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Ray Fittipaldo's Steelers chat: 11.03.20
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Ray Fittipaldo
1:53
Welcome and let's get started
VaSteelerFan
1:54
Hi Ray . . . is Edmunds is getting phased out of multiple defensive packages because he's not as good in coverage?
Ray Fittipaldo
1:55
I noticed Edmunds went off a few times against the Ravens, but I think it was just a specific package to deal with this unique offense. He's not getting phased out. Keith Butler just said last week he's playing well.
VaSteelerFan
1:55
Hi Ray, thanks for the chats. Before making the big tackle of Jackson, how bad was Isaiah Buggs? Tomlin seemed unhappy. Should the Steelers be looking for someone? Even Dontari Poe?
Ray Fittipaldo
1:57
The good news is Tyson Alualu shouldn't miss more than a game or two with his sprained MCL, so I wouldn't look for another trade. Buggs will get more snaps this week against Dallas along with Henry Mondeaux. The run defense was not good and Tomlin's comments indicate they were particularly soft in the middle. But Buggs warmed up to the task and Tomlin said today it's reasonable to expect some improvement against the Cowboys.
BB
1:57
Ray - By when do the Steelers have to make a roster move to accommodate Williamson?  What move do you think that will be?
Ray Fittipaldo
1:58
Williamson won't be out of COVID protocols until Saturday so they'll make that move then. You might see Ulysees GIlbert go to IR. Or you could see Marcus Allen go to the practice squad, or any other number of moves at other positions.
Kirby Hogenmiller
1:59
Why does everyone make it such a big deal with Big Ben and the deep ball? The Patriots Dinked and Dunked their way to three super bowl wins the last decade and that worked fine for them. Also can’t hit the QB if he gets rid of the ball too fast. Ben is perfectly capable of hitting the deep ball if it presents itself.
Ray Fittipaldo
2:01
I hear you, but eventually he's going to have to complete a higher percentage of them. One reason the Ravens smothered the Steelers in the first half was the inability to make a big play deep. Their corners were singled up with Steelers receivers and Steelers receivers were not winning. Ben threw it up there a few times -- just not where his receivers could make a play, or they didn't make a play for him. It's an area where the Steelers need improvement. Better separation by their receivers will help, but I acknowledge the Ravens have two very good CBs in Peters and Humphrey.
mrbig
2:01
Why do our d backs try to make a pick at the end of the game instead of swatting the bll down? That's 2 weeks in a row-
Ray Fittipaldo
2:02
If you're speaking of the Fitzpatrick play on the final play I thought he deliberately batted the ball downward. I'll have to watch it again, but I just thought he made a strong on the ball and broke it up.
Jeff
2:02
Thanks for the chats Ray.  Rules question...when heyward had to come out of the game it cost us a timeout.  What happens if we don't have a timeout left?
Ray Fittipaldo
2:02
I believe it's a delay of game penalty, but I'll have to look that up to make sure.
Buster
2:02
Ray, in a story last week Ron mentioned the animosity between Ben and Hines Ward. Do you think that Ben is the reason the team has never offered Ward a coaching job?
Ray Fittipaldo
2:03
I don't think it helps although Hines did spend some time here as an intern a few years back.
Big House
2:04
The term" made adjustments at halftime" is over used . With a 10 minute halftime and 3-5 minutes for bathroom use is there really any dramatic adjustments that could be done  that can't be done or should have been done on the sideline during the game?
Ray Fittipaldo
2:04
It's 12 minutes and Tomlin indicated on Sunday that was when the team regrouped. In-game adjustments are important, too, but sometimes the game just moves too fast. Halftime might not be long, but it does give the coaches and players a chance to reconfigure game plans.
DaquidoBazzini
2:05
Hi Ray… A lot of Steeler media people yesterday (Not you) were talking about how bad Avery Williamson is, especially covering the pass. What would be your assessment, and how much of his play recently do you think has to do with being on a bad team?
Ray Fittipaldo
2:07
I was told by someone who knows him well that he is a very good run defender and is good in zone coverage. While he can match up in man it's not his strong suit. He's also a professional and will fit in nicely with the team concept the Steelers have. Tomlin made it pretty clear today he was added to provide depth behind Vince Williams and Robert Spillane. That doesn't mean he'll ride the bench, but for right now it means they'll look for spots where he can help the team.
DaquidoBazzini
2:07
In Baltimore, we had our first real scare as far as Ben Roethlisberger’s elbow goes. We heard on the radio how Dr. Bradley was looking at it. From what you’ve heard , where do you think that elbow physically stands at this point in time?
Ray Fittipaldo
2:08
Ben speaks with reporters tomorrow morning and I'm sure he'll be asked about. When he's been asked in the past, almost on a weekly basis, he's said it's fine.  Tomlin hasn't listed him on the injury report, either.
Guest
2:08
Ray how bad is Cam's injury? If he's 50-50 wouldn't it be best to rest him against the Cowboys assuming it's as close to a sure victory as possible?
Ray Fittipaldo
2:09
Tomlin said he thinks there is a chance Heyward can play, but -- everyone with me now -- "his practice participation will be our guide."
All quiet on the MD front.
2:09
Ray, The myriad of injuries the Steelers have suffered along the defensive line feels like the end of the 2016 season when they had a hard time finding healthy bodies.  Do you anticipate them bringing back like an LJ Walton, Joshua Frazier, or an old face to bolster depth or to the practice squad?  I assume the Williamson trade ends their activity on that front.
Ray Fittipaldo
2:10
Not at this point, but Tomlin did say Carlos Davis might be more involved. He's the rookie seventh-round pick.
Ken
2:10
Should we be nervous for that let down game.
Ray Fittipaldo
2:11
I would be. Third road game in a row. A considerably lesser opponent than the first two. A quarterback who is familiar with the Steelers defense. Hey, it's the NFL. Every team is capable of winning on any given week. Except for the Jets.
Blue Collar Jeff
2:12
Ray--Thanks for your patience and insights during these chats. What's the story on the heated conversation between TJ Watt and Keith Butler during the 2nd quarter of the Ravens' game? TJ said, "these things happen in the heat of battle", and that may be true. But he definitely took exception to something the DC said and wasn't backing down.
Ray Fittipaldo
2:13
Watt was asked about it after the game and gave his side of the story. We'll get a chance to interview Butler on Thursday. It happens more often than you think, but you don't often see it with the Steelers.
John
2:13
Hi Ray, in my estimation Minkah has had a good season, albeit up and down at times. Sunday, he came up big, especially in the 4th quarter on both the fumble and pass breakup. What is your assessment of his play and what do you expect moving forward? Thanks for the chat!
Ray Fittipaldo
2:13
Fewer big plays, but he's helping them win games. And that's all that matters.
norm_brennan
2:13
Spillane looks good, why wasn't he drafted by anyone?
Ray Fittipaldo
2:15
I think I read somewhere that he ran a 4.77 40 at the combine. NFL teams just don't draft LBs with that type of athletic profile. Good for Spillane that he's been able to overcome his perceived weakness. His football smarts and tenacity allow him to make up for that lack of speed.
V. Fontaine
2:15
How would you asses David DeCastro's play? I know he has been battling injuries but his play seems to be slipping to me. I'm not suggesting replacing him but I'm also not saying he's playing up to his usual Pro Bowl standards.
Ray Fittipaldo
2:16
Randy Fichtner mentioned last week that he's playing "catch-up." You are right. He has struggled with injuries. That happens sometimes especially to players north of 30.
Gene
2:16
Your thoughts on how Isiah Buggs played Sunday.
Ray Fittipaldo
2:16
Flashed at times. Has to be more consistent.
Gary - Manhattan Beach
2:16
Hi Ray. I enjoy the great chats! Why so many times on 3rd and long (3rd & 14, etc.) does Butler go to the prevent and then these good QBs consistently get first downs. So instead of 3 and out, our D stays on the field. I know we are winning, but do you see any hope for change here? Thank you.
Ray Fittipaldo
2:17
Stay tuned to post-gazette.com tomorrow. I am writing about this very subject.
Jerry
2:17
It’s weird Marlon Humphrey was sick on Wednesday. Then he played Sunday. Your thoughts?
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