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Ray Fittipaldo's Steelers chat: 12.16.25
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Ray Fittipaldo
10:33
Welcome to today's Steelers chat. We'll get it going in a few minutes.
Jeff M
10:35
Hi Ray, hate to be negative after a convincing win. But what do you think will happen if they start that slow vs the Lions? I think the game would already be out of hand.
Ray Fittipaldo
10:36
Well, it probably wouldn't go well. Detroit has the highest scoring offense in the NFL. However, they do not have a very good defense so if the Steelers can start fast on Sunday I think they can be in the game. It's a tough assignment. The Lions went into the season as one of the favorites in the NFC to get to the Super Bowl. On Sunday, they'll be fighting to remain relevant in a very tough conference playoff race.
Msteelers
10:36
Dylan Cook!  Getting his shot and coming through with a Great game.  His journey from Butte Montana is pretty amazing too!!
Ray Fittipaldo
10:38
Good for Cook. He was on the practice squad a couple of weeks ago and now he's starting for a team that might make the playoffs. This only proves you have to stay ready whether you're the 53rd man on the roster or one of the many on the practice squad. Injuries pile up late in the season and Cook has delivered when called upon. The coaches gave him some help, which you might expect, but he's been very solid since Andrus Peat was concussed in Baltimore.
DB from NC
10:38
Ray, do you see a scenario as to where the Steelers would figure out a way to resign Gainwell to a long term deal after the season. You would have to be Ray Charles to not see what a valuable asset he is to have on the field.
Ray Fittipaldo
10:41
Gainwell is under contract for next season. He signed a two-year deal worth $4 million. He's a bargain. The Steelers made some bold moves over the offseason, but getting Gainwell at that price might have been their best move. The front office could be proactive and rip up the current deal to pay him more. I could see that happening. He's a really good football player. It seems appropriate to pay him at least what they're paying Warren. And I don't think having two RBs playing on deals worth $5 million a year is bad business.
South side Johnny
10:41
Good morning, Ray. While I understand that the Dolphins aren’t that good despite having the 12th ranked defense, is it possible that the Steelers are improving slowly but surely?  I believe the addition of MVS along with Adam Thielen will continue to open up the offense for Rodgers. Thoughts?  Thank you.
Ray Fittipaldo
10:43
It's only two wins in a row, but the way they played against the Dolphins was encouraging. They stopped the run and ran well. That travels in December in January. That's exactly what you need to do to be successful. Now they just have to do it consistently and I'll start believing more every week.
Moss
10:43
Hi Ray.  I’ve heard that Aiyuk is unlikely to return to the 49ers as he recovers from knee surgery.  If he passes a physical, do you think the Steelers could be interested in obtaining him going into next season?  Thanks.
Ray Fittipaldo
10:45
I don't think that's a bad idea as long as they get him on the cheap. He's coming off a knee injury and he's had some issues with the 49ers. I certainly would not pay him a lot of money, but at the right price I think it might be worth exploring. Also, they need to draft a receiver rather high in the draft. It doesn't appear the Roman Wilson pick is working out and Calvin Austin III is going to be a free agent after the season ends. They need more weapons.
Josh
10:45
Was that Dan Campbell last night? What got into Tomlin that he’s suddenly this aggressive on 4th down? Not complaining, I was happy to see it. Just never thought I’d see it with Tomlin at the helms.
Ray Fittipaldo
10:46
I guess it's that time of the year. I'd like to see them get a few more inches on the tush push so it's not that close on some of them. The Dolphins even stopped one of them before the Steelers went again on fourth down. The Eagles run it so well I guess I just have higher expectations on how it should look. But hey, you can't argue with the results. They have a very good percentage when they run the play.
Carl in Carrick
10:47
Good morning.  I thought Patrick Queen possibly played his best game as a Steeler last night, setting the tone early in the game.  Your thoughts?  Thanks Ray.
Ray Fittipaldo
10:48
He was very good. I remember writing in my report card that he was decisive in his reads and played fast. Cam Heyward said after the game he sees Queen getting more and more comfortable in the defense. It's his second year in the defense so maybe it's finally starting to click for him. There's a lot on his plate. He receives the communication from the coaches and is responsible for getting everyone lined up. Then he has to execute his assignment and make plays. It's not an easy job all the time, but he was excellent on Monday night.
Karen J.
10:49
Ray, I was impressed by the backup offensive linemen yesterday.  Any update on Isaac’s injury?
Ray Fittipaldo
10:49
Not yet but Tomlin is addressing the media at noon so we might get an update. Short week this week so it might be tough if it's a significant injury that needs some time to heal.
Sam
10:50
Hi Ray....Maybe it's too early to do this, but do I have it generally correct that if New England can beat Baltimore, that moves tiebreak #1 common opponent between PIT and BAL to even...Tiebreak #2 division record would move to even if the Ravens win here Week 18 at 4-2...However, a New England win would make Baltimore's best possible conference record 6-6, while currently the Steelers can go at worst 7-5, 8-4 if they beat Cleveland.  Meaning that it seems like if the Patriots win this week, it would be wrapped up just by beating Cleveland.  Is that right?
Ray Fittipaldo
10:51
That sounds right, but I leave those tiebreakers up to the experts. There are people on X who are very good at breaking it down. Joe Ferreria is a good follow. He has all the clinching scenarios every week so give him a follow and he can let you know what's going on.
Bogey Golfer 66
10:51
They spoke highly of Dylan Cook's performance on the broadcast last night.  Is he an ongoing answer for us into next season or is the pedigree not high enough?
Ray Fittipaldo
10:52
I think they can certainly retain him for a reserve role. Maybe he makes the 53 next year if Peat does not come back. Jones is under contract for one more year at least. Calvin Anderson has another year too, but the Steelers like to keep linemen they develop so Cook has a shot if he continues to play well.
IUPDave
10:53
Good morning Ray. A complete performance, has this team turned a corner?   On a few occasions and with some success they threw the ball to number 88 over the middle, is he a new player?   Have a great day!
Ray Fittipaldo
10:53
I'm not ready to say turned the corner, but last night was encouraging on a few fronts. They played the type of football you have to play to move on in the postseason if they get there.
IUPDave
10:54
Good morning Ray.   I assume the injuries to both Issac and Herbig may keep them from playing Sunday.  Who is the next man up and are we capable of winning in Detroit with more backups?
Ray Fittipaldo
10:55
Spencer Anderson would step in at left guard. When they went jumbo package after Seuamlo was injured Anderson went to TE and Ryan McCollum came into the game. So they're using everyone on the roster with these injuries. As for Herbig's backup it would be Sawyer who stats assuming Watt is out again. But let's see what Tomlin says about Watt today. He might "leave the light on" for 90.
TVC15
10:55
What are we to make of the Lions? It seems like they are light years better but they have the same record and have been just as up and down as the Steelers. Right now they are 7 point favorites.
Ray Fittipaldo
10:56
Really good offense and really bad defense. The Steelers cannot start slow against them. If they match them score for score early I think they'll be in the game.
Jim K
10:57
Now that the NFL has new guidelines on playing surfaces are we ever going in the direction of requiring doom stadiums for games played in cold or snow conditions. Are the frozen Green Bay games coming to an end?
Ray Fittipaldo
10:57
I don't think the NFL wants that, but they do want some consistency from teams when it comes to how they care for their grass surfaces.
Andy
10:58
Ray, last night was the first time I heard Samuels’name called. How many snaps has he played and how well has he played them? When Pierre comes back what role is Samuels likely to have?
Ray Fittipaldo
10:59
Samuel played every defensive snap. He started in place of Pierre, who is nursing a calf injury. The Steelers seem to like him. I think there is a possibility they try to sign him and keep him once the season ends.
Pittfan
10:59
Hi Ray. Harmon didn't appear to have an injury history coming out of college. What is going on with the knee and should it be a concern?
Ray Fittipaldo
11:00
Harmon told us last week it's a different injury than the one that forced him to miss the first two games of the season, but it's concerning anytime the same knee is injured multiple times in a season.
Ben
11:00
Hello Ray - what would happen if the Steelers had a playoff game at home on a Monday night this year? To make it more juicy, let’s say they finish 8-8-1, tying in the last game against the Ravens and winning the division on tie-breakers! I picture something like the last scene of the Avengers, where Polamalu, Bettis, Lambert, and of course Bubby Brister show up to secure that elusive playoff victory!
Ray Fittipaldo
11:01
That's a very eclectic quartet. How did you come up with those four?
epiballo
11:01
Hi Ray! Thanks for the chats! I am even more impressed with the Steelers D after learning Harmon did not play. Will he be available against the Lions? And if Herbig is out, who is the fourth man up?
Ray Fittipaldo
11:03
Leal would be elevated again, or signed to the 53 if he is out of elevations. I'm guessing Harmon has a better chance to play this week. He only practiced once last week and was limited on Saturday. Tomlin isn't going to play a rookie who doesn't participate in practice more than that. So keep an eye on the practice reports this week starting tomorrow when they begin prep for the Lions.
IUPDave
11:03
Renegade in the 3rd quarter.   And after a touchdown.  Reading the room better?
Ray Fittipaldo
11:04
The exact sentiment in the press box. The place was hopping too after they played it.
Silent Bob
11:04
Hi Ray - I know Harmon has been out for a while - and great performance by the DL yesterday - my question is whether Harmon, Benton and Black could be a solid starting DL of the future.
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