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Ray Fittipaldo's Steelers chat: 10.13.20
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Ray Fittipaldo
1:54
Welcome to my Steelers chat. Let's get started.
Guest
1:54
Ray, Fitzpatrick does seem to be playing a bit under the imaginary bar everyone has set for him. If true, what do you think is the problem? Is it him? The scheme? Does Edmunds' play have anything to do with Fitzpatrick's play? Or is he playing well, and I don't get it?
Ray Fittipaldo
1:55
Is he playing well? Not playing well? I don't know. I think it's fair to say he's not impacting games the way he did last season. I think that's obvious. There is lots to fix with the pass defense. I am writing about that now. Will have a story up by tomorrow morning.
Jovie
1:55
I think at this point you sign 48 long term and let 19 see what he can get in FA and match if reasonable. I don't think JuJu will have great numbers so they may get him at a reasonable price. What are your thoughts on this Ray? Love the chats!
Ray Fittipaldo
1:56
I don't think they're going to sign either long-term. I think their drafting speaks to that. They took Chase Claypool in the second round and Alex Highsmith in the third. They have plans for both. The next player they want to sign to a big long-term deal is TJ Watt, and they'll do that just as they did Heyward no matter what the price is.
John
1:57
Good afternoon Ray. There has been criticism of both Devin and Minkah this season, largely because of the lack of splash. I actually think Devin has looked good in the last few games, shutting down RB screens and doing pretty good job in run game. Minkah also solid, needs to tackle better but still strongest player in secondary. What is your assessment of each? Thank you!
Ray Fittipaldo
1:59
You mention the tackling. He had a poor effort when he came up and just threw a shoulder into Travis Fulgham on one play in the Eagles game. That gave the Eagles an extra 10-15 yards. This defense excelled last year because they bent and didn't break. So they need to put a lid on the big plays. I'm not going to sit here and tell you Fitzpatrick or Bush is to blame for any or all of them. I'm just telling you their luck is going to run out soon if upcoming teams continue to convert on third downs and produce big plays against the Steelers defense.
Jeff
1:59
Thanks for the chats Ray.  Front office question...after seeing Rons article on how well we draft and realizing they are the decision makers does each position have a "Scouting lead"?  If so the WR scout should be given a healthy raise!  and the DB scout should be shown the door.  I wasn't sure how many scouts teams have and do they specialize.
Ray Fittipaldo
2:00
They don't really specialize in that way. Each scout has a territory and they scout all players. That's how they're taught in the Steelers system.
DaquidoBazzini
2:00
Hi Ray...What’s your assessment as to what’s going on in regards to 3rd and long with the Steeler D. I’m sure you’ll agree that we’ve seen this problem before.
Ray Fittipaldo
2:01
We have though not as much last season. Tomlin gave credit to Fulgham and Wentz today, and I'm sure they made some plays. But there are some issues too that I will detail in my story tomorrow.
Nick from VA
2:02
What do you think of Trump's stance on... just kidding. Can the Steeler's stop the Brown's running attack? Cleveland definitely uses the running game to set up the passing game. In all honesty, I hope the Brown's try to take advantage of the Steeler's "weakness" on the defensive side of the ball and go pass first. I really think they need to establish the running game to set up the passing game, which is kind of funny that I'm saying that at all, given that was the way it worked in the NFL forever.
Ray Fittipaldo
2:03
The Browns are definitely a team built around their rushing attack. They're first in the league and they're good at it even without Nick Chubb in the lineup. If they're smart they stay true to their identity though I am sure Kevin Stefanski took copious notes when he watched Wentz dissect the Steelsers secondary.
Nick from VA
2:03
I love what #11 brings to this team, but I really believe this we can let #19 walk stuff now, is a bit premature. What say you?
Ray Fittipaldo
2:03
I'd like to keep JuJu too, but there's only so much $ to go around.
Donna
2:03
Hi Ray.  I haven’t heard much about Teryl Austin this season which may be a good or bad depending on one’s perspective.  Is he still considered a top head coaching prospect?  Can you explain his duties and do those duties help or hinder his head coaching chances?  Thanks Ray!
Ray Fittipaldo
2:05
I haven't heard Austin's name much in terms of becoming a head coach. You hear Eric Bienemy's name much more often. I hope Austin get some looks though. He's done a good job since coming onboard. He helps coach the defensive backs along with Tom Bradley and helps Tomlin on replay reviews.
Nick from VA
2:05
Any indication on how many fans will be allowed at the next home game?
Ray Fittipaldo
2:06
The next home game is Sunday against the Browns, and the Steelers will be allowed to have approximately 5,500 fans once again. The only way that changes is if the Governor gives the go-ahead for more fans inside stadiums. And right now he says only 7,500 are allowed and that includes players, team personnel media, etc.
Guest
2:06
Afternoon Ray, 4-0 is obviously as good a start as you can ask, but right now, how good do you think the Steelers are? I’m concerned with our inability to finish games earlier
Ray Fittipaldo
2:07
I'm concerned with the running game and the pass defense, but they are 4-0. It says something they've been able to win while not playing well in all phases.
Karl
2:07
What your prediction on how the Steelers will fare, in terms of wins and losses, versus Browns, Titans, Ravens, and Cowboys?  I predict will beat Browns and Cowboys, not sure about Titans, and lose to Ravens.  Thanks!
Ray Fittipaldo
2:08
I think they'll split with the Ravens and Browns and the Cowboys and Titans so I'll say 3-3 against those teams.
Nick from VA
2:08
Is this Brown's team as good as their 4-1 record?
Ray Fittipaldo
2:08
I'm not convinced, but they have won four in a row. Give them credit for beating whoever is on the schedule.
Yancey
2:09
Will they scheme to help AV with Garrett this week? He has single-handedly bailed out the Browns D the last 3 weeks. If you don't let him wreck the game, they struggle mightily vs the pass.
Ray Fittipaldo
2:09
I definitely would help Villanueva, who has struggled with Garrett in the past.
Big Ed
2:09
Hey Ray. Hope all is well. Is it safe to say that we should be concerned with the secondary?
Ray Fittipaldo
2:10
yes I think that's fair. I want to see them address some of their shortcomings and figure out better ways to attack offenses, especially on third downs.
Iron City Drew
2:10
There seems to be a lot of chatter of naming a #1 wide receiver on this team. My question is “Who cares or does it matter?” Juju is clearly still a player(people forget the drop off last year is more who is throwing to him versus him), Claypool appears to have star potential, James Washington, Diontae and Ray Ray all can produce big games, why isolate one out of this fine group?
Ray Fittipaldo
2:11
Exactly my sentiments. I was on 93.7 The Fan yesterday and was asked a similar question. Let's not worry about labels. They have some nice pieces that fit this offense well. They play well together. That's all that matters right now.
Jacque Strap
2:12
Do you agree with Tomlin's assessment that sometimes the other team just makes plays and there are no adjustments you can make? Like doubling a hot receiver isn't an option?
Ray Fittipaldo
2:13
I think there is some truth to what he says, but there were some disturbing things that happened in that game that they have to fix. One of them is making adjustments when teams find and stick with a hot receiver.
Tom in Dallas
2:13
What is Baker's status for Sunday?  If he can't play, do the Browns have much of a chance?
Ray Fittipaldo
2:13
"Mama didn't raise no wuss." -- Baker Mayfield.
Bam
2:13
Is it too soon to describe Minkah's play as disappointing at this point? Do you see anything different in what they are doing with him so far?
Ray Fittipaldo
2:17
I asked Tomlin about miscommunication on the Travis Fulgham 4-yard TD catch. It was the first part to a two-part question and he didn't answer or forgot answer whether there was a mental error on that play. Fulgham was wide open with Fitzpatrick and Nelson the closest players to him. It looked like they were playing zone when everyone else was playing man. There was another play: a deep ball to Hightower that fell incomplete early in the game. Fitzpatrick came up and tried to cover Ertz on a short crossing pattern, vacating his deep half of the field. Nelson was beat on the play, but Wentz's throw was a tad long. Nelson got up and appeared to motion to Fitzpatrick that he was expecting help. I'm not sure who was right and who was wrong, but I just gave you two examples when at the very least there seemed to be some disagreement or confusion about who was supposed to be where. They definitely need to clean that up.
Georgia Steeler
2:17
Ray great chats man. I hope to get to see one more superbowl in my lifetime . I had the best ever 10 days in Tampa in 2009.the ESPN Zone was awesome ,and Ybor city was too much. I talked to Joe Montana on the best damn sports show on tv. I got his attention when I said hi and he was great a QB out  Ringgold.
Nick from VA
2:18
Are you getting a new iPhone?
Ray Fittipaldo
2:18
Should I?
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