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Ray Fittipaldo's Steelers chat: 12.10.24
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Ray Fittipaldo
2:00
Welcome and let's get started.
Stairway to seventh seed
2:00
Ray: there has been a lot said and written about how the receiving corps stepped up in Picken's absence.  Wow, if that is stepping up, how bad would it look if they just played their normal game?  I thought the lack of open options was awful.  Jefferson can get schemed up to be wide open once a game, but he has to be the worst WR2 in the league and by a wide margin from #31.
Ray Fittipaldo
2:02
It was not pretty without Pickens, but they manufactured a win on short notice. Russell Wilson had just 158 passing yards in the game. It was better at halftime -- he had just 46 yards at halftime -- but they'll need to be much better versus the Eagles. The one positive is they know this week Pickens won't play. The game planned all last week with the idea he would be playing. That makes a difference.
Stairway to seventh seed
2:02
On Jeudy's TD and on several big plays on Cleveland's 2nd TD drive, the Steelers had secondary players (eg Minkah and Beanie) seemingly in good position just before they drifted to an area with no receiver and left the eventual receiver wide open.  On top of the defensive collapse in the 4th quarter vs Cincy, do the DBs just have incredibly poor discipline in "plastering" to receivers in zone coverage or is it some other flaw?  Are Tomlin and Austin going to try to fix this problem or will they wait until it causes another 4th quarter come from ahead loss?
Ray Fittipaldo
2:04
Winston stepped up in the pocket on the Jeudy TD and that can cause some issues for defensive backs. Angles change and it's easy to lose sight of someone in the open field. I'm not making excuses for them, but it was the only big play for the Browns in the game. As you mentioned it happened with more frequency late in the game against the Bengals. You always want to be perfect, but giving up 14 points is a pretty good recipe for winning.
Tampa Too
2:05
Ray it seems like Russell Wilson wants to stay in Pittsburgh after this season. Do you think he will take a hometown discount to stay here?
Ray Fittipaldo
2:06
I'm not sure what Wilson has in mind for what likely will be his last NFL contract, but I think if you're the Steelers you make him a fair offer you are comfortable with and then see if it's in his ball park. If it is, then you negotiate and try to make it work.
Moncreif
2:06
Ray, assuming Cam does not get hurt or fall off the cliff over the next 4 games, is he an All Pro or simply a Pro Bowler. If it is another All Pro selection is that enough to get him a gold jacket at some point or does he actually have to be involved a deep playoff run or two before he hangs it up?
Ray Fittipaldo
2:07
He's having an All-Pro season. I would be surprised if he's not named first-team All-Pro. And yes, eventually I think Cam gets in the Hall of Fame. I'm not sure it happens right away, but if you look at what he's accomplished in the second half of his career it's been pretty remarkable.
KJ
2:08
Hello Ray.  I'm not sure anyone has ever seen an NFL team have to play 3 games in 11 days, but what were the schedule makers thinking? Especially with the opponents being Philly, Ravens, and Chiefs?  This being said, how do see the Steelers faring over these games? I'm hoping for at least one win.  Your thoughts?
Ray Fittipaldo
2:09
It happened in the COVID year. Obviously, the reason is TV revenue and teams like the Steelers and Ravens and Chiefs have to bite the bullet. With Pickens, I might have picked them to go 2-1, but 1-2 might be more attainable with Pickens nursing his hamstring injury.
KJ
2:09
Have you seen Pickens working out? Is it still doubtful (25% chance) that he plays in Philly?
Ray Fittipaldo
2:10
Highly doubtful. Tomlin all but said today he won't play.
60 Prevent Slot Hook And Go
2:10
Hey Ray, thanks for the chat! Any news on Donte Jackson’s injury? I’m hoping we don’t lose him for an extended period. Thanks!
Ray Fittipaldo
2:10
Tomlin said today he should be good to go for Sunday.
Ron
2:10
enjoy you work, Ray. Do you see OL Troy Fautaunu around the building? Any chance that  he will return before the season is over?
Ray Fittipaldo
2:11
Yes I see him in the building. He is rehabbing his injury. Small chance he could return in the playoffs if they make a deep run but not in the regular season.
SMP
2:11
Do you see any real improvement in run blocking in the O-line, it seems to me if we can’t run at will in the upcoming tough games and playoffs we won’t win against the big boys.
Ray Fittipaldo
2:12
It's a game-to-game thing. I thought they were OK versus the Browns and Bengals. Arthur Smith not being as predictable has helped in recent weeks.
Jim Bow Dean
2:12
The Steelers haven’t won in Philadelphia since I was barely 3 months old and living on that side of the state. Aren’t they due? #HiddenVigorish.
Ray Fittipaldo
2:13
Overdue. They haven't won there since 1965.
Rahman Chisty
2:13
Hi Ray. Is Cam Heyward the best Interior D-lineman of Steelers History?
Ray Fittipaldo
2:13
A man by the name of Joe Greene was pretty good.
AC23
2:13
Any chance both Russ and Fields return next season ?
Ray Fittipaldo
2:13
I think Fields might get an opportunity to compete for a starting job elsewhere, but if not I'd bring him back if it's at a reasonable price.
Guest
2:14
Ray, you are the OC and Pickens can’t play. What is your plan to beat the Eagles?
Ray Fittipaldo
2:15
Build game plan around Freiermuth. Target Mike Williams more. Keep the Eagles off balance by breaking tendencies with play-calling. And, of course, run the ball well to set up the passing game.
Tom in Dallas
2:15
As everyone has pointed out, the next three games will define this team going into the playoffs.  If they lose all 3, they will be a good team with flaws.  If they win all they three, they will likely be the two, and possibly the one seed, and considered a favorite to win the AFC.  But, what if they only win two or one of the games?  And if you had to rank the games in order of importance, what would they be?  We know we can beat the Ravens, so I would rather have a win over KC and lose to the Ravens if that was an option.
Ray Fittipaldo
2:17
The Ravens game is most important because they can win the AFC North and secure a top 4 seed. After that it's KC. You want to win in Philly this weekend, NFC games are not factored prominently in NFL tiebreakers.
Tom in Dallas
2:17
How many QB's have won SB on different teams?  The only two I can think of are Peyton and Brady.  If we can somehow win this year, Russ would join that list, which is pretty exclusive.  Am I missing someone?  (maybe should preface with starting QBs, not back ups...)
Ray Fittipaldo
2:18
I'd have to go back through history to make sure, but you might be right. Long ago, QBs didn't switch teams as often. It certainly would be a nice feather in Wilson's cap if it happens.
Tom
2:18
Do you feel Willie Parker was really worthy of the Hall?
Ray Fittipaldo
2:19
Longest TD run in Super Bowl history. I hate to critique those types of decisions. I might have put Joey Porter in before him, but I'm sure Porter will get in soon.
Jamain Pain2
2:19
Hi Ray!  Love the chats.  That is all!
NamelessGrayFace
2:19
I know Tomlin says that he is only focusing on the Eagles and the next seven days as it pertains to practice, injury consideration, and body of preparation - and while I understand the point, there HAS to be consideration for the long game here, no?
Ray Fittipaldo
2:20
Correct. He just does not want to admit that. As I mentioned a little bit ago, the Baltimore and KC games are more important than the Eagles game.
first round glory
2:20
would you rather play the Texans on the road or the Ravens at home? I'm for the Texans by a mile.
Ray Fittipaldo
2:21
Tough call because you always to play at home, but the Ravens are the better team.
Takoma Tom
2:21
Where’s Roman Wilson?  Any chance he sees the field this year?
Ray Fittipaldo
2:21
They'd have to open his 21-day window soon. If this Pickens injury lingers then maybe.
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