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Paul Zeise's Steelers chat: 10.17.19
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Paul Zeise
11:59
It is about that time - let’s get started with this Steelers chat!!! If you haven’t heard, Mason Rudolph is the starting QB and there is no correct way to twirl your Terrible Towel!!!
Alan in Nashville
12:00
Good morning, Paul. With all of the negativity that has surrounded Coach Tomlin through the years, I would love to see this team scratch back to 9-7 and
I was cut off. If Coach Tomlin could get them to 9-7 and a playoff spot, do you think he’d be coach of the year? It would kill so many haters but I’d love it.
Paul Zeise
12:02
If they get to 9-7 it would be his best coaching job no doubt. If they get to 9-7 then win a playoff game he should - but won’t - silence all of his critics. The thing about this season is that he is getting a chance to prove what he can do when he doesn’t have a franchise QB. So far they have barely treaded water but I think they’ve improved every week and really do have a chance to get on a run. He definitely has a chance to prove what he can be as a coach.
RJT
12:05
Huge game this weekend for the Steelers, and they don’t even play. If the ravens lose to the Seahawks I think the Steelers have a chance to overtake them in the division eventually.
Paul Zeise
12:07
The schedule is what should give fans hope. Yes the Steelers are playing better but look at the Ravens and Browns schedules - I really think this division may be won by an 8-8 team. And 9-7 seems like a lock to be honest. There are just a lot of tough teams left on the Ravens schedules and the Browns - who may actually fire the coach soon - appear to be in meltdown mode. It is all there for the Steelers if they want to go get it.
Steeltowntim@aol.com
12:07
I think the last game when Tuitt went out Big Dan came in and showed why the Steelers kept him and why he may be the best DL on team if not football!! what say you?
Paul Zeise
12:08
I think maybe you should lay-off the mimosas or Bloody Marys for breakfast. Big Dan is a very serviceable run stopper which makes him perfect for his role as a backup.
RJT
12:09
Four of the Dolphins losses were by 20 or more points. Can you recall an NFL team beginning this horribly. I could be wrong but I think the 0-16 lions and 0-16 browns had close games at least early. If the Steelers lose to the dolphins Tomlin should be sent packing the next day.
Paul Zeise
12:10
I agree with all of that - the Dolphins are horrendous. I really could see a scenario where they play the Bengals in Week 15 and both teams are 0-14. The Bengals have at least been competitive while the Dolphins have been an embarrassment
Tom in Dallas
12:11
This defense is reminding me of 10 years ago, when we blitzed, sacked, pressured the QB, forced turnovers....  It's been many years since they have been fun to watch.   Assuming normal injuries, are they going to get better, and how many good years can we expect out of this core?
Paul Zeise
12:14
They absolutely should get better. First off they need to get everyone healthy. Tuitt is a bit loss but I think Nelson, Barron, Bush and even Dupree and Fitzpatrick are all just sort of scratching the surface of what they can be and I think as they all settle into their roles the defense will get better and better each week. I think the defense is actually good enough to give the Steelers a chance to win despite the quarterback situation.
Tom in Dallas
12:17
The Duck interception, looked like the defender bumped into Johnny before the ball was there.  Do you think there was interference?
Paul Zeise
12:19
No I just think it was a horrible decision and a bad throw. In that situation there was no reason to take that chance. It really opened the door for the Chargers to get back into the game. He has to learn from that and he seems like a smart player so I assume he will.
Artie's not Burnt
12:19
Yo Paul.  How do ya'll like me now!
Paul Zeise
12:20
I was a little nervous about you, Artie, early in the game you got lost once or twice. But as the game went on you played better and actually showed you can be a competent cornerback when you put your mind to it!
John Strange
12:20
Is it time to move on from Big Ben? In the 6 quarters he played this year the Steeler offense managed just 13 points. Mason and/or Duck can do that bad.
Paul Zeise
12:23
The toughest decision any team has is when to move on from a Hall of Fame player at a key position. The Pirates had to make that decision with Andrew McCutchen and it is never easy or feels right. I’d say wait to see how the season plays out. If they go 9-7 or something and make the playoffs and Rudolph improves every week then yes it is probably time to move forward. But we are a long way from there at this point.
Duke of Funk
12:23
Hi Paul...what’s your view of the end zone celebrations by the Steelers and other NFL teams?  Seeing the players act out various scenes and entire defenses “posing” for pictures seems to becoming more common.  As a Steelers fan, I’m embarrassed when the black and gold does this.  Thank you.
Paul Zeise
12:25
I can absolutely live without that nonsense but I don’t care, it is a generational thing and if they want to do that crap then I say go for it. My big issue is that celebrations are supposed to be spontaneous and not these contrived, choreographed skits. But again, do whatever you want as long as you get the job done on the field.
Tom in Dallas
12:26
On the other side, OL is aging and I think we are seeing the downside of their prime.  Do you see them making a top three pick next year for a star OL man to get younger?
Paul Zeise
12:28
Yes they have to. They do have a couple of younger linemen being groomed but they don’t have enough to start to reload or retool the line. I think this group may have one or two (at the most) more runs in it but I’m not sure how much more than that, at least as it is comprised right now
palmer5852
12:29
If Ben retires next year are there salary cap issues?
marvin.miller
12:29
Why is it the Steelers use first yr players or others when someone is injured. Benny Snell got some reps.
Paul Zeise
12:31
I’m not sure I understand - those guys are depth players and well that means they only get to play when someone gets hurt.  And ideally your first year players don’t have to step right in and make a big impact and can spend a year learning the system and contributing in roles where they are positioned to have success
Old School
12:32
As time goes on, I like the Minka Fitzpatrick trade more and more. In the NFL approximately 50% of first round picks don’t live up to expectations.  In Fitzpatrick, we have a proven NFL talent who will only get better and better over the next four years.   Consequently, I think this was a great move by the organization. Your thoughts?
Paul Zeise
12:33
I can’t imagine there are actually fans left who don’t like that trade. He has been a stud for them and has played far better than anyone could have hoped. He is well worth a first round pick. And looking at what the Rams gave up to get Jalen Ramsey, the Fitzpatrick real looks like a steal.
BB
12:33
Paul - This is the bye week.....don't play again until the next Monday night....chances that this will be the annual bad loss to a vastly inferior opponent?  Thanks.
Paul Zeise
12:34
I would be a little nervous about that except the Dolphins are putrid. The Steelers don’t even need to play their best game and they can win this game, so I wouldn’t worry about the letdown game this week.
Mary Lynn
12:35
Good afternoon Paul, could you tell me why Troy  and the Steelers have a strained relationship?   Any chance they will reconcile?  Thanks.
Paul Zeise
12:36
Yep - he didn’t want to retire, thought he had one more year left to play at a high level. The Steelers disagreed and didn’t want him finishing his career elsewhere so they essentially said “retire so we don’t have to cut you” and Troy has not let it go since. And yes I do hunk think they will eventually figure it out and reconcile their differences but we shall see
John Strange
12:37
Have you heard any buzz about potential NFL head coaching candidates from either the NFL or college ranks?
Paul Zeise
12:38
The top name seems to be Lincoln Riley, the Oklahoma coach. He is sort of like Kilff Kingsbury with that high tech offense and I think NFL teams are intrigued by having that offense translated into the NFL game
Jaxon
12:42
Welcome Back Paul.  My question is regarding Terrel Edmunds. Nothing against him, but he certainly doesnt seem to be a player who is making "splash plays" and changing games like we would expect for a first round player.  Any thoughts ?
Paul Zeise
12:49
Edmonds is a solid serviceable NFL player. He has a place in the league. He just isn’t special and because he was picked in the first round expectations for him are to be more of impact player. He does his job and he doesn’t hurt the Steelers but first round players are supposed to be impact players and he isn’t.
Jaxon
12:49
Hey Paul,  If we can't keep Bud Dupree, it's just going to create another hole in our defense. We already have very few draft picks and plenty of holes to fill.  Any thoughts on where we will go with OLB next year?
Paul Zeise
12:51
I actually think there is a chance based on how he has played that Dupree is going to earn a contract with the Steelers. They might have no choice but to sign him if he continues to produce at a high level. There aren’t really many other options at that position and that position is crucial for the Steelers defense to work
El Dingo Goat
12:51
Do you think it’s the game plan to not throw deep passes, or the qb
Paul Zeise
12:53
Ask yourself this - how many QBs do you know who don’t want to let it fly and take shots down the field? It is the game plan, at least early in games to keep the QBs from getting into trouble and making killer mistakes. I’m sure Rudolph would love to throw the ball down the field a lot more than he has but that’s just not what they are going to allow him to do.
Doug in Raleigh
12:54
I’ve seen a few, not many, people questioning the Steelers training and conditioning staffs as a result of the injuries outbreak.  I think it’s just a fluke year, but could they have a point, or just finger pointing born of frustration?
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