JotCast | Ray Fittipaldo's Steelers chat: 12.19.23

Ray Fittipaldo's Steelers chat: 12.19.23

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RJT

11:58

Ray I don’t think it’s very likely the Steelers make the playoffs but as a fan I’m always hopeful until they’re officially eliminated. Will they get in if they go 10-7 or are the tie breaking losses to the Texans and colts too much to overcome?

Ray Fittipaldo

11:58

Hard to say, but if they win their next three the New York Times postseason simulator puts their chances at over 90%.

Guest

11:59

Happy Holidays Ray. Did you see QB Drew Lock leading his running back Kenneth Walker with blocks 20+ yards downfield and giving his teammates 100% effort last night on MNF? We rarely, if ever, see this type of effort from DJ or GP on any running play, and more regularly on passing plays that they don't believe they will receive the pass on. Is this just a difference in cultures between teams or is their no accountability between the Steelers and their offensive teammates as it appears? It is so apparent that they have no fear of accountability from their coaches with their continual lack of effort..

Ray Fittipaldo

11:59

It's definitely all about the culture in the locker room. I know for a fact former Steelers players hate what they are witnessing.

Guest

12:00

Hello Ray. I really enjoy your work. Seems like the Steelers have been exposed these last three weeks. Feels like we are nowhere near the top teams in the AFC. Considering all the offensive woes this year, do you feel the issues are due more to scheme/coaching or talent and can you explain your answer?

Ray Fittipaldo

12:02

The offensive scheme is terrible. That's a big part of it. But Tomlin mentioned yesterday they're not seeing the development they thought they would with some players. Want to speculate? Pickett and Pickens some readily to mind.

SteelersSLC

12:02

I know it's unlikely they're gonna draft QB in round one this year but if say a guy like Bo Nix happens to falls to them in the second do they pass on him? Or if they end up with a top 10-12 pick do they go for one of the top guys?

Ray Fittipaldo

12:04

If they have a chance to get a top guy in Round 1 they have to go for it. But I don't think they'll be in the top 10-12. They'll be somewhere from 13-18 I think. The Eagles got Jalen Hurts in the second round. The 49ers got Brock Purdy in the seventh round. You just have to find the right guy for your scheme. (Hopefully, the Steelers get an NFL scheme in 2024).

Sunner in Orlando from Lebo from Lebo

12:04

I attribute most of the defensive problems on losing Holcomb and Alexander for the season as our run D and covering backs and tight ends in the past month has been terrible! Didn't help that Minkah and Cam have lost significant time as well. Agree?

Ray Fittipaldo

12:05

Sure, but every team has injuries. The Colts beat the Steelers with their backup QB. They lost their best WR in the first half. And they were down to their third- and fourth-string RBs by the second quarter. And they scored 30 unanswered points to blow out the Steelers. Good teams find ways to overcome injuries. Bad teams use them as an excuse.

DaquidoBazzini

12:06

Hi Ray- The Steelers DL really looked bad last weekend in Indy. What happened to Leal in his 2nd year, and do you think this is the end of the road for Cam Heyward?

Ray Fittipaldo

12:06

Heyward has a $22 million cap hit next season. That's a huge number for someone who hasn't produced after his injury this season. Unfortunately, Father Time gets everyone.

Jimmy

12:07

I believe it was Gerry who said that after Adrian Klemm quit the next O Line coach hire was very important for Tomlin to get right. Seeing Dotson have success with the Rams on the right side and the OL play the past few seasons, did he get the right coach for the job?

Ray Fittipaldo

12:07

I'm not convinced that he has.

Hi Ray -

12:08

All things considered, I think you need to give Kenny one more year with "varsity" coaching. Can that happen with Tomlin here? We've seen the results in Boston where an untouchable coach with a massive ego is given free reign - despite the outcomes. Simply said, time to clean house and start over?

Ray Fittipaldo

12:08

I think you'll see them clean house, but I'm not sure if Tomlin will be a part of the house cleaning.

Fishagain

12:08

If the team doesn't have inside linebackers who can do the job, doesn't it make sense to change what the inside linebackers do ? Or to change the defensive scheme so that only one is needed ?

Ray Fittipaldo

12:09

Ding, ding. You got it. They have to simplify what they're doing.

Tom

12:10

Kazee - seems his suspension for rest of the season is a bit harsh? Yes very hard hit but didn't hit with helmet or launch. If anything QB put Pittman in a horrible spot with the bad throw\decision. Also Pittman launched himself into the defender technically. Alternative was to let Pittman catch it and touch him down conceding a reception.

Ray Fittipaldo

12:13

I agree. The NFL has to start reviewing rejections. The game moves too fast for the on-field officials. Kazze was suspended for his history. As far as this hit goes, he tried to do the right thing, but any time a defenseless player is struck in the head it's going to be a flag. We're in a time when letting the WR catch the ball and tagging him down is the play the league wants to see made. I think it's sad for the NFL that it's come to this. I understand it. They were sued and had to fork over nearly $1 billion to former players in the concussion settlement. They have lawyers advising them on these hits. Real people who know football aren't involved much in the process.

Tom

12:14

Any Chance the NFL will look into banning flops like the NBA has. Some of Big Name players are doing this more and more lately. its football you are going to get hit. Josh Allen who is a monster has been doing it along with Mahommes and Kelce - its a disgrace.

Ray Fittipaldo

12:14

Why can't the referee just tell them to get their butts up and play football?

Steve

12:14

Hi Ray, help me understand what Tomlin's reasoning is to not bench George Pickens to start the game? Last night Pete Carrol benches Riq Woolen for the first quarter, he's a far more productive NFL player than George Pickens.

Ray Fittipaldo

12:15

I don't know what Woolen did, but I can tell you a lot of former players would applaud Tomlin if he would do that.

Art

12:15

Ray, thank you for the time and the chat. This team seems like it has enough talent that it should be in the playoffs and fighting for a top seed given the state of the AFC this season. Am I overestimating the quality of this roster?

Ray Fittipaldo

12:16

If everyone stayed healthy? Sure. But we've seen their depth hasn't been good enough at a few spots. That's part of roster building too.

Mr Rooney

12:16

The tush push again reared its head on MNF for the Eagles. Still looks like dangerous and anti-player safety to me. Should the NFL let this play stand or is it gone come 2024 season?

Ray Fittipaldo

12:17

Roger Goodell said they're still looking at it. I want to know why other teams can't have the success the Eagles do. It's a copycat league and no one else can do it as well as they do. Maybe it's because Jason Kelce gains the first down he ever snaps the ball. Ha ha.

Bill

12:18

Ray - thanks for your fantastic after game report cards. You are always right on the money and we really appreciate it. And love the new grade "Zzzzz" for coaching at the Indy game! Keep up the great work!

Ray Fittipaldo

12:18

Thanks Bill!

James Ryan

12:18

Hey Ray. Thanks for the chats. I personally do not think ARII will move on from Tomlin yet (he should). However, do you foresee them finally stepping in and hiring the OC similar to Haley?

Ray Fittipaldo

12:19

Yes. They won't let Tomlin make this hire. I think they'll give him the freedom to make the hire, but only through a list of their preferred candidates.

GM for the Day

12:21

I know Dulac says we need to draft a DL in 1st rd next year and I agree. But I’m seeing several mock drafts that only have one DL in the 1st rd. If that is the case, shouldn’t we go after a talented OT in the 1st rd to pair with Broderick Jones and then draft a Center if there is a good one in Rd 2 or 3?

Ray Fittipaldo

12:21

I wouldn't mind that, but they need to find DL somewhere. Maybe they'll spend big in free agency to do that if it's a weak draft class.

Dan

12:22

Hey Ray love the chats and the articles. I’m really hoping we don’t just bring in someone to compete with Pickett this offseason, but rather a franchise QB to replace him. Do you think free agency or the draft is our best bet? And are there any big names predicted to be available in free agency?

Ray Fittipaldo

12:23

Is Baker Mayfield a big name? You might be watching him in the playoffs. The only problem is he's going to want to cash in after the season he's had. So wherever he goes and gets paid he's going to be the starter.

Richard

12:23

Ray, There are 3 things that the FO did that will hurt this team for years. 1. Hiring Canada. 2. Picking Kenny. Sub par assistant coaches. Also MT’s stubbornness to control all aspects of the team. Mr Rooney seems to be aloof and living in yesterday’s success and not the present and future direction of the NFL. It is an offense driven league and you need to adjust to that. Would you agree? Thank you.

Ray Fittipaldo

12:24

I agree on the Canada thing. Good head coaches hire talented coaches who want to advance in their careers. We haven't seen that with Tomlin.

Mike

12:26

If they bring back Tomlin on a prove it year without a contract extension, doesn't the OC position become fairly unappealing?

Ray Fittipaldo

12:26

Of course. That's the problem with having a lame duck head coach.

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