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Ray Fittipaldo's Steelers chat: 10.05.21
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DCSteelers
1:02
How can anyone tell how much of the offense-related mess is due to Canada vs. Klemm vs. Ben?  Are the plays we are seeing actually the plays called by Canada?
Ray Fittipaldo
1:05
It's hard to say right  now. We were enlightened a bit today on the fourth down calls. Specifically with the Green Bay game Tomlin said Roethlisberger did not have a lot of freedom at the line of scrimmage to change plays because of the crowd and communication issues in addition to the fact that they had to alter their plan late in the week due to Chase Claypool's injury. So Ben was basically running the plays that were called by Canada in those two fourth down situations. Don't get me wrong. Roethlisberger missed a lot of throws in that game. He's not playing well. He's part of the reason they're struggling. But to me, calling those sideways pass plays in those situations, is highly questionable.
DCSteelers
1:06
I didn't catch it, but if Ben was really advising Najee Harris how to run better after the Green Bay game, what on earth was he thinking?!  Even if there was some merit to criticism, and I am not sure there is a lot of merit, Ben is in no position to judge right now whether he is headed to the HOF down the road or not.
Ray Fittipaldo
1:07
He wasn't criticizing. He said he was trying to help the rookie use his size to his advantage. What is wrong with saying what he said?
Guest
1:07
Do you think the Steelers have any regrets not drafting OLine with first 2 picks? The Chiefs have 2 rookies on line and playing well and Steelers could have had both?
Ray Fittipaldo
1:08
I have no issue with the Najee Harris pick. All of the top tackles were off the board by the time the Steelers picked. I do think it's fair to criticize the decision not to take Josh Myers or Creed Humphrey in the second round. They were both available when Pat Freiermuth was selected. This has nothing to do with Freiermuth, but maybe the ability to get a more impactful center a round earlier than the third round, when they selected Kendrick Green.
Aileen
1:09
Has anyone asked Mike Tomlin about the number of  the number of players who have sustained groin injuries thus far?  What was your impression of Lambeau Field?
Ray Fittipaldo
1:10
No. It was good to knock Lambeau off my bucket list. That's one venue I definitely wanted to see. The pregame rainstorm prevented me from walking around the area and getting a better feel for a gameday, but just being there was cool given the history that took place inside that stadium.
RJT
1:11
Is mike Tomlin delusional about Ben, is he getting pressure from the top to keep ben as QB1?  Do they have that little confidence in Mason.  are the Steelers willling to go 3-14 for a ben goodbye tour?
Ray Fittipaldo
1:11
He has confidence in Rudolph. He's just not going to bench Roethlisberger at this time. He said he was "absolutely" convinced he remains the best quarterbacks for this team.
What is going on?
1:12
Lost in another bad loss were a bunch of quality first down running plays all followed by passes.  Where is the supposed commitment to the run?  The opportunity to show it was there last Sunday.
Ray Fittipaldo
1:13
This is a good observation. They would have some good runs for 5 or 6 yards on first down and then pass. Incomplete. So then it's third-and-4 or third-and-5 and you throw another incomplete pass, and you have to punt. They should have stuck with the run more. Tomlin said today he was encouraged by the improvement in the running game so maybe the play-calling this week will reflect that.
Joe
1:14
By far,the Steelers number one problem is Ben. You agree? If so, why is this even a debate: while Rudolph may not be very good, he can’t be worse and why not give him a shot?
Ray Fittipaldo
1:15
Joe, he's not playing well, but I'm not saying he's by far the No. 1 problem with this team. As Chuck Noll once said of Sidney Thornton: "He has problems, and they are great." The same can be said of this Steelers offense.
STEEL72
1:15
Coach Ray: Fix this team. Get us a win in 4 steps... what are they. GO!
Ray Fittipaldo
1:16
  1. Get healthy on defense. 2. Stick with the running game when it's effective. 3. Don't turn the ball over on offense. 4. Create more turnovers on defense.
Tommy
1:16
Can't get North Shore Drive/PoS to download or even stream on iphone 6... all other pcasts work... started happening last week...any insight?
Ray Fittipaldo
1:16
I will let the bosses know.
MajorRick
1:16
Ray, if this trend continues, do you see the Steelers giving Mason a shot after the week 7 bye?
Ray Fittipaldo
1:16
Listening to what Tomlin said today I would say no, but lots can happen in the next two weeks.
Mustard bowl is now heartbreak hotel
1:17
If i am rooney i go find a pair of balls and clean house. All these incompetents would be finished. Colby, Tomlin and Noodle arm Ben would all be shown the door. And their shitty assistants. Over paid under performing over rated bums
Ray Fittipaldo
1:17
I'll make sure this message gets to Art II.
Toni
1:17
Hi Ray, what’s your take on what happened with Urban ?   I’ve heard his players don’t respect him.
Ray Fittipaldo
1:19
I don't see him finishing out the season. I have never heard of a head coach not returning with his team on a flight after a game. Then on top of that he goes out to a bar and takes pictures with college women while wearing an Ohio State sweater. Seems to me he's trying to get fired. I would imagine Jacksonville's lawyers are trying to figure out the language in his contract that he violated so they don't have to honor the contract. As soon as they do that he's gone.
David
1:19
Pretty clear at this point that it was a mistake to bring Ben back. So how do they clean this up? Ride it out or do now what they should have done in the off season?
Ray Fittipaldo
1:20
I think they'll ride it out. Tomlin was pretty clear today. He believes Roethlisberger is still the best QB for this team.
Franco
1:21
Hello Ray.  After watching the Chiefs and a few other teams, it seems like the Steelers offense lacks creativity.  I thought Matt Canada was hired to change this.  Am I wrong?  I can’t even remember the last time a Steelers quarterback threw a screen pass.
Ray Fittipaldo
1:22
I'd settle for passes beyond the line of scrimmage on fourth downs at this point.
Lou
1:22
Hey Ray!  What’s the scoop on Tuitt and what’s the chance Tyson returns this season?
Ray Fittipaldo
1:23
Tomlin did not give an update on Tuitt today. And I highly doubt Alualu returns this season.
TomB
1:23
How long will Ben be the starter if he continues to perform below Mason’s level of 2019? Thanks Ray!
Ray Fittipaldo
1:24
If you listened to Tomlin today it's going to be a while.
Bernard
1:24
Would you still consider the OL the biggest source of the Steelers early season struggles?
Ray Fittipaldo
1:24
It's a huge part of it.
Yuri
1:24
Hello Ray.  Assuming Ben is not the quarterback next season, do you see his replacement being a free agent, draft pick or either Mason or Haskins?  Thank you Ray.
Ray Fittipaldo
1:24
Mason or Haskins.
CK
1:24
The new center seems overmatched almost every time. Is there another option at center?
Ray Fittipaldo
1:24
JC Hassenauer, but they haven't gone down that road yet.
Darnell
1:25
Hey Ray.  With your schedule, I don’t know if you have any time to watch any college games.  I was wondering if there are any quarterbacks that have caught your attention.  Thanks.
Ray Fittipaldo
1:25
It's early, but I haven't been overly impressed with any of the top Qbs so far.
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