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Ray Fittipaldo's Steelers chat: 12.13.22
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Ray Fittipaldo
1:56
Welcome to the chat. Let's get it started.
Marnie
1:56
Stepping into the way back machine, the Rooneys did force Chuck Noll's hand, not once, but twice toward the end of his career to make changes to his coaching staff.  Legend has it, the second time, Noll called it a day and went on with his life's work.  Is it too much to hope that Art tells Tomlin something similar?  And just just on offense - just seems some fresh ideas are needed.
Ray Fittipaldo
1:58
I would not be surprised if multiple coaches do not return. I think there is an obvious move to be made on the offensive staff, but the way the defense is playing you might see some changes on that side of the ball as well.
Stop the run!
1:58
Ray, everyone tells us that everyone can’t draft run stuffing players like Casey in the early rounds because they only play in the base defense, and it’s a passing league. But if that’s the case, couldn’t the Steelers draft a 340 lb NT in the 3rd or 4th round to try to solve a problem that’s  older than my kindergartner?
Ray Fittipaldo
2:00
With some NFL teams getting bigger on offense (did you see the Ravens fullback Ricard?) teams like the Steelers are going to have to address the issue in the offseason. For years, teams have been looking for LBs who can defend the pass because of the way the league was going with the passing game. Now some teams that don't have elite QBs decided to commit to a different style. And as you can see the Steelers aren't very adept at stopping it.
Bruno Sammartino
2:00
Is there any reasonable explanation why Stephen Sims has more targets than George Pickens over the past couple games?
Ray Fittipaldo
2:01
Pickens is more of a deep threat while Sims is running the underneath routes. So he's getting checked down to more. But you are right. Pickens has to be more involved. He made some plays on Sunday, but he's the best WR on the team. They have to try to use him more, if he has the playbook down. That might be something that's holding him back.
Jeff
2:01
Thanks for the chats Ray.  I get we are not mathematically eliminated from the playoffs but when do you start to give Robinson some reps at ILB?  Bush is terrible, we are not going to resign him so why not see what you have?  You said last week we have few options at OL but I thought they were pretty high on Robinson
Ray Fittipaldo
2:03
I wouldn't mind seeing some of the young guys play. Loudermilk and Leal will get more opportunities now that Chris Wormley is out for the season with a knee injury. The problem with playing Robinson is he has only dressed for one game. Typically, with the Steelers players graduate from special teams to defensive snaps. The fact that he's not dressing or playing on special teams hurts his chances of getting more playing time in the final four games of the season.
Howard Hamlin
2:03
If you were the owner of the Steelers what significant changes would you make during the off season?
Ray Fittipaldo
2:04
If I was the owner, I'd put my faith in the new front office and let them run the draft on their terms. And if I was in the front office, I'd be looking at OL, DL and CBs in the first few rounds.
Bruno Sammartino
2:04
I don't know line play but ... any explanation why the DL got manhandled. (That is, Cam needs better players around him or gap integrity or both or something else?)
Ray Fittipaldo
2:05
Sometimes you get humbled in the NFL. And I definitely think the Steelers were humbled on Sunday. As Tomlin would say, it's not mystical. They got beat physically. End of story.
PH III
2:05
Ray, just as I was getting the general yinzer populace off my back, I pulled a Starkey a shanked one for 17. What will it take for MT to have seen enough? I get it, I'm a nice guy, OK. But so was the Duckster, you know what I'm saying? Also, think the brass still has Duck's contact info?
Ray Fittipaldo
2:06
I think you might be a more legitimate punting competition next summer.
Irwin M. "Fletch" Fletcher
2:06
Shouldn't the Steelers consider putting John Leglue in at LG? Dotson admitting that he didn't hear the play call is inexcusable. Leglue did ok last year.
Ray Fittipaldo
2:07
Leglue is on the practice squad so he'd have to be elevated. As I wrote Sunday in my report card it's one thing to get beat physically it's quite another to blow assignments and put your rookie QB in harm's way.
SMF
2:08
Hi Ray:  Thanks for the Chats:  I don’t get it.  How could the Steelers be so wrong about drafting the punter Harvin.   He seems to misfire every other game. The shift from College to Pro can’t be that different?  I recall the NFL has a “K” ball that is different than College ball, but I can’t believe Harvin was drafted without intense scrutiny of him kicking “K” balls.
Ray Fittipaldo
2:09
These college players are worked out in every circumstance during the predraft process. I think with kickers and punters a lot of it is mental.
Kris
2:09
1-3 to finish out the season?
Ray Fittipaldo
2:10
I'll say they find a way to go 2-2, but injuries could make me change my mind.
Bill
2:10
Mason Rudolph is decently mobile and throws darts and an incredible deep ball. Trubisky rarely uses his mobility. After watching another Trubisky erratic performance, 3 interceptions, can you tell me what exactly the Steeler's coaching staff thought was lacking in Mason Rudolph's game such that they thought Trubisky would be an upgrade?
Ray Fittipaldo
2:11
The mobility was a big part of him being signed. And you're right, he didn't run enough versus the Ravens. Pickett did. I'm not sure why Trubisky was so intent on staying in the pocket.
Guest
2:12
Ray great work! The Steelers over the years built a reputation as a team that is physically tough and played smash mouth football. What has happened and where do see the beginnings of this “soft” reputation we now have?
Ray Fittipaldo
2:13
Drafting for the pass-happy offenses. The Bush pick, for instance. The Steelers have smaller players at ILB and nose guard. They weren't really prepared from a personnel standpoint to try to stand up to some of these other teams that have committed to the running game.
21-58-66
2:13
Hi Ray - Have the better running teams figured out just run right at 90?
Ray Fittipaldo
2:14
Well, he looks like he's playing at about 50%. That has something to do with it. But yes, he is one of those guys who tries to do too much sometimes.
AK
2:14
I think it’s a virtual certainty that Trubisky will request a trade after the season.  What would his trade value be?  A 5th round pick?  Less?
Ray Fittipaldo
2:15
Doubt it. Maybe a late-rounder, but they might be forced to release him.
AK
2:15
What do you think is higher priority in the next draft: OL, DL, or CB?
Ray Fittipaldo
2:15
Yes. Yes and yes.
Robert
2:15
Do you think its time to look at Mason and see if he can do something to finish  out the year, Mitch time is over let kenny sit back and learn by watching. I would like cheer for some games if possible. Maybe Mason can do that.
Ray Fittipaldo
2:16
But what's the significance of making that move. I can't see Rudolph coming back. I can't see Trubisky coming back, either so maybe that makes it a possibility.
Bernard
2:17
Special teams gaffes have been a consistent issue with this team all season (and prior seasons). If it isn't a sloppy day from our punter, it is poor coverage by our kicking teams.  Throw in blocked FGs and fumbled punts.  Brutal for a team that can't score consistently.  How much of this is coaching versus these players just simply not up to the task?
Ray Fittipaldo
2:18
Danny Smith can't go out there and kick or block or not hold on punt returns. I get it. His units have been below average in a lot of years. And he might lose his job, but players have to perform. I don't care what kind of scheme you're running it doesn't matter unless you have players capable of executing under pressure.
Fort Wayne Nate
2:18
Tremaine Edmunds and Roquan Smith will be free agent ILB’s this off season. Will the Steelers be in the hunt or will Fitzpatrick, Watt and Heywards huge contracts keep us looking for scraps like the past few years?
Ray Fittipaldo
2:20
I think they have to do whatever they need to do to bring an impact defender. Whether in free agency or the draft. They need better players.
Tom
2:20
This is several years now that we can be pushed around on the DL.   time to draft DL in the first round?  I think that need has surpassed OL
Ray Fittipaldo
2:21
They should just draft eight linemen with their picks -- 4 OL and 4DL
Myles
2:21
Ray, at what point did I go from decent tackling machine to a bigger liability than DB and RS? It happened somewhere along the way, but darned if I can pinpoint the exact location in time and space..
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