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Ray Fittipaldo's Steelers chat: 12.15.20
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Ray Fittipaldo
1:30
I'll try.
JmR
1:31
Ray, I always ALWAYS appreciate your honesty and objectivity toward the Steelers. Obviously, we're all thinking about how badly the offense is playing right now. Run blocking: seems everyone's screaming at the RB's which is somewhat justified, but when you immediately have 2/3/4 defenders in the backfield the moment you're given the ball, what are you supposed to do? I am not sold on any of our current RB's as being superstars, but I also believe that they're not being given a fair chance with a coordinator/QB who gives them so few chances to succeed and a line that gives them no running space. Your thoughts? Thanks!
Ray Fittipaldo
1:31
The RBs are serviceable. None of them are special.
TP Ranger
1:31
What's this team going to do about guards? And inside linebackers?
Ray Fittipaldo
1:33
Well, it's Hassenauer this week unless Dotson gets healthy. Tomlin didn't rule Dotson out, so that's good news. And Tomlin had nice things to say about the play of Avery Williams and Marcus Allen against the Bills. Vince Williams remains on the COVID list so it looks like it'll be those two guys for at least one more game. And remember, Spillane can come off IR for the regular-season finale or for the playoffs. That's good news.
Jerry
1:33
Ray why do the Steelers continue to run the ball in a 2 point stance? All your power would come from a 3 point stance. You would think they would change that. Your thoughts?
Ray Fittipaldo
1:35
I've been saying it for at least two years. They operate out of a two-point stance because that's what they're comfortable doing and no one is making them change. And really, if they're going to throw it that much they should be in a two-point stance in obvious passing situations. But I'd definitely have them put their hand in the dirt if I was Tomlin, at least on early downs.
Dave
1:35
Ray, thanks for the chats. I'm not one to pile on Coach Randy, but the numbers that concern me the most when looking at the big picture are this: Zero points in the first quarter in the past four games. Seven points total in the third quarter in the last six games.
Ray Fittipaldo
1:35
Not good. He deserves criticism.
Guest
1:36
I put most of the blame for the putrid offense on Ben—it’s hard not to be predictable when your QB can’t move, won’t take many snaps from center, won’t take many snaps for play actions, won’t turn his back to the line, won’t or can’t run a sneak. If he can’t trust the players around him and/or take some chances, the Pens are doomed. Thoughts?
Ray Fittipaldo
1:37
I agree the Pens are doomed. And maybe the Steelers too. I agree with everything you said for the most part. He's not going to change unless the coaches make him change.
SteelersPDX
1:37
Ok Ray, you know this team as well as anyone so here's the big question...can this team get it together enough on offense and get healthy-ish enough on defense to win at least one playoff game, regardless of their seed? Thanks.
Ray Fittipaldo
1:38
Even if they get healthy on defense and get it together a little on offense I'm not sure they can beat the Ravens. I'd probably pick them to win almost any other first-round matchup, including the Browns and Colts.
Bill/in houston
1:38
why not use Jalen Samuels more as a receiver, seems to have softer hands than D. Johnson
Ray Fittipaldo
1:39
He's a good checkdown guy, but he doesn't have much elusiveness.
SteelersPDX
1:39
Ray, the Juju logo dancing and Ebron interrupting Allen's interview display the immature antics reminiscent of Steelers teams past (i.e. AB's locker room live streaming).  Can/will Tomlin put a stop to this type of behavior or will this snowball and become a larger part of the problem that this team doesn't need?  I feel like these guys are not serious enough. Thanks.
Ray Fittipaldo
1:40
Tomlin claims he didn't even know about it until he was asked about it today, so he obviously has not or does not care to address it.
Paul from Sacramento
1:41
Ray, why is Claypool not being thrown the ball?  He seems to be a cornerbacks worst nightmare.. (at least for the first few games)  It looks like they only throw to him and hope for a Pass Interference call. Could he ever be considered to play in the slot?
Ray Fittipaldo
1:42
I asked Tomlin today if Claypool's snaps were being reduced because he's hitting the rookie wall. He didn't acknowledge he was hitting a wall, but he did say one way of helping rookies who might be reducing their snaps.
MrCJJr
1:42
Hi Ray, enjoy your chats/content as usual. My question is direct and to the point....How did the Steelers get here (i.e. playing so poorly lately)? Injuries, un-balanced/predictable offense, drops, etc.? The level seemed to have dropped off STEEP and QUICKLY. Can you shed any light on top of what I put out there? Thanks.
Ray Fittipaldo
1:44
Defenses have figured out how to defend them, and the coaches haven't countered with an adjustment. Tomlin talked today about continuing to work on the running game. That's part of the answer. You need that. But Ben needs to start completing some deep and intermediate balls. His receivers have to catch all of them. It's a lot of things, which I'm sure doesn't ease your level of concern about the team.
mrbig
1:44
let's say steelers beat the bengals & win the North. Does it makes sense to rest key players for 2 weeks?
Ray Fittipaldo
1:45
Yes it does, but as Bill Cowher would say, 'It's a fine line.' You also want the players to have some rhythm entering the playoffs. Not that it could get any worse on offense.
Guest
1:45
What would be the cap hit/savings if the Steelers moved on from Pouncey and DeCastro as they rebuild their line for the next phase?
Ray Fittipaldo
1:46
I looked that up this morning just out of curiosity. I think it's around $8 or 9 million in cap savings for both. They're both up around a $14 million cap hit in 2021.
Mary Queen
1:46
Not only did we lose chance for a bye, now we have to face Ravens in first round most likely either 2 vs 7 or 3 vs 6 (seeds) With our injuries I’m not sure we win that one, maybe also Not against any other the way our offense is playing, but don’t you agree is better to play any other opponent in first round ? Thank you
Ray Fittipaldo
1:46
Yes, I'd rather play any other team except for the Chiefs in the first round.
Tprod
1:47
Ray, is Williamson a better option than Williams for covering RB in passing situations?
Ray Fittipaldo
1:47
Maybe slightly.
Guest
1:47
What is your take on Derek Watt? I watched the Ravens fb last night and he was mowing people down.
Ray Fittipaldo
1:47
Rcard gets many more opportunities to "mow people down" because they are committed to the run game. In fact, it's basically their offense.
Cburg Stiller
1:48
Do the Stillers clinch the division with a win over the Bengals?
Ray Fittipaldo
1:48
Yes.
Brian in VA
1:49
If the Steelers move on from Pouncey, does Rothlisberger hang them up?
Ray Fittipaldo
1:49
I doubt he'd leave that kind of money on the table.
Alex p
1:49
Hi Ray, any chance of Steelers using a lead blocker on some run plays?
Ray Fittipaldo
1:50
A what? What is a lead blocker?
Rob
1:50
Do you think the Steelers will have a new OC after this season?
Ray Fittipaldo
1:50
Depends on what happens between now and the end of the season. But if things continue to be this bad, Tomlin really won't have a choice to make.
Frank (Minnesota)
1:51
Why no stop and go routes? those should be available!! even if incomplete, would serve a purpose
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