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Ray Fittipaldo
3:13
They better. He's a backup in this league for a reason. And his best WR isn't playing.
KJ
3:15
Ray, has there been any indication that Mike Tomlin has taken into account Minkah's suggestion that the communication among the coaches and the defense be simplified?  Can we expect to see a defense that is "faster" in their response to the Raiders' offense?
Ray Fittipaldo
3:16
He said they consider it every week, but it also makes them more predictable. I think he'd rather have his players get lined up right and know the defense, but I guess that's been an issue with the crowd noise early in the season. I don't expect Tomlin to change all that much, but he might make it a bit more simple in certain situations.
KJ
3:17
Can we expect to see Russ today in any "special packages" so that he can acclimate back to game speed for whenever that becomes necessary or mandatory?
Ray Fittipaldo
3:18
I don't think we'll see any kind of rotation today. I just think they'll pull Fields if he is not playing well. Just my gut feeling.
KJ
3:18
Ray, what are your keys to today's game?
Ray Fittipaldo
3:18
Get Pickens involved early, get the run game going early and don't let O'Connell get comfortable early.
KJ
3:19
Ray & Brian, Thanks for having this chat today before the game - you guys are awesome!  Do you believe any of the "new" OLBs will be effective enough to take some of the heat off TJ Watt?
Ray Fittipaldo
3:19
That's a big ask. They've only been here for a short time. I think the more likely scenario is Watt putting on his Superman costume and doing Watt type things.
Hillbilly
3:20
I’m hoping that we don’t play a bunch of soft zone early in this one
We should be able to man up on their receivers
Ray Fittipaldo
3:21
I expect some blitzes today, more than usual, from the ILBs and maybe even a defensive back to help with the pass rush.
KJ
3:21
What type of practices did George Pickens have this week? Was he 100% engaged and working like a pro?
Ray Fittipaldo
3:22
He looked good when I focused in on him. His teammates said he had a good week too.
KJ
3:22
What can we expect from Jaylen Warren today?
Ray Fittipaldo
3:23
I think we'll see a normal workload. I expect he and Najee to split the snaps.
KJ
3:24
What will be the Steelers OL starting lineup, LT to RT?
Ray Fittipaldo
3:25
Moore, Seumalo, Frazier, McCormick and Jones.
KJ
3:26
I am sure that Mike Tomlin does not care about whether his offense is entertaining or exciting given his conservative approach to "handcuffing" Arthur Smith and his offensive game plan.  But how much do you believe Steelers Nation will tolerate with this truly offensive game scheme?
Ray Fittipaldo
3:27
You mean Art Rooney II? That's the only thing that matters, and he doesn't bud in much during the season when it comes to coaching.
Brian Batko
3:29
Jaylen Warren moving around just fine, cutting and catching passes in warmups.
KJ
3:29
What will be the Steelers first score of the game today? FG or TD or Safety? My bet is always on FG.
Ray Fittipaldo
3:29
FG
Mike Perry
3:33
why am i more nervous about O'Connel then I would be about Minshew?  i know minshew shredded last year in Indy, but something about backups scare me...am
Brian Batko
3:33
In case you suspect some sort of QB rotation today, Justin Fields took all the snaps from Zach Frazier in warmups. Russell Wilson was behind Ryan McCollum.
Ray Fittipaldo
3:33
That's why I said don't let O'Connell get comfortable early. Get on him from the start
KJ
3:36
How much do you expect Freiermuth to be involved in the offense today?  And how concerned are you about the Raiders' TE Bowers today?
Brian Batko
3:37
He better be involved for my fantasy team. Brock Bowers is by far the Raiders' best playmaker given all their injuries and absences. But we saw last week that the Cowboys got a big night from Jalen Tolbert more than CeeDee Lamb. We've seen no-name receivers' go off against the Steelers before. Remember Travis Fulgham?
Mike Perry
3:38
agreed Ray.  Thanks. Hopefully Moon is at least serviceable too in getting pressure
Mike Perry
3:38
am i warranted?
Ray Fittipaldo
3:39
Of course, but as I pointed out earlier they took some early shots last week. They missed and that got them off to a bad start.
KJ
3:41
Where would you place the over/under (we are playing this game in Vega$, afterall) for how many points the Steelers will score today?
Ray Fittipaldo
3:41
44 I'll say Steelers 27, Raiders 17.
KJ
3:45
Any word if Omar Khan has met with Davante Adams' representatives this week?
Ray Fittipaldo
3:46
Word out of Vegas this weekend is the Raiders are pretty firm on getting a 2 so they might keep him. Might be a negotiating ploy with teams interested. We'll see.
Hillbilly
3:48
Baltimore is up by 10
Ray Fittipaldo
3:48
Yep and the Browns are losing to the Eagles at the two-minute warning.
Hillbilly
3:50
by the way, I’m glad that Romo is doing the Baltimore game. That way we don’t have to listen to him this afternoon.
Ray Fittipaldo
3:50
Ian Eagle and Charles Davis on the call. They're a good team.
3:52
I watching Aidan O'Connell warm up and noticed he's No. 12. As a child of the '70s, that's Kenny Stabler's number. I understand the Raiders don't retire numbers, but they don't have to issue it.
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