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Ray Fittipaldo's Steelers chat: 12.24.19
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Ray Fittipaldo
11:21
I think Smith-Schuster is more likely to sign a second contract with the Steelers. I don't think Conner will.
James
11:22
What's the update on Pouncey's injury? I.r.? I see Pitt called up a center so is he done?
Ray Fittipaldo
11:22
Nothing official yet, but it doesn't look like Pouncey will play this week. Finney to start and J.C. Hassenauer will back him up. He was promoted to the 53-man roster today.
Big#66
11:23
Two things about our OL and our new OL coach bother me. Why is the shotgun snap so difficult this year? I coach high school and would be all over my center until it was fixed. Secondly why does the line have so much difficulty picking up a stunt exchange? Isn't it just a matter of communication and practice?
Ray Fittipaldo
11:25
The linemen have to be on the same plane to pass off the stunts. I think too often with the Steelers guys are on different planes. In other words, the tackle is setting deeper than the guard. Therefore, instead of bumping into each other and passing off the stunt, they're allowing penetration and leakage in pass pro. It can be difficult at times with these speed rushers, but linemen have to be able to adjust and make it happen.
Woods
11:25
Again when DuPree's needed to show up, he takes the day off. Offer him a low ball contract, let him walk or franchise him?
Ray Fittipaldo
11:26
He did have a sack, but I agree with you to a certain extent. He was facing Kelvin Beachum. More disruption from his side ccertainly would have helped the Steelers' cause.
Turk in MD
11:26
Happy Holidays, Ray!  Coach Tomlin mentioned the importance of limiting Bush’s playing time as a way to protect rookie’s. Do you agree with that approach?  Edmonds was forced into a starter role last year due to other injuries. Do you think it hurt his development?
Ray Fittipaldo
11:27
The difference is the Steelers had Mark Barron to count on at ILB. Last season they had Jordan Dangerfield as the only viable option at safety. So Edmunds was forced into action. They have a luxury with Barron, and they're trying to take advantage of it.
Michael
11:28
Kerryth White seems to be Pitt's fastest and best running back. Why not give him more carries and bench Samuels who rarely gets positive yards?
Ray Fittipaldo
11:28
Well, they sort of did that after Conner left the game on Sunday. It was Whyte and Snell pretty much.
Cain
11:28
Why does Ju-Ju look absolutely lost this year? Lack of focus due to off-field interests? It's more than just AB.
Ray Fittipaldo
11:29
He's been injured for much of the season.
Anthony
11:30
Terrell Edmunds again blows a deep coverage having no idea where the ball is, giving up a key 3rd down and long td. Is it time to move on from him? I think he has as many int's this year as you and Gerry do.
Ray Fittipaldo
11:30
He was supposed to get help over the top from haden, who was late coming over.
Vico
11:30
With this offense, I think we can lose to Ravens third team, thoughts?
Ray Fittipaldo
11:31
The Steelers can lose to any NFL team with this offense much less the No. 1 seed in the AFC.
Jared
11:31
Dropping Foster after the season saves 4 Mil. Is he done after the season? Start Finney?
Ray Fittipaldo
11:31
They should have done that last year. I don't think they'll make the same mistake twice.
Fineline
11:32
After LA defeated Baltimore in the playoffs I thought defensive coaches would figure out how to defend the Raven offense. So far this season I am wrong. Is that style offense the future of the NFL or a fad?
Ray Fittipaldo
11:32
I still say fad, but you're right. The defenses have been slow to counter it.
OHIO412FAN
11:32
Regardless of what happens this season, I’m super excited for next year’s team. Ben comes back fully healthy-oh yay! An actual QB who can play. Elite Defense. Will be using remaining draft capital to add to defense and especially offense. Thoughts?
Ray Fittipaldo
11:33
Should be among the preseason favorites in the AFC with Ben Roethlisberger back in the fold.
OHIO412FAN
11:33
Let’s be real here: do you think the Steelers will get in the playoffs? Week 17 is going to be fun to watch.
Ray Fittipaldo
11:34
I don't think so. I think the Titans will win. But if they lose, yes it will be a fun time for the fans to watch it all unfold. Lots of drama.
Larry
11:34
Pitt guaranteed to be on Hard Knocks in 2020? I think that would be epic.
Ray Fittipaldo
11:35
I think they meet the criteria if they lose -- consecutive years without making the playoffs.
Brian in CA
11:35
Now that Masons season is over, what do you think of his future with the Steelers?
Ray Fittipaldo
11:36
I don't know. If Ben is healthy he won't get a lot of opportunities.
MrCJJr
11:36
Happy Holidays and welcome "back" Ray. Enjoy your work as usual. The team has done a great job to overcome the numerous adversities this season by staying in contention. However, I'm on the fence on whether I want to see them in the playoffs in the condition they're in. Am I being a fickle fan by admitting this? Thx.
Ray Fittipaldo
11:37
I know where you're going. COuld be ugly if the opponent is KC or NE. I think they could beat the Texans though.
Ryan
11:37
Good afternoon ray and merry Christmas any update on pouncey or Connor or some expected today at press conference with coach tomlin
Ray Fittipaldo
11:37
Not yet. Tomlin coming to the podium in about 20 minutes.
JuJu 2017
11:37
Ray, do you think the Steelers will give JuJu and James Conner a contract extension next year?
Ray Fittipaldo
11:38
Not Conner. When was the last time they extended a player with Conner's injury history? I'll give you a hint: never.
11:44
Sorry had to get on a John Harbaugh conference call. I'll answer a few more before Tomlin's noon news conference.
Brad
11:44
Ray  have you seen lynch in practice. Thoughts on arm strength and accuracy
Ray Fittipaldo
11:45
He definitely has a good arm. There are reasons he was drafted in the first round. But there are reasons he hasn't developed into a starter yet either.
Mariah
11:46
Hey Ray, what do you think Watt’s chances of the Defensive Player of the Year Award are?
Ray Fittipaldo
11:46
I think they are pretty good. He's had a great year.
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