JotCast | Ray Fittipaldo's Steelers chat: 12.21.21

Ray Fittipaldo's Steelers chat: 12.21.21

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Tom in Dallas

2:20

Let's talk playoffs. If we win out, we move past the Ravens and all we need is for one of the other teams with six losses to lose one game. I assume that is as close to a gimme as there is. Then the real question, if they lose to the Chiefs and beat the Ravens and Browns, which they proved they can do, can the get in with a 9-7-1 record?

Ray Fittipaldo

2:21

I think it will be easier to win the AFC North with a 9-7-1 record than earn a wild-card berth with the same record. And I say that because of the remaining schedules of the Bills, Colts and Chargers.

Mike from D.C.

2:21

Why does Tomlin recently seem to only promote from within when hiring assistant coaches? It is blatantly obvious how unqualified and incompetent most of these guys are. Since the Rooney’s won’t fire Tomlin, would they ever at least make him hire outside talent to improve this team?

Ray Fittipaldo

2:23

They could, but it's the head coach's responsibility to interview these candidates. And it's the head coach's job to have connections around the league. Kevin Colbert and Art Rooney can't really help in that regard. In the end, this has to be an attractive place to work for a young assistant coach, or an established coach. Tomlin has a few impressive hires such as landing Mike Munchak. But beyond that, his track record is not very good.

Denver Pirate

2:24

Hey Ray, I'm disappointed in Highsmiths play, I was expecting more splash plays

Ray Fittipaldo

2:26

He was a third-round pick. So let's temper the expectations a bit. No one ever thought he was going to be the second coming of TJ Watt. He's got a chance to be a solid starter, but I don't know if he's ever going to register double-digits sacks. At this point, the Steelers would settle for a 5-sack season.

MikeM65

2:26

In the Hampton/Farrior days I think the defense was designed so that the linemen occupied blockers and the smaller linebackers made the plays. Any chance they try to go back to that? I don't think at this point any change can make the run defense worse.

Ray Fittipaldo

2:27

The days of having a nose tackle like Casey Hampton are over. Teams pass the ball too much so players like him spend too much time on the sidelines. And yes, that's one advantage teams have running out of passing personnel. It's more of a chess match because of it.

V. Fontaine

2:28

It seems to me that Terrell Edmunds play over the last few weeks has improved by quite a bit. He's had some missed tackles but overall his play has been at a varsity level. Do you agree?

Ray Fittipaldo

2:29

I do. I noticed him making a few plays. I also noticed him failing to stop a receiver short of the sticks on an important third-down conversion for the Titans. He's been better than he was his first few years, but I still don't think the Steelers will re-sign him. Not unless he comes back for a couple million a year.

S Carolina Steeler

2:30

Hi Ray. Thanks for the chats and all of your work. After the game on Sunday you wrote this: “Matt Canada’s game-planning and play-calling is getting harder to defend. There is no imagination or creativity in anything the Steelers do.” I kind of agree but what could OCMC change? How can he have any confidence that ANY play he draws up and calls will be successfully executed by the current group of players?

Ray Fittipaldo

2:33

He can take a shot at the end zone after a turnover in the other team's territory instead of being ultra-conservative in his approach. I know Tomlin talked about the lack of turnovers today during his presser, but how many times is kicking four field goals and shutting out an opponent in the second half going to happen? I haven't seen a flea flicker yet. I haven't seen a running back throw a pass. I haven't seen a double reverse pass or anything like that. Also, he can change the way they block up the run game because what they're doing now is not working. He can try different plays. The talent on offense is lacking. It's painfully obvious, but it's coordinator's job to get the very most out of each player. And I think Canada often fails to make that happen.

Tom in Dallas

2:34

most of the AFC wild card contenders have three tough games ahead. Which ones have the best chance of winning 3/3 or 2/3 and making the playoffs? Also, at this point, who do you see wining the AFC north?

Ray Fittipaldo

2:34

I give the Bengals the edge because two of their final three are at home. Plus, I think they might be the best team.

PAMMY WHAMMY

2:34

Gentry looked like a man among boys on his big catch....is he a legit starter? What does he lack, speed?

Ray Fittipaldo

2:35

No, he is not starter material, but he could be a good No. 2 TE. And I think that's what he'll be next season. I wouldn't mind seeing his role grow a little more.

Tom in Dallas

2:35

On Covid, can we expect to see more games rescheduled? It seems things are starting to get out of control after a very strong season of maintaining the schedule?

Ray Fittipaldo

2:37

With the new protocols, big outbreaks like the one we saw in Cleveland likely won't happen. If you're vaccinated and asymptomatic you don't have to be tested now. And really, with the playoffs approaching and so many teams still in contention, do you think players with the sniffles will ask for a test? Let's be real. These new protocols are in place because this is what most players wanted, and the league gleefully agreed because their schedule (and TV revenue) won't be touched.

Lloyd's 3-Count

2:38

As poorly as the OL plays, why don't the Steelers use Banner or D. Watt more? Seems like more big bodies could help.

Ray Fittipaldo

2:38

I agree with you. I think Zach Banner should be the new nose tackle.

Lloyd's 3-Count

2:38

Four games without Haden. Think the Steelers have enough of a sample size to reconsider the no-extension position for #23?

Ray Fittipaldo

2:39

Maybe, but I'm not sure a whole lot has changed. He'll still probably command $12-14 million on the open market. We all know the first priority is Minkah FItzpatrick. If Haden really likes it here he could sign a team-friendly deal, but he's not going to leave a lot on the table.

Yates

2:40

What odds would you put on the winner of the AFC north winning a single playoff game Ray? Which team has the make-up to be respectable for one game?

Ray Fittipaldo

2:40

I say the Bengals.

Hi Ray

2:41

Love the Steelers and want to be excited about their chances. That said, can you recall a game where you said "great game plan, did not see that coming?" Thanks

Ray Fittipaldo

2:41

On offense? It's been a while.

TJ4DPOY

2:41

If that final ball spot had gone the other way, could the Steelers have challenged it with replay?

Ray Fittipaldo

2:42

It was in the final two minutes so the replay had to come from the officials in the booth. That's ultimately what happened, but with a few anxious moments for Steelers defenders as the Titans hurriedly tried to get to the line to snap the ball.

Clearfield Fan

2:42

Has anyone given any thought as to trying Derek Watt at middle linebacker? He has the size, can run reasonably well and seems to actually enjoy hitting people. Good genetics, too.

Ray Fittipaldo

2:42

Another great idea. So Banner at nose against the Chiefs and Derek Watt at ILB. What's next? Pressley Harvin at quarterback?

Alex

2:43

I just don't see anything innovative about Canada's offense. Will his offense be any better with a more mobile QB or is his audition one and done?

Ray Fittipaldo

2:43

As I mentioned earlier, Mike Tomlin has a big decision looming after the season ends.

Mercury

2:44

Did Tomlin even bother mentioning Tuitt this week?

Ray Fittipaldo

2:44

No, he did not.

Dr Ouchie

2:44

Don’t you find it funny that with more players testing positive and being out of action, the NFL had simply decided to test less?

Ray Fittipaldo

2:45

Right. It doesn't seem like the right things to do from a health and safety standpoint. Rather, it seems like it's right thing to do from a bottom line perspective.

PaulB

2:46

Any chance of a fine for the two that hit Friermuth high on Sunday?

Ray Fittipaldo

2:46

I doubt it.

Chucky

2:46

Do you the media fly with the team. Like they used to. Thank you

Ray Fittipaldo

2:46

No we do not.