Ray Fittipaldo's Steelers chat: Nov. 12, 2026
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Ray Fittipaldo
11:03
Good morning. Let's get started.
Tim
11:03
What has been your biggest takeaway 8 games in about this coaching staff, MM specifically and the success we have seen and may be building on going forward into 27?
Ray Fittipaldo
11:04
A lot is different. From the practice schedule to everything in between. If you're talking broad topics, I think the defense is trending better because it's a bit more unpredictable. The offense has been going through the running game, which is something they've been trying to fix for years. Now, if only they could fix their red-zone offense.
Arthur
11:05
Good morning, Ray and thanks for doing these. While there is still half a season to go and enough games left to recover from a set back, this game feels like a must win to me. They would have sole possession of first place, continue their momentum, and most importantly get an advantage in the tie breaker. Do you agree?
Ray Fittipaldo
11:06
There re no must-win games in early November esepcially when you're already tied for first place. If they win, this game would be huge in division tiebreakers. The Steelers would have the season sweep and the first tiebreaker. However, the Bengals' schedule is so much easier than the Steelers the rest of the way. The Bengals have the easiest schedule while the Steelers have to play the Broncos, Texans and Jaguars in consecutive weeks.
Ron
11:07
Will any of these wide receivers really close to play Sunday night, Pittman , Wilson, or Skowronek
Ray Fittipaldo
11:07
Skowronek went full in practice yesterday so barring a setback he should be good to go. Wilson isn't eligible to come off IR until next week and Pittman is a ways away as well.
Arthur
11:08
Hi Ray. Do you know if they inquired about Ladd McConkey and tried to pursue a CB with strong man coverage skills?  Thanks
Ray Fittipaldo
11:09
I'm sure they inquired, but the only player the Chargers dealt was a linebacker. They held onto their offensive weapons. I'm guessing they'll move on from Mike McDaniel after the season ends and hope a new coordinator get back Herbert and the passing game back on track.
Rhinosteel
11:09
how much will the addition of Elliot in the secondary help against the bengals?
Ray Fittipaldo
11:10
Elliott was limited yesterday with an ankle injury and he's played between 20 and 25 snaps since returning from his injury. Rookie Robert Spears-Jennings is playing well so I don't think they'll be in a rush to get Elliott back on the field if the injury is at all bothersome.
Andy from Baltimore
11:10
Ray Several times this Season the commentators on Morning Joe, have said that the NFL  has developed such parity that football has become boring because there is no longer dominant teams. I see the NFL being more exciting than ever given the parity because of the increased parity. What am I missing here?
Ray Fittipaldo
11:13
I'm not sure I agree. Maybe there is a year here and there when any team can win the SUper Bowl, but we're coming off an era when the Chiefs had a dominant run. That was preceded by a long dominant run by the Patriots. I agree there is more parity yer to yer in terms of which teams are making the playoffs, but you still have those villanous teams that seem to win every year.
Lambert's Teeth
11:13
Looks like the early returns on IMAX's running blocking are excellent, but there is some work and maturation still to come on his pass blocking.  How would you compare him with where Troy and Broderick Jones were at the same point in their careers (meaning actually games played, not just on a roster for 8 games)?
Ray Fittipaldo
11:14
I think he's miles ahead of where Jones was at this stage. And what Ieanachor has going for him is he won't be moved like Jones and Fautanu were. Fautanu is the left tackle long term assuming he gets his option picked up ( And I think he will). So Iheanachor can settle in and get comfortable at right tackle.
Maryland Steeler
11:14
Ray, should we be concerned about Boswell?  He seems to be a little inconsistent since his new contract. He is missing some kicks that would normally be routine for him.
Ray Fittipaldo
11:16
Many of his misses have been from longer distances, but he used to make those with ease. I've noted in rpevious chats how Boswell has struggled the same yer he signs his new contract. Maybe it's a mental thing. But go back and look at the numbers the yer he signs. All of his bad years have come the years he's signed new deals.
Alan in North Carolina
11:16
Morning! I may be the only person in SteelerLand that is ok w standing pat at the deadline. The key to me is Pittman. If he comes back healthy and ready to go SOON, along with Roman, this offense is pretty complete. I don’t think too many WR’s or DB’s were going to “hop on a moving train” and be a huge difference-maker right away. I think if Pittman was still in Indy and healthy, fans would’ve been satisfied if the Steelers would’ve traded for him on Tuesday. Now all bets are off if we find out he’s going to be on the shelf with no promise of being back soon.
Ray Fittipaldo
11:17
I agree with you about acquiring a WR and him "hopping on a moving train" especially with a QB as detailed as Aaron Rodgers. As for Pittman, I'm not sure how soon he'll be back. I don;t think it will be this week and I think the earliest we could see him is next week in Philly. And even that might be ambitious.
Bill in NJ
11:17
Ray, do you believe that Pittman will be fully healthy and productive at some point this season? I have serious doubts. A foot injury can be devastating for a WR.
Ray Fittipaldo
11:18
They haven't opened his window to return from IR yet  so we haven't even been able to watch him move around at all. But yes, foot injuries are troublesome for receivers. The Steelers believe he'll be back this season, but I cannot give you a timeline.
J D
11:19
Ray, this team looks primed for a good run as long as injuries aren't severe.  They have been lucky, minus Bernard, so far and need to keep their star players on the field.  They were given a prime bye week after 8 games.  Do you think they will add some wrinkles to their offense and defense for the second half of the season and what would they be if you were the coach?
Ray Fittipaldo
11:19
I'm sure they will and hopefully some of those wrinkles will involve RUNNING THE BALL near the goalline!
KinVA
11:20
How would you rate the toughness of atmosphere for the Steelers when they play on the road. Is Cincinnati tougher on the road than say Cleveland or Baltimore?
Ray Fittipaldo
11:22
The Steelers have never had long losing streaks in Cincy. In fact, they've had some long winning streaks there. There is the famous "Escaloser" at Paycor Stadium where Bengals fans exit the stadium early when the Steelers play there. But obviously, the caliber of the team always has something to do with the venue. And the Bengals have a dran good offense this season. This game will be tough for the Steelers to win.
brian
11:22
Hi ray, how much do the steelers really know about Howard and Allar?  they may have a sense, right?  Does it create more of a log jam by bringing in ANOTHER QB in the draft that is unproven?
Ray Fittipaldo
11:24
Well, you might not have to worry about the Steelers bringing in another high pick at QB. They're trending toward picking in the 20s again and unless there is a major tradeup, they won't sniff any of the top QBs in this draft. (If there are any). The scuttlebutt is the preseason hype around this QB class was a bit overblown.
brian
11:24
Ray, with DK's contract and money owed him; should his season continue along the same lines with more drops and issues then catches, do the Steelers contemplate options (of which there might not be many) of somehow moving him....somewhere??  In the end it's a business, right?
Ray Fittipaldo
11:27
Well, it's always about business, and the Steelers would absorb a $36 million dead cap hit if they cut Metcalf. The Steelers would never do that. Could they trade him? Sure they could, but I don't know what kind of return they would be able to get. Maybe a 4. Perhaps a 3 because the base salaries are reasonable the next two years ($20 and $23 million). Remember, the Steelers have already paid out a lot of this contract in bonuses.
Here We Go
11:28
Morning, Ray! Do you feel the Steelers dropped the ball by not adding depth to this roster before the trade deadline?  Did you hear why they stood pat?  Some contending teams, like the Bears, made some sizeable moves.  I'm not saying we needed to get an All-Pro, but it would have been nice to add some depth at WR and/or the secondary for the stretch run by using a 4th or 5th round pick.
Ray Fittipaldo
11:29
More important than Chicago, the Jags and Chiefs and Bills all made significant moves. The Jags made a bunch of big moves. They're going for it. Listen, if they don't have any more injuries at WR and Wilson and Pittman can be productive maybe we'll loook back on all this hand-wringing as wasted energy. But if there is another injury or two, their depth isn't all that great.
epiballo
11:29
The players won't say so, but do you sense any lingering resentment among a few over the way Tomlin stepped down right after the playoff loss? I ask because some of the player quotes seemed less than enthusiastic at seeing him this Sunday.
Ray Fittipaldo
11:30
I didn't get that vibe in the locker room. Some guys have closer relationships with him than others. I'd say mostly the veterans are the ones who still communicate with him. That's to be expected. He's not going to maintain close relationships with 53 guys.
Here We Go
11:31
I know everyone is looking forward to the draft next year because of the QB class.  However, I'm more of an advocate to get a proven commodity QB on an expiring contract or is on a team that is struggling and needs a change of scenery (i.e. Herbert) because there have been so many 1st round QB busts.  Do you think the Steelers are going to go all in and move up to get a QB next year, go with the latter, or go with what they have with Allar or Howard?
Ray Fittipaldo
11:33
Hard to say what will happen. I think they'd try to develop Allar and Howard rather than working with someone like Herbert, who is going to be in ressurecting his career mode. I know people are talking a lot about Herbert, but Jim Habraugh played the position. I think he knows there is talent there. I think he changes coordinators before he changes QBs. Guys will Herbert's skillset don't come around all that often. I think the Chargers will try to fix him rather than trade him.
TXSteeler
11:33
A couple weeks ago you wrote an article claiming that Troy F was the clear choice for the next 1st round pro bowler on the Steelers. Can you explain why him over Max, because Max seems light years ahead of Troy
Ray Fittipaldo
11:35
Iheanachor is having a nice rookie season. Neither is having a Pro Bowl caliber season, but I still think Fautanu can get there sooner than Iheanachor. The good news is the Steelers have talented players at tackle, center and guard. All they have to do now is make sure they re-sign these guys, starting next summer with Zach Frazier.
JB
11:37
I thought we would have seen Valdez Scantling by now. Why do you think we haven’t?
Ray Fittipaldo
11:37
They're winning!
jeff
11:38
What do you think the chances are that Ramsey comes back next year at his salary?
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