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Ray Fittipaldo's Steelers chat: 11.30.21
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Bernard
1:28
K Green was a solid G in the B10 with limited experience at C.  Given his size limitations, what did Colbert and Tomlin see in him that indicated he could be a stand out NFL C?  How has he developed versus your expectations thus far and how does coaching staff view his performance if you had to venture a guess?
Ray Fittipaldo
1:29
They continue to run him out there so they must see something. But honestly, he has to play with great technique to be successful. And he does not have great technique. Small players like that have win with leverage and he rarely accomplishes that.
Zamo
1:30
Hey Ray!  Games are lost in the trenches and alway have been.  Need to draft heavily on both the O-line and D-line (not just 3rd and 4th round picks) and get some help in free agency. This along with a veteran QB would be my suggestion. I think Trubisky would be a good fit.  Thoughts?
Ray Fittipaldo
1:31
Definitely on board with infusing talent in the lines via free agency and the draft. They have to improve greatly in those two areas.
V. Fontaine
1:31
It seems to me that the Steelers are in such a mess because of how poorly they've drafted over the last five years. No one left from the 2016 draft, 2018 has three guys (Edmunds, Chuks and Washington) that have not developed to go along with a QB that is on track to be a career back in the NFL, 2019 has Johnson but a bust in the making in Bush and a bunch of guys that are marginal players or are no longer around. 2017 was solid and 2020 looks ok with Claypool, Highsmith and Dotson. But there's far too many misses. They need to overhaul their college scouting department otherwise seasons like this are going to become the norm.
Ray Fittipaldo
1:32
There definitely have been some underwhelming players from those drafts. It's a big offseason for the front office. Kevin Colbert is going year to year as the GM. This might be his last chance to leave the Steelers in good position going forward. I'm sure he knows this is an important offseason for the franchise.
Guest
1:32
Ray, If memory serves there was a time when Lynn Swann used ballet lessons to improve his balance. Perhaps  Mr Claypoole should look into such classes. I have never seen a WR lose his balance as much as he.
Ray Fittipaldo
1:33
Maybe we can have Chase watch the old Mister Rodgers episode with Swann. Perhaps he can learn something.
HT
1:33
Ray to my eyes Najee is not good at bouncing outside and finding daylight. The knock on him coming out was speed.   Do you think he has shown the necessary elusiveness necessary to be great?
Ray Fittipaldo
1:33
It's not his strong point. He seems to be better as an inside-the-tackles runner.
Roscoe1937
1:35
Any buyer's remorse for Steelers not drafting lineman instead of Harris? The Center from KC would look great in that position for the locals.
Ray Fittipaldo
1:36
They had a chance to draft the KC center in the second round, too. I don't have any issue with the Steelers drafting Harris or Freiermuth when they did. They are players to build around.
Gene
1:36
Hi Ray I understand the Steelers have been hit hard by injuries and Covid but to allow 82 points in 2 games is unacceptable. How can this defense turn things around, your thoughts please,
Ray Fittipaldo
1:36
First off, they can play with more heart and passion.
Jeff
1:37
Thanks for the chats Ray.  I am not one to go off on Tomlin but average teams can win with good schemes.  So we are either below average team or Tomlin has to own some of this mess.  Do you think we will see some changes in the lineup?  Almost feels like you have to shake things up a little.  Win a couple games and keep it that way, lose and let the others come back and develop.  Thoughts?
Ray Fittipaldo
1:37
Tomlin said today they will look at personnel changes, but it might be the deployment of personnel more than changing of personnel. In other words, there's not many places they can change starters and make an impact.
jughead
1:37
If Spillane cant go who do they have as ILB reserves
Ray Fittipaldo
1:38
Marcus Allen and Uly Gilbert.
Lou
1:38
Hey Ray.  So.  How bad is this Ravens game going to be?  I'll watch no matter what.....but I may have to cover my eyes.  How can they stop Lamar on the run?  Won't happen.
Ray Fittipaldo
1:39
They've actually been good at defending Jackson the past few years. Better than most teams. But the Steelers will play this game without Watt and maybe some others who were involved in those previous games. That won't make their assignment any eaiser.
Bud
1:40
If the Steelers do not exercise their option on Devin Bush, would next year be his last on his current contract? And if the Steelers decided to simply cut him, would would the financial hit be for that? Thanks.
Ray Fittipaldo
1:40
If he's not on the roster in 2022 it would be a $6 million dead cap hit.
Joe
1:42
Ray, if Keith Butler decides to hang it up after the season, can we assume that Tomlin will stay in-house and promote Teryl Austin?
Ray Fittipaldo
1:42
That's the plan right now unless ARII jumps in.
SteelBone 925
1:43
What's the story with TJ, does he have a chance to play this weekend?
Ray Fittipaldo
1:43
He'd have to test negative twice before Sunday. Long shot I'd say.
Tom P
1:43
Ray, why is Moore still starting? His turnstile pass-blocking directly led to too turnovers. Roetlisberger knows he has about 2 seconds to throw before he gets hit from the left side. I understand coaches reluctance to change, but considering the predicament the Steelers are in, why not. Put Chucks or Haeg in at LT and start Banner at RT.
Ray Fittipaldo
1:44
I am guessing they don't think Okorafor would be any better at LT. They need to draft a tackle high if there is a top one available.
Fineline
1:44
Why have Claypool and James Washington not developed as they hoped? Especially Claypool,who I thought would make big strides in his second year.
Ray Fittipaldo
1:47
Don't want to totally give up on Claypool because he has some tools to work with. However, sometimes NFL personnel people become enamored of speed and vertical jump and other combine stats. Claypool is a freak athlete in that sense. He can run fast and jump high. But he's not particularly athletic on the field. It's a weird concept for some to comprehend. There are plenty of receivers without his combine stats who flourish because they have an innate ability to high-point the ball in the air or to stay on their feet and be athletic after the catch. I would say more game watching and less combine watching would help resolve these issues in the future. But again, let's see if the coaching staff can make something of him. They still have two more years to work with him.
Ralph
1:47
Hi Ray.Do you think Pittsburgh will draft a quarterback or try and get one bye trade or free agency next year?Thanks
Ray Fittipaldo
1:48
They need so much more than a QB. I'd rather them build a good team first and then find the QB because even if you go out and get Aaron Rodgers I'm not sure he could make it work with the players currently on this line.
Chad Ewell
1:48
With Chase and D Johnson as our WR's....do you see JuJu back next year?
Ray Fittipaldo
1:49
Probably not.
Jason
1:49
If Tuitt does not return and is cut do you think he gets a contract anywhere?
Ray Fittipaldo
1:49
He has to decide if he wants to keep playing first.
Scott
1:49
Sadly, I am already looking towards next year - that being said, what's your best bet about Tuitt and Alualu coming back - I know Alualu signed elsewhere and came back and Tuitt...who knows - your thoughts?
Ray Fittipaldo
1:50
I think they'll cut Tuitt. And I think they'd be smart to bring back Alualu. But they should definitely draft one, too.
Steelers#1
1:51
Do you think the Rooney's would ever entertain a trade for Deshaun Watson? Would your answer change if his legal woes were cleared up and the NFL ruled that he was eligible to play in 2022?
Ray Fittipaldo
1:51
HIs situation remains unresolved. As long as it's like that I don't think so.
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