It needs some help.
Hulderman
2:15
Who's rundown on special teams was better, Vance McDonald's or Jesse James's?
Ray Fittipaldo
2:16
Why choose between them. Great hustle by both and were very important plays in those games.
Race Bannon
2:16
Ray - should we be concerned with the Haden injury, or will "next man up" prevail?  Mitchell looks completely lost out there, "next man up" can't be much worse there?  Brady easily carved up the Bronco secondary last night...are we headed for the same?  Thanks.
Ray Fittipaldo
2:17
Sure there is reason to be concerned about the short-term. Sensabaugh hasn't played much here. The good news is Haden believes he will be back this season, perhaps even during the regular season so at least it's not a season-ending deal.
Dirty Dave the Love Slave
2:17
I hope the Steelers are not counting on Sutton to step right in and be a competent replacement for Joe Haden...after all, Sutton has missed the first half of the season. Look what the year suspension has done to Bryant. Good Luck Steelers, Brady will pick you apart at the seams and have a good laugh in doing so.
Ray Fittipaldo
2:19
They are not counting on Sutton. Sensabaugh is replacing Haden for now. Hilton remains the slot. Brian Allen would have a role if there is another injury I suppose.
Grandma Anuskiewicz
2:19
Last one for me Ray: Brown has made some serious blunders on punt returns. I assume they think he's still the best option, but it's tough watching drives start from inside the one. How can this be fixed?
Ray Fittipaldo
2:20
It doesn't seem like  want to expose Brown to many hits so they just set up simple returns for him.But I agree. The return teams have been below average all season.
Kurt
2:21
Any concerns over the pass defense?  It seems every week people are wide open a lot.  Its just a matter if the qb hits them or not.  Even in the Baltimore game Flacco missed a few guys who were wide open. This gives me nightmares like last years AFC Champ game.
Ray Fittipaldo
2:21
Definitely some cracks showing the past two games against the Lions and Colts. They'll have to shore that up and it won't be easy if they're down two starters in the back end.
Carlos
2:22
You said the Steelers don't make coaching changes at midseason. Can we expect another OC next year?
Ray Fittipaldo
2:23
Didn't say that either. Just saying what's been happening for nine games is games is not good enough.
Dirty Dave the Love Slave
2:23
No rhythm, and no sense of urgency game after game vs. lesser opponents gets OLD Ray. Real fast.
Ray Fittipaldo
2:24
Yeah they need to correct their issues on offense. Only problem is we're nine games in. Who out there is confident things will change dramatically for this unit? Not me.
SB or Bust
2:24
Missing a short field goal in a dome and an extra point blocked - what' wrong with the kicker?
Ray Fittipaldo
2:25
Likely not all on him. I think on the PAT block there was leakage in the A gap.
Grandma Anuskiewicz
2:25
Hey Ray, given the short week and risk of injuries, any thought the Steelers might work some of the fresher bodies on both sides of the ball? Maybe some Dirty Red on defense, some Williams and Conner on offense?
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