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Ray Fittipaldo's Steelers chat: 12.22.20
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Ray Fittipaldo
2:29
Even if they believe in young guys like Dotson, Chuks and Banner (coming off a knee injury, no less) they should still draft OL early. I'd draft two if I were them.
Mike in AZ
2:30
What are the Steelers going to do with all those AFC North champs hats and T-shirts??? They will not need them this year!!!!!!!!!!!
Ray Fittipaldo
2:31
ESPN or another network once did a story on that. They actually end up going to underprivileged kids in impoverished countries. Man, I'd like to get my hands on some though! They'll be collector's items after the biggest collapse in NFL history.
Ray
2:31
Steeler defense absolutely needs Dupree, any way they can figure a way to sign him; no just for his pass rushing prowess, but for his run stopping skills?
Ray Fittipaldo
2:32
I don't think so. Dupree was set to earn top OLB $. He won't now because of the knee injury, but I think some team will offer him more than the Steelers care to pay. Or can pay given their salary cap situation.
Joe
2:33
How much money do you think JuJu is losing in free agency with his sophomoric behavior?
Ray Fittipaldo
2:34
Some desperate team will pay him a handsome contract. I'd be more worried about his production than his behavior when it comes to his impending free agency.
Zack b
2:34
How about this for the line next year.  Chucks at LT, Dotson at LG, Pouncey, DeCarlo, RT Rookie.  Feiler can stay as depth.  Draft rb in 1, RT in 2
Ray Fittipaldo
2:35
Eh. I'd do the opposite. Get an elite O-lineman to plug and play and then get the RB in round 2.
Scott
2:35
A few years ago they had one of the best offenses in the league but couldn't stop anyone. How did the tables turn so quickly? Do they regret replacing Haley with Fichtner?
Ray Fittipaldo
2:36
I think they regret not taking steps to improve their running game. The Haley-Ben relationship was toxic. I don't think those two could have co-existed much longer.
Steve
2:36
How accountable should Coach Fichtner be regarding the anemic offense? Ben looks done but the play calling has been bad.
Ray Fittipaldo
2:38
As a coach you have to implement things that help the QB when he is struggling. If Ben had a running game he wouldn't look this bad. But then again, Fichtner can't walk in the draft room and select who he wants in April. Kevin Colbert buys the groceries, and the cupboard is pretty bare when it comes to OL and RB.
Ben
2:38
Where did tuitt go?
Ray Fittipaldo
2:39
He's making up some mythical numbers for his padded stat sheet that is supposed to full by now.
James
2:39
Ray - NFL players are not fond of the franchise tag. Do you think the players have hard feelings about Bud getting franchised only to tear his ACL and possibly cost him millions? The team's slide started right about the same time.
Ray Fittipaldo
2:40
Right, but they decided not to force change when they agreed to the CBA last spring. You sign a deal, you abide by its rules.
Pat
2:40
I notice that the no-huddle has disappeared, in spite of being really effective earlier in the season. Is there something about Ben's injuries (maybe) or O-line injuries (definitely) that would prevent them from running that now?
Ray Fittipaldo
2:41
The only thing I can think of is Ben is not comfortable running it, which is strange because they've been so much better in the no-huddle than when huddling.
Nick
2:42
Ray, I couldn't find your score card. What grade did Ben get?
Ray Fittipaldo
Mercury
2:42
Do you think there is anyway possible we could have western Wentzlvania next year?
Ray Fittipaldo
2:43
He definitely won't be back with the Eagles, but I don't think the Steelers have the cap space to sign a veteran QB.
MG
2:44
If you had to bet on it today, who would you pick as the Steelers opening day QB next year: Ben or a player to be named later?
Ray Fittipaldo
2:44
Ben
MjB
2:44
Gene Collier's article about Knuckleheads is dead on right.  Doesn't that make Tomlin the ultimate knucklehead for permitting this childish behavior.  Note:  I am keenly aware that we love Juju for his boyishness, but despise him when he acts like a boy at mid-field.
Ray Fittipaldo
2:45
I enjoyed the story, too. Here is the link. It's well worth everyone's time: https://www.post-gazette.com/sports/gene-collier/2020/12/22/Steelers-B...
Guest
2:45
I hate to say it but the Steelers will not win another game this season.The biggest issue is Rothlisburger. He has regressed and its either injury related to him o0r the injuries on the offensive line, He looks like a raw rookie in the pocket. Its very sad to see. Do you see any instance where T omlin would replace him at some point this season?
Ray Fittipaldo
2:46
I never say never. Gary Kubiak benched Peyton Manning.
@Benzado
2:47
Serious question - Do you think Ben feels bad about throwing to Ebron in triple coverage, which resulted in a serious knee injury? It was an awful read that led to a gruesome and unnecessary injury.
Ray Fittipaldo
2:47
Bad decision and bad throw (too much air). But Tomlin said it was a back injury, not a knee.
Coach15
2:47
Why do we throw 2 yd passes & hope for the blown tackle (many teams r not like Steelers & miss tackles), or throw the IMPOSSIBLE 40+ yarder, & hoping for flag--we're begging---Where r the 8-15 yard passes & everything is outside the hashes-often the middle is open--?
Ray Fittipaldo
2:48
They're either not confident the QB can make the throws or the O-line can protect long enough.
Brian in VA
2:48
Hi Ray, Will anyone within the Steelers organization council juju as to why dancing on the other team’s logo is not wise?  I cringe at the poor sportsmanship of it all!
Ray Fittipaldo
2:49
Mike Tomlin said he's going to talk to JuJu about it.
Timmy Colorado Springs
2:49
Happy Festivus Eve Ray!  What do you think will be in MT's "airing of grievances" will be this year?
Ray Fittipaldo
2:49
Oh my, the list is too long. Serenity now!
Phil in Johnson City, TN
2:49
Old and tired, Mr. Fittipaldo?  Or just too many injuries?
Ray Fittipaldo
2:50
Yes I am. Oh, you mean the Steelers. Yeah them too and the injuries certainly don't help.
Tik tok
2:51
With first pick in draft.... trade up for a qb?, offensive tackle, or Najee Harris or Etienne?   What you doing? Ray?
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