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Ray Fittipaldo's Steelers chat: 11.18.24
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Ray Fittipaldo
2:01
Welcome and let's get started.
Tommy
2:02
I'm honestly shocked how the Steelers have been able to shut down the Ravens offense the last couple years. They have been easily putting up 30 points in the games leading up to our match-up. Plus they have a new o-coordinator. Is the domination of the AFC North and especially Baltimore the most impressive feat of Tomlins' career?
Ray Fittipaldo
2:02
It's certainly why the Steelers are in playoff contention almost every year. When you win as many division games as he has it sets you up to get into the postseason.
62 Stack Monster
2:02
Is there any concern, with the coaches or players, that the Steelers didn't score any TDs yesterday?
Ray Fittipaldo
2:04
Of course. They were 0 for 4 in the red zone. They have to convert more when they're down there, but they have a great defense and field goals were good enough to beat one of the top teams in the NFL yesterday. Not sure if that's a model that can be followed every week, but it worked against the Ravens.
Iceman
2:04
Does Breiden Fehoko get called up and give us snaps at MT with Benton banged up?
Ray Fittipaldo
2:04
Benton looked OK walking around today and Tomlin indicated he would be OK for Thursday.
Stairway to seventh seed
2:05
Ray: Connor Heyward, Jefferson, and the post-injury Patterson have been extremely unproductive players.  Yet, they get many snaps in critical third down and red zone situations.  Is it time to just go with Pickens, Williams, Friermuth, Washington and Harris/Warren really for most of the game or at least all red zone and 3rd down plays?  Frankly, I'd rather leave Washington in as an extra blocker in pass protection to buy time for Pickens than to count on Jefferson getting open.
Ray Fittipaldo
2:07
Yeah I'm with you. I know Jefferson and Heyward are in there to block on a lot of occasions. We can't overlook that, but they're not going to make a big impact in the passing game. I'd like to see more of Ben Skowronek. He sticks his nose in there as a blocker and I think he can be more dangerous than some of the other receivers they run out there And it goes without saying, play and target Mike Williams more. I am guessing he's still learning the offense so maybe he's more involved next month than he is this month.
Scott
2:07
Thanks for the chat Ray.  Is it just me or did Russ look "nervous" in the red-zone, almost like he was not trying to make a mistake (and ultimately made one!)  He didn't look decisive to me at all. I kept waiting for that drop and then a laser to....someone! That makes me a bit nervous....
Ray Fittipaldo
2:09
George Pickens said after the game the Ravens changed up their look on defense. They were not predictable at all so when the Steelers had certain plays for certain situations they didn't get the look they were expecting from the Ravens. It happens sometimes. I'm not absolving Wilson of blame. It wasn't his best game. I'm just trying to explain why he looked a bit tentative.
Wayward
2:09
Ray, what does the Steelers practice/work sessions look like this week?
Ray Fittipaldo
2:10
Recovery day today, film, prep for Browns. Tomorrow a walk-thru or light practice. Travel Wednesday with more prep at the hotel Wednesday night. Pretty much everything condensed into 2 1/2 days.
Retire21
2:10
The knock on Fields in Chicago was although he’s a smart young man, he does not have a great football IQ. That late run where he slid early could have been a killer.
Ray Fittipaldo
2:11
Yes it could have been. Hopefully, he learns from the mistake. I'm sure when he was the starter it was drilled into him not to take big hits, but he has to realize the situation and do whatever it takes to end the game on that play.
Sam
2:12
Hi Ray.  In real time, I couldn't help but think on Calvin Austin's drop on the long pass in the first quarter that a bigger more athletic guy like Mike Williams makes that catch 9 times out of 10.  It was a good pass.  Yet he's not involved yet.  With the short week, I can't imagine his snap count and involvement dramatically increasing this week.  Will we see him used more after Thanksgiving?
Ray Fittipaldo
2:13
I agree, but I think you have to take into consideration that if Mike Williams was on the field in Auston's place that a safety would have been shaded his way and the pass never would have been thrown that. Sometimes, you have to take advantage of matchups. Austin was left in single coverage for a reason. He has to win there. It's as simple as that. I do think Williams will be more involved. His presence on the field should open things up for the tight ends over the middle of the field.
JPSteelers
2:14
With all these injuries up front on defense how do the Steelers stop Barkley in Philadelphia? For that matter how do the Steelers hang with the Chiefs with only field goals?
Ray Fittipaldo
2:14
Well, they have to score touchdowns! It's one game. Relax. Wilson led them to 28 points in Washington the week before.
Southside Jimmy
2:14
Hey Ray.  I’ve been impressed with the punting of Waitman to date.  If Johnston is healthy by training camp/exhibition season, do you anticipate a battle at punter?
Ray Fittipaldo
2:16
Johnston's injury is severe so I'm not even sure he'll be healthy by next summer. Waitman has been terrific. I thought they should have kept him over Harvin in 2021.
Denver
2:17
Give me your opinion that the Steeler receivers seem unable to get open.  Is it because they lack speed or route running abilities or what? Thanks
Ray Fittipaldo
2:18
Speed isn't an issue with Austin. It probably is with Jefferson, who just doesn't seem to gain much separation. They acquired Williams for a reason. Eventually, he'll play more and maybe the passing game will be more consistent.
TVC15
2:18
Can the Steelers "6 field goals and a cloud of dust" offense keep up with the Chiefs or Bills? Or even the Ravens in Baltimore?
Ray Fittipaldo
2:18
The way they play defense against the Ravens, yes. Probably not against Mahomes or Allen.
Greg
2:20
A win is a win, but touchdowns are needed for long term success. Detroit scored touchdowns on their first 7 possessions yesterday, and we can't even score one. Why has this been a problem for the Steelers all year (and last year too)?
Ray Fittipaldo
2:20
I think they can and should be more creative with their play design down there.
Yates
2:20
Hi Ray-  How does an OC not give King Henry any carries in the 4th quarter of that game?
Ray Fittipaldo
2:21
Never trailed by more than once score and became enamored of the passing game. Not very smart by Todd Monken.
Yates
2:21
Ray-  51 is a difference maker.   Even when 56 is healthy he needs to see more snaps.  I. Would say at least 40%.  What % would you think is reasonable?
Ray Fittipaldo
2:21
Not 40%, but they know how valuable Herbig is. He made some big plays against the Ravens.
2:23
  1. It does feel different. They're more confident and I think they have more pieces to contend for a Super Bowl. 2. It's not feasible because bye weeks don't start until after the first month of the season. So some teams would get the advantage, but not the teams forced to play on Thursday nights in September.
LarryG from Punxy
2:23
Lucky win, or are we a legitimate playoff contender?
Ray Fittipaldo
2:24
I think this is their best team since 2017. They can beat any team in the AFC. I'm not saying they'll get to the AFC title game or Super Bowl, but they have as good a chance as any other team right now.
Guest
2:25
Hi Ray, thanks for filling in for Brian today. Watching the game yesterday, could you tell whether Wilson's passing game was off because of his own play primarily, or were the receivers just not getting open? Other than no.14, the WRs disappeared it seemed...thanks
Ray Fittipaldo
2:26
He also faced early pressure. That doesn't help when you're trying to get into a rhythm. I think they need to create easier completions for him and maybe he'll get into a better rhythm early.
Steeltree
2:26
Giiid afternoon sir.  I did not hear Sutton nor Thrice’s name yesterday particularly when Jackson went down.  Did either play
Ray Fittipaldo
2:27
Trice was ruled out Saturday. Tomlin said he has a chance to play on Thursday. Sutton only played 15 snaps while Beanie Bishop played 29 so they're still working him in slowly.
Michael
2:28
Ray, what’s really going on with Roman Wilson?  Is there an attitude or professionalism issue?  There’s more to it than missing a few weeks of camp.  There’s not a plethora of talent ahead of him.
Ray Fittipaldo
2:28
He's on IR for the second time as a rookie. It's hard to make the club from the tub.
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