JotCast | Steelers-Browns: Live chat, updates and analysis

Steelers-Browns: Live chat, updates and analysis

Ray Fittipaldo

11:00

Good morning from Acrisure Stadium. We are 2 hours away from Steelers (9-3) and Browns (3-9). If the Steelers win they have a 2-game lead in the AFC North.

ForWhomKordellTolls

11:01

Have all of JPJ's many PI calls been flagged on the road? If so, can we expect a clean game at home today?

Ray Fittipaldo

11:02

I haven't broken it down, but he definitely had a bunch in Cleveland and Cincinnati. Steelers coaches are not losing confidence in Porter. They like his makeup. He just has to clean some things up with his technique.

11:04

Weather will not be a factor as it was in Cleveland late last month. It's sunny and pleasant with a high of 50 later on in the day.

ForWhomKordellTolls

11:07

Why does Tomlin coach so badly against losing teams?

Ray Fittipaldo

11:09

Losing to the Browns was a bad loss, no doubt, He seems to have one of those a year. It will be unfortunate if that ends up costing the Steelers a higher seed. But honestly you can pick out any coach and cite similarly bad losses. How about the Ravens losing to the Raiders and Browns this year?

Guest

11:09

The best way forward with Pickens is to not extend him. Let him play for a contract and see if that gets through to him. If he's still doing his antics with a $100 million on the line, he's beyond repair. What do you think?

Ray Fittipaldo

11:11

That's a reasonable approach, but what happens if Pickens does not want to play without a new contract. We've seen star players hold out, hold in, be bad apples, etc. But it won't be an easy call for the Steelers. He's an immensely talented player, but he has diva qualities

59Hamfan

11:11

What is going on with Mike Williams? Will he ever be part of the offense consistently ?

Ray Fittipaldo

11:14

He's playing a fair amount; he's just not being targeted. His time will come again. He made a big play in the Commanders game I'm sure he expected to build off that, but it's hard joining a team at midseason. Some people might think it's overblown, but the QBs develop relationships with receivers for months before they even get to training camp. Russell Wilson had the receivers in San Diego this spring after he signed. Then they develop more chemistry in OTAs, and minicamp and then of course training camp. To answer your question, I don't think he'll ever be a big part of the offense, but he'll have chances to contribute as he did in Washington.

JPinPDX

11:18

Will the Steelers adjust the Myles Garrett plan to ensure he doesn’t blow things up early?

Ray Fittipaldo

11:19

I'm sure they will have some adjustments, but really they just have to execute the plan. When they have a RB chip he has to do his job. When they have a TE chip he has to do his job. It's nothing mystical.

Somebody

11:22

What’s the deal with Pickens hammy? He was listed as questionable on Friday’s injury report after limited practice, but apparently wasn’t asked about it in his post-practice interview?

Brian Batko

11:24

Hey Somebody. Hey everybody. I'm here. George Pickens was added to the injury report Friday, yes. But that could just be very precautionary/technical. If he missed even one play from his usual workload, the Steelers are supposed to include that. And if there's even the slightest bit of a huddle he needs to clear today pregame, that would qualify for the questionable tag. There's no more "probable" in the NFL. We'll find out for sure in six minutes.

11:34

So much for that. George Pickens is inactive.

Jamain Pain

11:44

well everyone that clamors for Pickens to be benched, will in a roundabout way, get their wish. lets see how it goes, but I think its huge

Brian Batko

11:44

Definitely and has a ripple effect on the rest of the offense. Russell Wilson, for one. And who steps up in his absence? Huge opportunity for Mike Williams, clearly.

Jamain Pain

11:47

also, thank goodness Calvin cleared or we'd really be in trouble

rman

11:47

Hoo-HAH....my guess is we see lots of Williams

Sergio from Mexico

12:03

Hello from Mexico Guys…! So Pickens…. Injury or disciplinary? I think it’s huge. Hope we don’t miss him… vamos Steelers!!!

Ray Fittipaldo

12:03

We'll find out after the game, but he was listed as questionable on Friday after being limited.

Charlie two toes

12:03

Ray-your thoughts on the following bet?
Chubb-higher 11.5 rushing attempts
Najee-higher 9.5 yards 1st qtr rushing yards
Boswell-higher 6.5 kicking points
Russell-higher 218.5 passing yards

Ray Fittipaldo

12:04

Chubb higher. Najee higher. Boswell higher. Wilson...this is a tough one with Pickens out. I'll say lower because of that bit of late news.

first round glory

12:05

am I right in thinking the worst matchup for the Steelers in the first round is Baltimore? I know we've had their number recently, but in terms of pure talent they seemed to be the most formidable possible opponent, even at home

Ray Fittipaldo

12:06

I'm with you. Even with the recent success against the Ravens they would be a tough opponent in the wild card round. But it could definitely happen. I don't think there will be any easy matchups. Chargers will be a tough out and the Broncos are playing much better than they were early in the season when the Steelers won a low-scoring affair in Denver.

jwheaney

12:06

Why wouldn't the Steelers better utilize Minkah Fitzpatrick in some more aggressive defensive sets that would best promote his ball hawking abilities? Thanks!!!

Brian Batko

12:07

It’s certainly strange timing on Pickens. Obviously gonna have people asking questions with the Browns coming back here, Greg Newsome, all the mindless penalties last week. But I do not have any reason to doubt that he was limited in practice Friday.

Ray Fittipaldo

12:08

Perhaps they will, but it's hard to make drastic changes when the defense is doing well overall. Recent opponents have been scoring more so maybe that will be an impetus for change. We'll have to wait and see. If Fitzpatrick is going to get a turnover he's playing the right team today. Jameis Winston can be a turnover machine.

12:12

Chris Boswell kicking into a breeze was short from 58 and 59 just now.

Sergio from Mexico

12:12

i think defense wins… if TJ and Co can have a better day than 2 weeks ago, I think we win. And limit Cle defense and M. Garret…

Ray Fittipaldo

12:13

Arthur Smith knows how to spread the ball around. Ten players caught passes in last week's win against the Bengals. It might be as high-scoring, but the Steelers should still win this game against this 3-9 Browns team. Will be interesting to see how Smith adjusts his game plan. Based on the TV interview Tomlin gave about two hours before kickoff the Steelers were a bit caught off guard with this news.

12:15

Boswell now kicking with the breeze and has plenty of room to spare at the other end of the stadium. That's something to keep an eye on.

Sergio from Mexico

12:15

Which WR steps up? Will it be Mike Williams? Or our TE group? Can we have a deep threat for Russ?

Ray Fittipaldo

12:16

Wilson is really good at spreading the ball around. And as I mentioned earlier, Smith won't have a problem mixing it up. I think Calvin Austin and Mike Williams will see more targets and Pat Freiermuth as well.

12:21

Here are the five WRs the Steelers are dressing today: Calvin Austin, Van Jefferson, Ben Skowronek, Scotty Miller and Mike Williams.

Brian Batko

12:21

How about Ben Skowronek? He barely played in the first Browns game. He blocks. Can make tough catches. No one’s gonna confuse him with a top-tier NFL receiver, but he played meaningful snaps in LA.

Guest

12:22

I like Najee over 9.5 1st quarter.

Ray Fittipaldo

12:22

Yeah that seems like an easy one as long as they don't have two three-and-outs.

Brian Batko

12:29

Fun fact: Today is the Steelers' "My Cause, My Cleats" game so you'll see some colorful choices out there, all of which are for excellent reasons.

first round glory

12:31

do you think our D will clamp down today or will we have a shootout a la last week at Cin?