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Ray Fittipaldo's Steelers chat: 12.14.21
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Desert Steelers
1:28
How many snaps does 45 get to finish season?
Ray Fittipaldo
1:28
Depends on whether Robert Spillane comes back.
REID
1:28
Hi Ray, it seems so obvious that Steelers need to go up tempo and no huddle or SOMETHING to get them going earlier than the 2nd half. Put the ball in Ben's hands, run "situationally" versus putting themselves in early holes with a plethora of 2 yard runs and 3 and outs. what do you think?
Ray Fittipaldo
1:28
It couldn't hurt. What they script hasn't worked.
KJ
1:29
Why do you suppose Najee Harris' stats increased significantly in the 2nd half against the Vikings? Did the blocking and protection all of a sudden improve?
Ray Fittipaldo
1:29
The Vikings dropped back and allowed the Steelers to run the ball. It's that simple. It's not like the Steelers linemen learned how to block better after halftime.
Joe
1:29
What are your thoughts on Tomlin's 2 point strategy Thursday night?
Ray Fittipaldo
1:31
I understand the thought process behind it, but I think there was a psychological edge to be gained by making it a one-score game. The Vikings have a bad habit of choking away leads. I think Tomlin could have ratcheted up the choke factor by kicking the PAT. But I understand the analytics aspect of the decision, too. I looked it up afterward and you can defend both -- kicking the PAT or going for 2.
KA
1:31
What fo you think Tomlin should do about Claypool’s immature behavior and mistakes?  He was benched for a while and it didn’t have any effect.
Ray Fittipaldo
1:32
Short of benching him and not playing him at all, what are the options? You hope the message gets through, but I didn't see any evidence of that.
KJ
1:32
What is the likelihood that Chase Claypool's "mental lapses" start to clear up? It used to be that drafting a guy out of Notre Dame guaranteed a good "character guy", but we have seen time & again that Claypool seems to be more interested in branding as opposed to winning and playing team football. I mean what kind of guy offers a canned response like "I got to be better" when "apologizing" for his first down gesture with 38 seconds to play with the clock running, then point fingers at Trai Turner for trying to get the ball to the official and then blaming the official for not being near him at the end of the play? He comes off as clueless.
Ray Fittipaldo
1:35
He did come off as clueless and less then genuine. It's hard to say when a player will mature. You hope Claypool can. He's a talented player. But he has a lot of issues. He's not disciplined and gets too many 15-yard penalties. He doesn't make routine plays enough, either. To me, it's not just behavioral issues with him. There are things with his on-field performance that are concerning, too.
REID
1:35
Ray, Steelers beat Broncos, Bills, Browns, Ravens, giving them first tiebreaker advantage for playoffs but "the tie" has effectively made moot point of ALL tie breakers. Could that game go down is history as one of worst ever for damaging playoff hopes?
Ray Fittipaldo
1:35
Yes!
Sunner in Orlando
1:35
Did the Steelers act hastily when they released Ingram? It appears that there was some internal issues with the coaching staff about his role and playing time. I know it's easy to play Monday morning quarterback but he would have helped out a bunch in the last 4 weeks with all the injuries and Covid illnesses.
Ray Fittipaldo
1:36
Ingram forced his way out. He was a bad apple. Guys like him aren't worth keeping around.
KJ
1:36
Is Joe Haden back this week against the Titans?
Ray Fittipaldo
1:36
Tomlin said he has a chance, but he's said that the past few weeks, too.
Phil
1:36
Do you think it would be a good move to sign a veteran free agent WR in the offseason?
Ray Fittipaldo
1:37
Well, with the Steelers likely losing JuJu and James Washington I would say yes. But I wouldn't venture into the high-priced free agent market. They're so good at drafting receivers that I think you can draft one in the middle rounds and probably be OK.
REID
1:38
Ray, if Steelers do not see a successor for Ben in draft do they go with Rudolph until they do or some other transition option like a veteran in free agency?
Ray Fittipaldo
1:39
My guess at this point is Rudolph, but I'm sure they'll investigate other options.
Sunner in Orlando
1:39
Mcshay had the Steelers taking Pickett at 12 in his mock. Is that too high for an average QB when the Steelers have soooo many other needs on both sides of the line?
Ray Fittipaldo
1:41
If the Steelers are convinced Pickett will be a franchise QB I don't think they'd have any problem taking him in Round 1. A good QB can mask a lot of other deficiencies within a team.
Brah
1:41
I seem to be in the minority but Pat dropped that TD pass. While it was a good defensive play, a 6'5" 265 lbs TE is required to catch tough balls over the middle while absorbing contact. This is now two games he's killed us late.
Ray Fittipaldo
1:41
Would have been a great catch. Sometimes the other guys can make a better play. We don't always have to assess blame.
Gene
1:42
How can this team play so poorly one half and the next half like a great football team? What do you think the major issues are regarding that type of play? Thanks
Ray Fittipaldo
1:43
The major issue on offense is the refusal not to go no-huddle in the first half. Just try it. It might work. It shouldn't be exclusive to second halves when you are behind. The major issue on defense has been personnel and specifically personnel behind some talented injured starters.
Not a Hater
1:43
Is there any faint hope of the playoffs left? What needs to happen for the playoffs to be a reality?
Ray Fittipaldo
1:44
I think 9-7-1 gets them in, but don't ask me who they beat to win three of the next four games.
Jay
1:45
Hello Ray.  Chicken or the egg?  Do you think steelers prioritize a QB in the draft or building a team suitable for QB in the future?
Ray Fittipaldo
1:46
They need so much. It's a cliche, but this is a year when you have to pick the best player available.
Tape Don't Lie
1:47
Aside from his immaturity, Claypool has weak hands/ bad technique. He actually lost the ball on that sideline catch that PI was also called on. The Vikings defender's body pushed it back into Claypools reach/arms. I missed it live. Did you see it?
Ray Fittipaldo
1:47
To paraphrase Chuck Noll, he has problems, and they are great.
Yinzer in Boston
1:47
will Tuitt be back next year?
Ray Fittipaldo
1:47
Can't see a scenario where he does.
Tape Don't Lie
1:47
Claypool, a Draft day trade?
Ray Fittipaldo
1:47
A la Martavis? I'm intrigued.
Shane
1:48
Why didn't the steelers pick up Zach Cunningham who was a Texans cut? Great need and great player
Ray Fittipaldo
1:50
Good question. Tennessee got him and they had a lower priority in the waiver wire. My only guess is they were concerned with some of the issues he had in Houston, suspensions, etc.
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