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Ray Fittipaldo's Steelers chat: 11.15.22
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Ray Fittipaldo
1:59
Welcome to my Steelers chat. Let's get started.
Draft
2:00
Since this season is pretty much sunk despite Sunday's "thrilling" win, it's time to look to the future. With our expectedly high 1st round pick, would it behoove us to pick the "best athlete available" or work trade down to get extra picks because there are a lot of holes on this roster and we don't have many picks this year.
Ray Fittipaldo
2:03
Well, the Steelers have three picks in the first two rounds plus their third and fourth-round picks. So they have some prime selections. They could have three picks in the top 40 or 45. But yes they could trade down to accumulate more picks if they believe the talent gap is small. But listen, if they're picking in the top 5 they're probably going to get a stud defender like Will Anderson or Jalen Carter. so in that scenario, unless I'm overwhelmed with a trade offer, I'm getting one of those guys.
Jay
2:03
Ray, why do you think the team keeps Spillane on the field on obvious passing downs and sits Bush and Jack like in Dime? To me he’s too slow in man or zone in coverage, he cannot play cover two because he’s too slow, why not play him on obvious run downs and allow Bush your fastest ILB to play in coverage?
Ray Fittipaldo
2:05
The Steelers believe Spillane is a good player in all situations, pass coverage included. Plus, he's a really good communicator and gets his teammates aligned where they're supposed to be. Don't underestimate that as part of the equation. I know he was beaten for a touchdown, but other than that one miscue I didn't see him getting exposed. I know it's happened in the past, but I think he's a very solid player. As Tomlin says, they have a pair and a spare at inside linebacker.
Jana
2:05
Dionte Johnson seems to be Picketts hardest connection. What do you see that contributes to that?  I know he gets the top DBs
Ray Fittipaldo
2:08
By hardest connection I am guessing you mean the completion rate isn't as good as with the other WRs? I would say that's true, but Pickett knows he's the No. 1 receiver, and I think he's trying to find that connection. It's going to take some time. As a rookie, Pickett is in a unique position. He has to keep Johnson happy while also developing a rapport with other players such as George Pickens, who also needs to be fed in order to produce.
Old School
2:08
Hi Ray. Thank you for the chats. In their last game, did the Steelers change anything in their run blocking, scheme, etc, or are the Saints just really poor against the run. Thanks again.
Ray Fittipaldo
2:10
No major changes. The way it was described to me the players had more input into the plays and the game plan because they voiced some of their concerns to the coaches during the off week. So I think Najee Harris had some plays in there that he liked, and the I think the linemen were able to tell the coaches what they liked. Nothing earth-shattering, but I think the off week was a good time for the offense to reset and for things like that to happen.
elcid97
2:10
Not that the Rooneys would ever contemplate this, but for fun... if the Steelers were to lose their minds and name an interim head coach from among the ranks of former players with no coaching experience at the pro level, who do you think would be a good choice?
Ray Fittipaldo
2:11
Hines Ward. I don't even know if that's fun. I just think he played the game the right way and might have some of the same qualities that convinced the Colts to hire Jeff Saturday.
Matt Canada
2:11
Ray, we've got eight games to go. What can I do to save my job?
Ray Fittipaldo
2:11
Score more than 20 points.
2:12
Score a touchdown from more than a yard out
Put a more consistent product on the field
Coach15
2:12
Why do many of the local articles make it sound like Steelers are back, that they found a running game, Pickett had no turnovers, TJ is back, OL looked much improved, & several chunk plays?  They should realize Saints are a "WRECK"!
Ray Fittipaldo
2:16
The schedule is the schedule. There are more teams like the Saints over the final half of the season like the Colts, Raiders, Panthers and Falcons.
Ryan S.
2:17
Hey Ray. Thanks for the chats! Whats your prediction on record for the rest of the year? I cant help but feel 8-9 is inevitable and that would be the worst possible scenario
Ray Fittipaldo
2:17
In terms of the draft, yes. I think 7-10 is on the table. 6-11 at the worst unless things go sideways.
Boiler G Dog
2:18
Ray: I find it interesting that so many people are ready to give up on Pickett already. He’s a rookie with a horrible OC and an OL that is just getting used to playing with each other. There will be growing pains. I think he’s going to be a good replacement for Ben. Let him learn and grow.
Ray Fittipaldo
2:19
That's what they're doing. We'll see if it pays dividends. The shame is he's probably going to be learning a new offense under a new coordinator in a few months. But there's nothing Tomlin can do about that now.
DaquidoBazzini
2:19
If David Tepper (Carolina owner)was interested in acquiring Mike Tomlin in a trade as a HC…How is something like that usually initiated?
Ray Fittipaldo
2:19
He picks up the phone and calls Art Rooney.
Jim
2:19
It looks to me like the oline is not much better than last year, Kenny has about 2.5 secs to get rid of the ball or be crushed. Why are people saying its better?
Ray Fittipaldo
2:21
Tomlin noted today how they are playing with better cohesion. They had three new starters over the offseason. Two new guards working with the tackles to go along with a new center. One game does not a season make, but let's see if they can build off the performance against the Saints.
Tampa too
2:21
Ray. Just a question about the bye week. In your conversations with coaches and players is there a preference on when they would like their bye week? Pittsburgh had it almost in the middle of the season this year but I noticed that New Orleans doesn’t have one for several more weeks yet. Just curious
Ray Fittipaldo
2:22
Depends on a team's injury situation, etc. but I think most teams like it in the middle range. It's never good to have one early in the season.
AK
2:22
How is it that DJ doesn’t learn from giving ground after a catch?
Ray Fittipaldo
2:23
Receivers can give up some ground in an effort to make something happen, but most have a better compass than Johnson, who might have lost eight yards on his RAC.
AK
2:23
When Minkah returns, do you think the Steelers will use Kazee as a third safety and remove Spillane from coverage in obvious passing situations?
Ray Fittipaldo
2:24
Yes they'll play their three-safety defense and yes an inside linebacker is likely to be the player replaced, but it might not be Spillane.
Jim
2:24
Was TJ's lack of sacks Sunday rust or double teams?
Ray Fittipaldo
2:25
I focused on him quite a bit. If I watched him exclusively 25 times in the game I'd say he was either double-teamed or chipped on two-thirds of those plays.
epiballo
2:25
Why did the Bears trade for Claypool? Through two games, he has a handful of receptions for about 22 yards and a few running the ball. I know it is only two games, but that is hardly the return for a second round pick!
Ray Fittipaldo
2:25
I don't know but Omar Khan should have that guy in Chicago on speed dial next November on trade deadline day.
Tommy from Florida
2:26
Any shot we pick up Eno Benjamin?
Ray Fittipaldo
2:26
Not for the 53-man roster. They're set with Harris and Warren as their top two and Snell is a core special teams player. Maybe stash him on the practice squad, but I'm sure some other teams will be eyeing that move as well.
Pickett2Pickens
2:27
I agree with your thinking in picking the best defender available in the draft. With half the season in the books who do you see being replaced from the O Line and who in the draft do you like that would replace him?
Ray Fittipaldo
2:28
Through nine games I'd say their biggest problem areas on the line are left guard and left tackle. Franchise left tackles tend to go in the top 5-10 picks of the draft. You can get guards anywhere in the draft. Sure, one or two might be worthy of a first-round pick, but you can get them in subsequent rounds.
Gm
2:28
Hi Ray, KP 8 showed great signs of being a manager... but is that we drafted him for?
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