Ray Fittipaldo's Steelers chat: 10.29.26
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Ex Yunzer
10:30
Good morning Ray and thanks for the chats.  A couple of questions for you:  (1) how is the offensive line "gelling"?  Are they improving as a group?  who is the leader?  Who needs the most work/improvement? and (2) what was it like going to the first NFL game in Paris?  Loud?  Fun?  Did the crowd understand the game?
Ray Fittipaldo
10:33
The game experience was good for me although I heard they ran out of food at the concessions in the second quarter. Ha ha. And the lines for merchandise were way too long. If I stood in line it would have been hours before I could buy something. So obviously, first time in Paris there are still some kinks to work out for the league. I don't know what the breakdown was in fans who came across from the states and European fans, but it seemed like everyone in the crowd knew what was going on. Lots of Saints and Steelers fans made the trip... As for the offensive line, Zach Frazier is not a vocal leader, but he's the leader of the group. It helps when you're the best player and the center. He's the hub of communication. And yes they are growing together and developing every week. Now they just have to develop some consistency and do it week in and week out.
Lambert Lunatic
10:33
Ray, surely, there is more than one reason the Steelers brought in Elandon Roberts, even though he’s been stashed on the practice squad. Coincidentally, Patrick Queen has been playing his best ball of the season since that move. Could this have been a depth move as much as as a subtle warning?
Ray Fittipaldo
10:34
It's always nice to have depth. I'm sure Roberts will eventually be elevated to the 53-man roster, but Queen and Wilson are coming off excellent games. No need to force a move now. Maybe we'll see Roberts more when the Ravens and some other run-oriented teams come onto the schedule.
Lambert Lunatic
10:35
One of the big questions Coach MM faced this season was if he could match Tomlin’s knack for pulling out last-minute, hard-fought games. I say so far so good. You?
Ray Fittipaldo
10:35
Yes very much so although that Tampa game... I still dont know what he was doing there.
Lambert Lunatic
10:35
Hey Ray, love your chats and the same goes for the rest of your PG team. All 3 of you have been questioned recently on how well the D will do when facing an elite QB. For the rest of the regular season, I only see Burrow and Jackson in that category while Trevor Lawrence is playing at a high level. The playoff picture would likely only add Allen and Mahomes. Am I missing somebody? I feel a healthy, opportunistic Steelers D can stack up a lot more wins this season, no?
Ray Fittipaldo
10:36
Well, I think the Broncos can turn it around. That won't be an easy game. And I'm not saying Nix is an elite QB, but he was very effective when he was healthy last season. Those guys who can run and throw can gives the Steelers problems.
Big Daddy Steeler Fan
10:37
Morning Ray!!  I thought the Steelers got hosed with the JPJ trade to Dallas until I see with Indy got for their 2 guys.  If we can get a top tier WR (1 or 2) for a 3rd or 4th round pick.....will we see it?
Ray Fittipaldo
10:38
If all it takes to get a starter for a third or a fourth then yes I do think the Steelers will be involved in those talks. But you have to know the Chiefs are thin at receiver too. There might be a bidding war for some of these receivers who are on the block. I'm sure other teams will be involved too.
Big Daddy Steeler Fan
10:38
Ray, as a followup, seeing a number of safeties tied to the Steelers in trade rumors.   Do you think thats more likely than WR?
Ray Fittipaldo
10:40
Maybe. I talked to DeShon Elliott yesterday. McCarthy said he came through the game fine and Elliott basically said the same thing. I still kind of get the feeling that it's going to be a process before we see the DeShon Elliott of old. And maybe that's to be expcted after missing a year. So is safety a possibility in a trade? Sure, but how do all these pieces fit? They really like Robert Spears-Jennings too. I think they believe he's a future starter so I don't think they'd be looking to acquire a long-term starter per se.
Todd in Motown
10:40
Last season’s major downfall was lack of viable receiver #2 (or #3).  Germie Bernard performing well, likely be a #1 or #2 with experience, but offense needs one more high end guy to open it up and avoid last season’s issues.  Are Steelers not looking, or just not finding takers on potential trades?
Ray Fittipaldo
10:41
We still have more than a week until the deadline. It's Nov. 10. Yes the Colts are active early and you'll see a few more before deadline day, but lots of deals will be done on that Monday or Tuesday.
Tampa Too
10:42
Ray. Can you explain to me why the NFL does not hire full-time referees? It makes no sense unless it’s a financial issue. And that makes no sense because of all the money the NFL makes.
Ray Fittipaldo
10:44
Only one game a week. They do have some midweek responsibilities, but for the most part it's flying in for the game and that's it. The NFL would have to come up with a daily plan for them during the season and the offseason. How much teaching and learning can go on for officials? They all know the rules, but it's always the question of the speed of the game and whether they can keep up. I'm not sure hiring full-time officials will resolve that. Look at MLB. They obviously have full-time umpires and we now have ABS to check them. Maybe the answer likes in more expedited replay and those sorts of thigns to correct the obvious misses the officials make.
Bob
10:45
Any chance they trade for another WR?
Ray Fittipaldo
10:45
Yes especially if they win on Sunday.
Mikey C
10:45
The wide receiver situation over the past 4 years has derailed this team from having any chance of playoff success. Don’t you think it’s time to get that strong #2 in a big trade soon because the Tillman injury looks long term.
Ray Fittipaldo
10:46
You mean Pittman, I think. And yes, I think Omar Khan will be on the phone trying to upgrade. Brandon Smith made a nice catch for a third-down conversion in Paris, but they could use a legit No. 2 or a solid No. 3 to make the WR corps much better.
Uncle Larry
10:46
Who is better at ILB; Queen or Wilson?
Ray Fittipaldo
10:48
Wilson is having a really nice year. It's a contract year for him and he's playing like someone who will get a second deal. They didn't want to re-sign Queen in the offseason. He'll be a free agent in the spring. Up and down year for Queen, but he was very good in Paris.
MikeM65 in Florida
10:48
For some reason here in FL we get to watch the Cowboys every week, so I'm seeing a lot of George Pickens.  I can't help but notice if he isn't involved in a play he isn't doing anything, like blocking for a teammate.  I noticed watching the Steelers they have a lot of yards after a catch because the receivers are blocking.  Is this because McCarthy stresses blocking to his receivers or they simply  have it in their DNA to block?
Ray Fittipaldo
10:50
The Steelers have a very good group of blockers at receiver this season. They're really good at it. And it helps when you're $30 million dollar a year No. 1 sets the tone in that department. Metcalf gets a lot of criticism, but his blocking and his team-first attitude are reasons why he's well-liked in the locker room. Pickens was the opposite. He didn't block and his teammates didn't care for him because he was a selfish player.
Lambert’s Teeth
10:50
Can we anticipate, barring injury, that Frazier will be among the pantheon of great Steelers centers when his career is done?  What is your take on the other three, even with an admittedly small sample size at RT?
Ray Fittipaldo
10:51
Frazier certainly is trending in that direction. He's looking like he's shoe-in for the Pro Bowl and maybe even will be in consideration for All-Pro.
Stairway to seventh seed
10:51
Ray: how many more games can the Steelers win if they allow 30 of 38 completions?
Ray Fittipaldo
10:52
How many more games against teams like the Saints? I mean, as long as the red zone defense is good they can win those types of games against inferior opponents. But they won't win those types of games on a consistent basis against better QBs and better offenses.
Stairway to seventh seed
10:53
Ray: great article on Fautanu last week.  How long until we can stop blaming his play on the switch in sides before we realize the Steelers need to move him to guard and draft yet another tackle?
Ray Fittipaldo
10:55
I just can't see that happening in the near future. It wouldn't be fair to Fautanu. I think they need to give him time to get really comfortable there. You could tell in his thoughtful answers in that story that he wants to be great and he wants to do it at tackle. But as he said "it's a lot." People don't realize how difficult that transition can be for some players. A few can switch sides without any issues. But for many it takes time and plenty of reps before it's all good.
Stairway to seventh seed
10:55
Ray: Concepcion is elite after the catch.  Fannin also can turn short passes into big gains.  I think it will be a huge mistake if the Steelers play soft zones and allow easy underneath completions again this week.  Do you think they will change it up?
Ray Fittipaldo
10:56
They haven't through seven games. I don't think they have the personnel to play man to man, but you do have to mix it in some esepcially against teams like the Browns.
Steeltown, Jax Beach
10:56
Good morning Ray. Really hoping the Steelers go after Brian Thomas Jr, but I’m skeptical as to why the jags would want to trade within the AFC, especially with a game with them right around the corner. Who’s the next best option to pick up at WR?
Ray Fittipaldo
10:58
Thomas or Downs. I'd love Davonta Smith from the Eagles, but I don't know that he's on the table. Smith would be my No. 1 target because he's exactly what the Steelers need. Thomas too, but you just wonder why he's fallen out of favor with the Jags. Maybe he's a classic case of where a change of scenery would be the solution. But I think we're all in agreement that their WR corps can use some upgrades.
Rod Helmut
10:58
Ray...thank you for the chat.  Do you ever hear anything on Jack Lambert?  Does he ever come back to any of the reunions?  I have heard he does, but then leaves w/ no public appearances?  is he healthy?  What have you heard on Jack Splat?
Ray Fittipaldo
11:00
When they do the reunions they usually do a group photo and the media is invited. I've been around the team for almost a quarter century and I've never seen Lambert at one of those reunions. Maybe he does come and leave. I do know he paid his respects at Chuck Noll's funeral. I just think he likes to live the quiet life.
DetroitSteel
11:00
Hi Ray, thanks for the chats. I usually read the transcript but I'm logging in early today. Do you think the Steelers should make any moves before the trade deadline, and do you think they will? If yes, what moves?
Ray Fittipaldo
11:00
I think they'll try, and I think they should be looking at WRs.
DetroitSteel
11:00
Any updates on Derrick Harmon's return? How would you rate Benton and Black's performance without him?
Ray Fittipaldo
11:01
We're due for a Harmon update. He has not been in the rehab group with the other injured players. Benton and Black played very well in Paris. Like the offensive line, you'd like to see more consistency, but they're young and growing.
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