JotCast | Ray Fittipaldo's Steelers chat: 11.24.20

Ray Fittipaldo's Steelers chat: 11.24.20

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Ray Fittipaldo

2:26

Yes I tend to agree. At the very least maybe you draft someone and have Pouncey groom him for a year. But whether it's 2021 or 2022 they know they have to find his successor in the near future.

2:27

With all of the discussion about all of the passes and the relative lack of a running game, do you have an issue with how many times the Steelers don't throw past the sticks on any of the three downs in a series? This seemed to be a major culprit in the poor third quarter last week. Two runs, throw short of the sticks on 3rd down, and then punt.

Ray Fittipaldo

2:28

I think that's part of the more conservative offense this year. They are comfortable punting in some games because they know a team like Jacksonville, with a rookie QB, has little chance of beating them without the Steelers giving them some turnovers.

Tom in Dallas

2:28

When Ben was asked recently about a perfect season, he responded about being interested in Lombardi trophies. He's been around long enough to know not to look to far in the future. Is there any concern this team is starting to think about a perfect season and/or getting to the SB, when they should only be focused on the next game?

Ray Fittipaldo

2:29

I actually thought it was a good answer. Only one team has gone undefeated -- the 1972 Dolphins. All other Super Bowl champions lost at least once. So to sum up Ben and his teammates: It's not about going undefeated it's about winning the Super Bowl. Anything else is a failure in their eyes. If you're a fan how can you be upset with that mindset? That's the mindset you want the players to have.

Tommy Gun

2:30

The year Ben is having has removed any doubts about first ballot HOFer, correct?

Ray Fittipaldo

2:31

Have you seen the way some national media view Ben. He's going to make the Hall of Fame, but I'm not ever saying he's a slam dunk first-ballot type of guy. I mean, I think he is, but my opinion doesn't matter. The voters get the final say, and I don't get the sense he's the most popular player among some in the national media.

fredward

2:31

Do you think Tampa could find a way to knock off the Chiefs on Sunday?

Ray Fittipaldo

2:32

The Bucs are up and down. I don't know what to expect from them week to week. But I do know the Chiefs have a difficult schedule down the stretch. They also have to play the Saints and Dolphins after the Bucs.

Tom in Dallas

2:32

You made a comment about turnover ratio earlier, and I agree, if you win that battle, you should win a lot of games. Two other battles I always look at: penalties and time of possession. Have the Steeler's penalties been less this year (seems like they have been less, especially the stupid ones), and it also seems they have won the TOP in most games as well?

Ray Fittipaldo

2:33

Their TOP has been pretty good all year. I haven't looked at where they stand in penalty yards, but I don't get the sense they're highly penalized. I'll have to check on that. Flags were down across the league in the first half of the season, but that was for all teams.

The Good, The Bad & The Ugly

2:34

GOOD: Hines Ward should've been 1st ballot... All Time Leading Steeler WR, Super Bowl MVP, Changed game with devasting blocking, and... Played ENTIRE career WITHOUT a ACL in one of his knees!

Ray Fittipaldo

2:35

I think Hines should be in the Hall of Fame, but he hasn't been a finalist very often, if ever. Hopefully for the Steelers, Faneca gets in this year and then maybe Ward will get some run the future years. Or maybe he ends up being like Drew Pearson, and he has to get on the ballot after being recommended by the seniors committee.

Jerry

2:36

Since everyone think Conner will be gone next year. Who out there in free agency you think we will get? Because I don’t think he’s on the team now.

Ray Fittipaldo

2:37

No one. A bunch of good backs will be available in the draft. I'd try to get someone like Najee Harris from Alabama. Stud.

Brian in VA

2:37

I don’t think the Steelers need to worry about an undefeated season they just need to worry about staying a game in front of KC for that bye. AFC play-off field looks tough this year even without Brady

Ray Fittipaldo

2:38

Glad you brought that up. I'm on the same wavelength. The AFC is as strong as I can ever remember. The Raiders are currently the No. 7 seed, and they look like they can beat anyone.

Alan in Nashville

2:38

For most of the season, I felt that none of the Steelers success would matter with KC looming in the distance but statistically, the Steelers are rounding into a SB caliber team. Point differential, turnovers, sacks and pressure and of course, no.1 in points against and no. 4 in scoring PPG. What’s your feeling, Ray?

Ray Fittipaldo

2:39

I agree. They can play with anyone in this league. KC probably the toughest matchup, but Mahomes is the toughest matchup for just about every team. He's a special player. But he's beatable. The Raiders already beat him once and almost did it again Sunday night.

FGs

2:40

What do you think is the Baltimore kickers outer range? I’d say he can hit a 67 yarder in game. Last game vs them was good cause they were up 4 due to scoring tds and not fgs and as such their kicker i forget his name wasn’t able to have a game changing impact. He is too good.

Ray Fittipaldo

2:41

Justin Tucker is the best kicker in the game. Period. Not sure of his range, but even at Heinz Field I feel like he'd been in range at 57-60. Just depends on game situations if you'd want to try one of those.

Philippe from Montréal

2:42

Running is a evident concern.. Since the transaction period is over, is there a way the Steelers could get an additionnal (and different) RB? At least to try something else.Via Waivers? Practice squad?

Ray Fittipaldo

2:42

Yes, but they have plenty of running backs. The line hasn't been very good in front of them and all of the backs, Conner included, haven't been great with their ball placement this year.

Jason Gildon

2:43

TJ seems to get most of his pressure from the outside. Is he so fast and strong that the OTs know it’s coming and still can’t stop it?

Ray Fittipaldo

2:44

He's strong, good with his hands, athletic, smart, knows how to set guys up and never gives up on a play. What else am I missing? He's a complete pass rusher. No one is better in the league.

The Good, The Bad & The Ugly

2:44

Washington was getting props on GMF today... JuJu is the senior WR but along with Ebron am I wrong that in a way they are all #1 recievers?

Ray Fittipaldo

2:45

Yeah I saw they gave Washington the toe drag swag for the week. He didn't even have the best toe drag swag from the Steelers in the Jacksonville game. Chase Claypool had a better one. Their producers have to watch all of the game.

The Good, The Bad & The Ugly

2:46

Calvin Johnson was a physical specimen but no way HoF. Quit, played with Pad Statford as his QB & never won squat.

Ray Fittipaldo

2:46

Calvin Johnson had a short but prolific career. He will make the Hall of Fame.

Turk in MD

2:46

Hi Ray, it was great to see #34 have a career day. Aside from Sunday, how much has he improved this year?

Ray Fittipaldo

2:47

He's played better. I wrote about that when I did my midseason grades on players a few weeks back. His missed tackle rate is lower, he's been better in coverage.

Yuri

2:47

Hello Ray. I have been impressed with the play of Alex Highsmith and believe he can be an adequate replacement for Bud. Your thoughts please? Thank you Ray.

Ray Fittipaldo

2:47

I agree. He's going to be good. Bud has been really good too, but they obviously drafted Highsmith in the third round for a reason.

The Good, The Bad & The Ugly

2:48

Agree on the Claypool TDG miss... said it Sunday!

t dog

2:48

if the steelers win the super bowl. does ben retire?

Ray Fittipaldo

2:48

No. He wants to win more.

Alaska Steeler

2:49

I don't understand the double pass by Brady last night. It was an illegal play, but penalty was not accepted but they still gave him the yards. So illegal plays only illegal if you accept the penalty?

Ray Fittipaldo

2:50

Yeah that doesn't make much sense to me either. But coaches get to decide if they decline or accept penalties.

Jerry

2:50

Do you think we will keep Cam or Hilton?

Ray Fittipaldo

2:50

Maybe neither, but it might be whoever comes cheaper.

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