JotCast | Ray Fittipaldo's Steelers chat: 1.29.18

Ray Fittipaldo's Steelers chat: 1.29.18

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Ray Fittipaldo

2:16

They certainly have been criticized for their inability to get the most out of their talent, but the only opinion that matters is of Tomlin and others who make those decisions. And apparently, he is OK with them.

Dave from Baltimore

2:16

So Ray who is telling the truth Bell or Sheffler; seems to be two completely different takes on negotiations between Bell and the Steelers front office.

Ray Fittipaldo

2:17

Bell is under the impressions they will get something done. That's all I can say for sure at this point.

Rick

2:18

Hey Ray,great chats. Please tell me why we are not making any changes to the defense,Is it because Tomlin had his hands to far in it that it wasn't the other coaches fault,or he really thinks everything is ok..The ranking of our defense doesn't tell the truth...

Ray Fittipaldo

2:18

I think Tomlin believes in the defense and the coaches he has assembled. We'll see if they can get it together next season.

DouglasMC

2:18

Do you think either Landry Jones or Josh Dobbs has what it takes to be a successful starter in the NFL?

Ray Fittipaldo

2:18

Not at this point, no

Rick

2:19

Ray, I really feel they need to keep the offense in tact by signing Bell and McDonald,and concentrate on defense with free agents and the draft.Thier secondary I think will come around as long as Haden stays healthy and the younger guys really get a lot of attention..So draft draft draft linebackers and defensive line..Your thoughts?

Ray Fittipaldo

2:19

And safety. Don't forget about safety. They have to get better there.

Ron

2:19

Looks like this year's draft is pretty slim pickings on our greatest areas of need: ilb's and safeties. Further, if they give a contract to Bell, they'll have no cap room left to sign any quality free agents. Do you see ANY reason to be optimistic about the future?

Ray Fittipaldo

2:20

They'll be fine offensively whether Bell is here or not. The issue is with the defense and I'm not real high on it. They need to address some things. Can they fix it? Sure. But they really haven't fixed it to the degree they've needed to the past few years to get over the hump so I'm not overly optimistic they'll figure it out this year.

Ralph LA

2:20

How did the Steelers use Nix? If you are just watching the games on television it isn't easy to figure out. Was he blocking for Bell?

Ray Fittipaldo

2:21

A lot of the time yes. He's a fullback. That's his No. 1 job.

Ralph LA

2:21

Is the goal of NFL kickers to get the ball within the 10 yard line and force a return, or are they just trying to bang it as far as they can, into the endzone?

Ray Fittipaldo

2:22

Different teams have different strategies. The good kickers can put some hang time on the kick and get it to the 1 exactly and force a return. The Patriots are good at this. I think the Jaguars are pretty good in that regard too.

Las Vegas Steeler Fan

2:22

Hey Ray, Thanks for the great insight. I was hoping you were wrong with your concerns about the Jaguars . Being from Las Vegas all we hear about is the Raiders. Do you think Gruden will change his opinion of Burfict when he takes a cheap shot at his Pro bowl quarterback ? He made it sound like JuJu was the dirtier player of the two.

Ray Fittipaldo

2:23

Let's see what his reaction is the first time Burfict goes after Carr's knees. Or Amari Cooper's head. Or... well, you get the picture.

Retire#21

2:23

It scares me that L-Bell could report week 12 with no training camp and not in game shape and that it would still count as his last year. Is that true? If so either sign him long term or let him walk and use a high pick and the money left over on a RB and a free agent LB respectively. Draft said to strong in runners and light on backers?

Ray Fittipaldo

2:24

That would never happen. First of all, I don't think he would have the guts to do that. And secondly, the Steelers can rescind that tag whenever they want. I don't think they'd let it drag on into the regular season.

Coach D

2:24

Well now that it is apparent Tomlin will never be on the hot seat even though his playoff LOSSES are against immortals like David Garrard Blake Bortles Tim Tebow and he has never beaten Tom Brady (Coughlin did twice w Eli, Harbaugh has w Flacco) what would ever constitute a hot seat for him? Ladies and gentleman...we have the Marty Schottenheimer of the 2000s. It's not his bad record against sub 500 teams or lack of team discipline or early playoff exits so again what is it?

Ray Fittipaldo

2:25

Marty Schottenheimer never made it to a Super Bowl much less won one. I already laid out his poor playoff record since 2011. But the hot seat isn't going to be hot this offseason. Not after going 13-3.

Guest

2:25

Is there a deadline of sorts when the Steelers would have to release guys like Mitchell, Dupree and Gay, so they wish to do that?

Ray Fittipaldo

2:26

No, but they tend to do that in February or March so those guys have a chance to hit free agency and sign with other teams.

Uncle Elmer

2:26

Thanks for your time Ray. Appreciate your candor and insight throughout the football calendar year. The Steelers season is over regardless of the Q and A session- but was wondering if there is a specific position u feel needs addressed, that if it is not, will result in a major problem?

Ray Fittipaldo

2:26

Inside linebacker and safety. They're not good enough at either position.

Cburg Stiller

2:26

Think there would be any interest in Earl Thomas as a FA safety pickup?

Ray Fittipaldo

2:27

Of course, but he makes too much money

Alan

2:27

I think the Steelers should take the best defensive player available at pick 28 regardless of position. They need help at all levels of the defense. What say you?

Ray Fittipaldo

2:27

Yes to a degree, but they do draft for their needs.

Bob from Va

2:28

Not a Todd Haley hater. He did seem to be repetitive in plays from certain formations (looks like run is a run: looks like pass is a pass) and certainly did not seem to anticipate the last series against N.E enough to be prepared to run a play. New coordinator reputed to anticipate two or three plays in advance. Big improvement from the change or no? Maybe longer drives?

Ray Fittipaldo

2:28

Time will tell. The Steelers have to get better in the red zone. If they do that they'll score more and won't be in so many close games.

2:29

I think Faneca deserves it. Not sure it happens this year, but he'll get in. I haven't given much thought to the other guys. Ray Lewis will get in. I suppose Randy Moss gets in too.

Rob

2:29

Who do you think gets In The hall of fame this weekend?

Ray Fittipaldo

2:29

Answer to previous question

SBe or Bust

2:29

I thought Davis was ok at Safety, no? Mitchell is a cap casualty.

Ray Fittipaldo

2:30

Davis way too inconsistent. For a strong safety, he doesn't tackle nearly well enough.

TSgt Fisher

2:30

Hi Ray, Do you think moving Davis to Mitchell's spot and drafting/FA replacement for Davis's old spot might improve the D and get more out of Davis? Thanks

Ray Fittipaldo

2:30

Maybe. Davis is capable of playing both spots.

SBe or Bust

2:30

Need to rebuild the D. Need to let Bell walk and take money for FA and draft to build it.

Ray Fittipaldo

2:30

It might work out that way.

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