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Ray Fittipaldo's Steelers chat: 12.28.21
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Ray Fittipaldo
2:24
I like your optimism and I'd definitely address the lines first. I just think this is going to take some time before the Steelers are truly contenders again. And let's face it. You need a top-flight QB to truly be among the Super Bowl contenders. They don't have that guy on their roster.
Miles McGuire
2:24
Rey, what shake ups do you envision on the coaching staff?
Ray Fittipaldo
2:24
New coordinators.
SOCAL21
2:25
Any chance at all, that DeCastro would play again next year, and if so, with the Steelers?
Ray Fittipaldo
2:25
The Steelers need 2012 DeCastro. Just draft some linemen high and develop them. I wouldn't be against signing one in free agency if the price is right.
Justin
2:26
Hi Ray, Assuming Steelers win out, this is what has to happen for steelers to make the playoffs: 1+ loss from each of these teams: Chargers (vs Broncos, @Raiders), Dolphins (@Titans, vs Patriots), Raiders (@Colts, vs Chargers) OR Bengals would need to lose their last 2 (vs KC, @Browns). Let’s assume the Steelers win both their remaining games. What % chance do you give the Steelers to make the playoffs? Which scenario is more likely?
Ray Fittipaldo
2:27
70%. And I think the wild card scenario is more plausible although the Bengals don't have an easy schedule, either. I just don't know how inspired the Browns would be to play the Bengals if they lose to the Steelers this week.
Jim
2:27
Do you agree that Greene should be replaced this week ever if healthy? He is causing many of the oline problems by losing the line of scrimmage.
Ray Fittipaldo
2:28
Maybe, but it's not like JC Hassenauer is the second coming of Maurkice Pouncey.
Jim
2:29
Why does it seem like all the opposing team has to do is send someone out of the backfield and they are wide open because we have no one assigned to cover him?
Ray Fittipaldo
2:29
Happened a lot against Kansas City, didn't it? They have some new players out there due to injuries and so forth. But either way, it's the NFL. You need to find players to execute simple assignments.
david
2:30
Would you want a 38 year old Aaron Rodgers in Steelers uniform next season? If the Steelers are going to make a trade for a veteran QB, wouldn't Wilson make more sense as he is just 33 years?
Ray Fittipaldo
2:30
It's not like Russell Wilson is lighting it up in Seattle this season. They're worse than the Steelers. Don't get me wrong. He's got more left in the tank, but spending gobs of money on a descending player doesn't seem like the right play.
Jim
2:31
Do we grab the best available QB at 15? Hopefully we can address the lines, CB's, ILB's in free agency?
Ray Fittipaldo
2:31
You only draft a QB at 15 if you think he's a franchise QB. And I honestly don't know how many of those guys are in this draft.
Luke
2:32
Would Pep Hamilton have any interest in coming in for another interview for the OC job in the offseason after the Steelers didn’t offer it to him last year. Pep helped turn Herbert into a superstar and is currently making Davis Mills looking like a serviceable QB in Houston. I think the Steelers messed up last year with not bringing him in? Maybe he can tap into Haskins potential!
Ray Fittipaldo
2:33
He just might have the chance. But I'd try to hire Ken Whisenhunt first. The Steelers need a proven coordinator and someone with vast NFL experience. Whisenhunt has designed offenses for years and has worked with a number of different teams.
Justin
2:33
Which of these players do you think return next year? Ben, Haden, Edmunds, Trai, JuJu, Washington, Witherspoon, Chuks, McCloud, Tuitt, Maulet, Spillane. Any other big names I forget to mention that you don’t expect to be back?
Ray Fittipaldo
2:34
Witherspoon and Spillane.
Ohio Steelers Fan
2:34
Ray, why is it that you will sit there and "grade" the Steelers after every game; constantly grade the coaches low/F, but as a reporter not address these issues to the head coach, or willingly accept his clichés as answers to questions?
Ray Fittipaldo
2:34
All we can do is ask the questions. I don't know what accepting his cliches means? What do you want me to do?
SOCAL21
2:34
Is there a reason Waitman wasn't punting for another team, he looked great, yes for only two punts, but?
Ray Fittipaldo
2:34
He was on the Patriots practice squad.
Daniel11
2:35
I just cannot see why the Steelers are giving meaning playing time to Ray Ray as he has no business playing outside WR. Who is making this decision (MT, OC, WR coach etc)?
Ray Fittipaldo
2:36
They had problems when JuJu got hurt. It bumped up everyone in the rotation into bigger roles. The surprise is the staff has more confidence in Ray-Ray than James Washington. I know Washington isn't a proven commodity, but it would seem he's a better option than Ray-Ray.
Adam
2:37
The lack of push and gap integrity on the D line has been tough to watch. Is that more an indictment on our talent, or scheme?
Ray Fittipaldo
2:38
Talent. Losing Tuitt and Alualu crippled them. A few weeks ago, they signed Montravius Adams off the Saints practice squad and inserted him as a starter.
Justin
2:39
What position do you expect Steelers to go in first few rounds of the draft? I’m thinking QB, OL, DL, ILB & possibly safety if Edmunds leaves
Ray Fittipaldo
2:39
You're spot on, but I don't know if safety is among their highest priorities. You might see them give Karl Jose[h a shot next season in that strong safety role. Or sign someone in free agency.
FC
2:39
Do we keep this punter for the next two weeks to see what he can provide?
Ray Fittipaldo
2:40
If an NFL teams signs a player off another team's practice squad they must keep him on the active roster for three weeks. So yes, Waitman will be with the team for the final two games.
Tom
2:41
5 straight games without a first half touchdown is unheard of. Time to clean house of all offensive coaches?
Ray Fittipaldo
2:41
Possibly but the coordinator might be first.
Rungame0
2:43
How does the OC appear to you during the Thursday interview: evasive, flippant, in denial?
Ray Fittipaldo
2:43
guarded.
Mercury
2:43
James Washington played a key role in the almost-miracle comeback against the Vikings, but had since disappeared back  into oblivion. What is it that the coaches don’t like about this guy?
Ray Fittipaldo
2:43
I wish I knew. I know he's not a high-end starter, but he should have an opportunity to prove he's better than Ray-Ray McCloud.
Jerry
2:44
Ray what do you think is worse for the Steelers in the longer term: losing the next two, ending at .500 again, or squeaking into the playoffs only to face another one and done?
Ray Fittipaldo
2:44
C. Squeaking into the playoffs and being one-and-done.
jay
2:44
Hi ray.  Chris Morgan in ATL was rated as a mediocre/below average line coach.  How much are the Steelers leaning toward him next year?
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