JotCast | Ray Fittipaldo's Steelers chat: 12.30.25

Ray Fittipaldo's Steelers chat: 12.30.25

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Ray Fittipaldo

11:26

I noticed Garrett was lined up as a wide 9 almost the entire game. He was basically getting a running start and then trying to use his athleticism to rush Rodgers. That's why a RB was assigned to chip him most of the game. Gainwell is a good athlete and can stay in front of Garrett and slow him down a bit. I don't recall Garrett lining up that wide in previous games, but maybe he did. I know they rarely lined him up in the box. He's been effective on stunts in the past, but I don't think they ran too many with Garrett on Sunday. So I guess my point is maybe the Browns had something to do with the way the Steelers planned to deal with him.

Forever in Greenjeans

11:26

If -- IF -- this team beats the Ravens, can you see a playoff win? Maybe the Chargers or Jaguars of they somehow fall but even that seems a stretch given the playcalling and QB play this past week.

Ray Fittipaldo

11:27

I suppose anything is possible. The AFC is up for grabs, which has to be frustrating for the Steelers. If they had a few more pieces the conference is very much there for the taking.

Sam

11:27

Does it seem like there's a little less juice for this game on Sunday? I think a high percentage of the fanbase is actually somewhat torn between always cheering for the Steelers (which I think we all mostly do during the actual 3 hours of the game), and being OK with the result they think would be more likely to finally impart some changes around here. If we thought they could actually get to the Super Bowl, it would be one thing, but I think many of us feel in the back of our mind that maybe coughing this thing up prompts the big picture reset that's needed.

Ray Fittipaldo

11:28

I'm curious to see what will happen if the Steelers have another bad start and fall behind the Ravens. Will the fans turn on Tomlin again?

steelmann58

11:28

Hi Ray what chance Watt plays Sun Night?

Ray Fittipaldo

11:28

Tomlin said last week he was recovered from his surgery and he was going to ramp up his conditioning. Apparently he didn't ramp up well enough because they ruled him out by Friday.

J D

11:29

Ray, what are your thoughts of resting starters vs playing everyone once a team clinches the playoffs?

Ray Fittipaldo

11:30

Moot now for the Steelers, but I'd rest my most important players and play to win with everyone else who is available.

Aaron

11:31

Would Tomlin have gone for two if the Steelers scored on the final drive?

Ray Fittipaldo

11:31

I doubt it. A tie would have clinched the division.

Steeltowntim@aol.com

11:32

Ray, always being the optimist I think the Baltimore game will just make us tougher playng a meaningful game so we will be ready for a long playoff run. What say you?

Ray Fittipaldo

11:32

You must be an optimist.

Will

11:32

Which team is under more pressure to win Sunday? The preseason favorite or the team in danger of blowing a two game lead?

Ray Fittipaldo

11:32

The team in danger of blowing a two-game lead.

Linebacker Lounge

11:32

Help me understand the 3 consecutive attempts to MVS for the tie? Thanks

Ray Fittipaldo

11:32

I can't.

11:42

Asking for a friend - what kind of message does it send by the Steelers opting against voiding DK's guaranteed money? Loyalty? Stupidity?

Ray Fittipaldo

11:42

I think they want to give him the benefit of the doubt and allow him to come back and prove he can earn that money by being a model citizen.

Linebacker Lounge

11:43

Who’s been your biggest surprise for 2025 Ray? Obviously a few candidates…

Ray Fittipaldo

11:43

Darnell Washington. Shame he broke his arm against the Browns.

Mike B

11:43

Without DK on offense, do the Steelers have any chance of upsetting the Ravens? Last week was a reminder of how our offense lacks a legit WR #2.

Ray Fittipaldo

11:44

It's hard to imagine the offense scoring more than 14 or 17 points to be honest with you. Maybe the defense and special teams can kick in a score or two.

Linebacker Lounge

11:44

The NFL assumed Pittsburgh would clinch when they levied the DK 2 game suspension or they don’t care. But seems they would prefer Rodger’s in the playoffs over Huntley. Do you think they are second guessing the suspension. What say you?

Ray Fittipaldo

11:45

I don't think the NFL second-guesses anything. They've handed down suspensions in December before if players do something wrong.

Jersey Danno

11:45

Has Metcalf played his last game as a Steeler should they lose Sunday night?

Ray Fittipaldo

11:45

I don't think so.

Linebacker Lounge

11:45

I try not to second guess coaching, but the 4th and 1 shot to Miller is one of the worst. AR has enough experience to override the call or make a better decision. That one burns! Thoughts?

Ray Fittipaldo

11:46

I think you're missing the point. The play has three or four options for Rodgers. He chose to throw the ball to Miller. The QB has to take some blame in that situation too. They only needed a yard. If you want to blame Smith blame him for not sending out the tush push formation.

Enoughisenough

11:46

Do you think that Steelers are better off if Lamar Jackson plays. He is clearly not healthy and his best traits will be severely limited.

Ray Fittipaldo

11:47

Interesting thought. The Steelers have done well against him in the past too. But I'll take my chances with Huntley.

Linebacker Lounge

11:47

Can’t believe the Steelers will allow the Ravens to run wild in the playoffs again. This game will come down to the ones covering in the secondary and if the offense can score enough. Your take?

Ray Fittipaldo

11:49

Stopping the run is always the first priority, but the Steelers haven't always had success doing that against the Ravens especially in the past three matchups. If they stack the box the Ravens will take their shots no matter who is playing QB. If that happens, can the Ravens playmakers win against the Steelers secondary?

Linebacker Lounge

11:49

Was at the past 2 games.. Boz missed a couple in warm ups in Cleveland. Is it the snapping, holding or kicking? Two misses in two weeks, or shouldn’t we be concerned?

Ray Fittipaldo

11:51

The snap was an issue in Detroit although I thought Waitman did a decent job of spinning the laces. Boswell just missed, but I'll give him the benefit of the doubt for it screwing with his timing. Obviously in Cleveland the weather was an issue. It did not look like Boswell had his normal run-up to kick the ball. It looked like he was cautious with his footing, and he obviously didn't get enough of the ball. It really wasn't close.

epiballo

11:52

Hi Ray - Happy New Year and thanks for the chats. I am having a hard time shaking the feeling of doom for this Sunday's game, and I am sure I am not alone. What has to happen for the Steelers to prevail?

Ray Fittipaldo

11:53

A defensive score, Boswell coming out of his slump and prayer?

Ryan

11:54

Ray what do you think about the play of Alex highsmith he has looked good these past few Weeks

Ray Fittipaldo

11:54

He's been playing really, really well.

11:55

OK folks, Mike Tomlin is coming in shortly for his news conference. We'll do another chart next week win or lose.

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