You are viewing the chat in desktop mode. Click here to switch to mobile view.
X
Ray Fittipaldo's Steelers chat: 12.20.22
powered byJotCast
Ray Fittipaldo
1:55
OK, let's talk Steelers.
Mercury
1:56
Do you think attendance will reach 40,000 Saturday? A virtually meaningless game on Christmas Eve in bitter cold weather.  I have to think the Franco celebration will be the only thing bringing anyone there.
Ray Fittipaldo
1:57
This game should have been played on Friday. It was the perfect opportunity for the NFL to play a Friday night primetime game. Yes, it might still be bitter cold on Friday night, but more people would go to the game. Asking fans to alter their Christmas plans for a 6-8 isn't going to turn out well.
Jake
1:57
2023, Steelers need a slot WR, and JuJu is a FA, would you consider?
Ray Fittipaldo
1:58
I would not. But I agree with you. They need to add a receiver to the mix in the offseason whether it be via free agency or the draft.
Alan
1:58
Ray, NFL is reverting back to a running league, if Steelers find a roadgrading guard this offseason would that work just as well as a left tackle?
Ray Fittipaldo
2:00
I understand where you are coming from. But Kenny Pickett has potential to be more than a game manager. And you need a quality left tackle to protect his blindside. I always mention tackle first because the franchise tackles are selected in the first round most of the time while you can get guards in the subsequent rounds. Only one of two true guards are drafted every year in the first round although some tackles end up converting inside once they get with their NFL teams.
Charles McGill
2:00
Ray, Mike Tomlin cut his NFL teeth as a DB coach. Over his 15 + years as HC the secondary has had a lot of issues. Is he too involved with that component of play?
Ray Fittipaldo
2:02
If DBs are his area of expertise than I think he should wield his influence. However, there's also something to be said for letting your positions coaches do their jobs. They need to start investing some resources into their defensive backfield. Yes, they traded a No. 1 pick for Minkah Fitzpatrick, but they desperately need a No. 1 cornerback. And they haven't used many premium picks on corners over the years.
Jason
2:02
what positions do you see the Steelers addressing in the off season via free agency vs the draft? Is there anyone on a wish list with a chance the Steelers can pursue in FA?
Ray Fittipaldo
2:04
I'm not that deep into yet to identify available free agents. Plus, many of the free agents will be franchised by their teams. We'll have a better idea on that in a month or two. But I have a pretty good idea of the positions of need heading into the offseason. In no particular order: OL, DL, CB and ILB.
Darnell
2:04
Happy holidays to you and your family Ray.  I was unable to watch last week’s game and was wondering if Pickett watched the game from the sideline or from upstairs with Coach Canada.  Thanks.
Ray Fittipaldo
2:04
He was on the sidelines with headsets on.
Chris on Grandin Ave
2:05
Ray, seems like O-line has some potential, maybe just need to draft one player high and maybe add one in free agency, also need a good young addition to d line , don’t you think highest need would be a stud corner , they haven’t had that since Woodson
Ray Fittipaldo
2:06
If one they like is available when they pick in the first round I would not be surprised at all if they wen that route.
Sunner in Orlando from Lebo
2:07
If Joey Porter is available when the Steelers pick in the first round do they grab him or do they stick with OL/DL with the first 2 picks?
Ray Fittipaldo
2:08
He's one of the top-rated corners in this draft so I would not be surprised if he's the pick. Porter used to hang around the facility all the time when he was in high school. He played with Dino Tomlin at North Catholic for a while before he transferred to North Allegheny. Porter and Tomlin were regulars at summer practices and throughout the season.
The Lamplighter
2:08
Hey Ray, is the Steelers’ offensive line starting to play well enough that it should not be a top concern in the upcoming draft?   Seems like our 1, 2 and and 2A should address CB, DL and ILB at this point.
Ray Fittipaldo
2:09
I still think they can upgrade at a spot or two on the offensive line.
Chris on Grandin Ave
2:09
Do we know anything about Calvin Austin , do they think he can contribute next season
Ray Fittipaldo
2:10
He's recovering after foot surgery and hasn't practiced since August. It's almost like a lost year for him. I'm sure they hope he's ready to contribute, but I don't think they'll go into the offseason counting on him to be a contributor. That's why I think they'll sign a free agent WR.
hi ho neighbor
2:11
Steelers have a journeyman QB that can't throw touchdowns (his whole career) and a rookie QB that can't stay healthy or throw touchdowns. Both are interception lightning rods when they try to be NFL QBs. Is Tomlin that pigheaded to keep Mason on the sidelines? He might win a few games with his accuracy and his long ball. Pickett and Trubisky haven't improved all year. Up and down from week to week.
Ray Fittipaldo
2:12
I hate to break it to you, but Trubisky was 17 for 22 and did not throw an INT against the Panthers. I'm not saying he's anything more than a backup, but he's improved since the beginning of the season. I think that's only natural when you're in a new offense and playing with new teammates.
Sunner in Orlando from Lebo
2:12
I see the Steelers are finally off the board for "still in the hunt" for the playoffs. Even if they win out I believe there are too many teams they would lose tiebreakers to, correct?
Ray Fittipaldo
2:13
Their chances of making the playoffs currently sit at 0.3%. And yes, the reason is all the tiebreakers they'd lose to teams in front of them.
JoeP
2:13
Ray, are there any concerns in the Steelers camp about Pickett’s long term durability? His stature & frame doesn’t seem built to handle the beating that our line seems to allow.
Ray Fittipaldo
2:13
I haven't herd any chatter like that.
CG
2:13
Hi Ray, do you have a Frasnco Harris story to share with us?
Ray Fittipaldo
2:16
I'm 49 and missed being alive for the Immaculate Reception some about 70 days, but my dad was there. He took my uncle and cousin to the game. I heard all the stories from that day. Even though I missed the Immaculate Reception I do remember the last couple of Super Bowls from the '70s and Franco was a big part of those wins too. That's why he's having his number retired.
Guest
2:16
Ray, great job! Your thoughts on this idea. No NFL team gets into the playoffs with a losing record. If the entire division (nfc south) has a losing record that division is not represented in the playoffs. Bad teams simply should not be playing playoff football!
Ray Fittipaldo
2:18
Nice thought, but it will never happen. This is a rare instance where a losing team might get in the playoffs. I know Seattle got in with a 7-9 record and actually won a playoff game about a decade or so ago. I actually think it will make great theater with Tom Brady playing possibly his last game in the playoffs.
Sunner in Orlando from Lebo
2:18
Will Allen lose his helmet this week for the embarrassing unsportsmanlike conduct penalty that cost the Steelers 3 points? He is a fringe player anyway and should be waived. Johnson's penalty was equally as stupid but he is a starter so you must treat him differently but hopefully Tomlin lit him up in the film room.
Ray Fittipaldo
2:19
Tomlin did not specify punishment, if there is any. He said he's going to keep that "in-house." They might be fined. And we generally don't find out about those.
Sunner in Orlando from Lebo
2:20
If the Steelers get mathematically eliminated this weekend, does Tomlin start playing the young guys on the bench to see what they possibly have for down the road or will it be business as usual and try to win at all costs to go out on a high note?
Ray Fittipaldo
2:21
I doubt it although we saw Mark Robinson play a handful of snaps against the Panthers. He played because Myles Jack was injured. You might see some young guys get more playing time, but only because of injuries to players in front of them.
Hound Dog
2:21
Hey Ray, do you think Alualu will be back with the Steelers next year?  Thanks
Ray Fittipaldo
2:21
No.
Bill
2:21
The Chicago Bears are 0-6 since trading for Chase Claypool. He has 12 receptions on 22 targets for 111 yards plus 1 fumble and no TDs, plus 5 rushes for 4 yards total. Can you give your assessment of the Claypool trade now?
Ray Fittipaldo
2:22
As it was then, a phenomenal deal by Omar Khan.
Sunner in Orlando from Lebo
2:22
Easiest Steeler ticket in years for Saturday night or will there be a full house?
Load More Messages
Connecting…