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Ray Fittipaldo's Steelers chat: 10.16.17
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Ray Fittipaldo
12:56
I think he only played 10-12 snaps. So it's not like he was out there a lot. He made the biggest play of the game though.
Pompeani.vs.Nutting
12:56
Assuming that his teammates weren't all aware of his trade request, how do you think the news affects the team dynamic, particularly on offense where they are still struggling?
Ray Fittipaldo
12:57
I think they knew. At least some were acting like they knew something was amiss with Bryant in recent weeks.
Foolback
12:57
Ray, if Vance McDonald continues in the same backup role this season, does he actually have a 'next' season with the Steelers?
Ray Fittipaldo
12:57
Probably not. They need more production from their tight end in the passing game. That's one of the missing elements in this offense right now.
Chuck
12:57
Is BJ Finney a better run blocker than Ramon Foster? LB's had 3 monster games over the past 2 years where Finney started for Foster.
Ray Fittipaldo
12:58
B.J. Finney is no slouch, that's for sure. Very good backup. Might even be a starter down the road.
KJ
12:58
The reason the Patriots have been successful for the past 17(!) seasons is not only because of Tom Brady, although he is the primary reason, but because they have cultivated a "team-first" stance and bring in role players suited to that dynamic. Bryant's selfish trade request would seem to bely this dynamic on the Steelers, don't you think?
Ray Fittipaldo
12:59
The Steelers should be sponsored by Procter and Gamble. They're a soap opera.
At least they have been for the past month.
WWNJ
12:59
Why did Steelers swap out so many starters on D so late in the game? Were guys really sucking wind that badly?
Ray Fittipaldo
1:00
Well, they liked the matchup of Harrison on Fisher and I don't think they were totally pleased with the play of Bud Dupree.
Tony
1:00
Ray the red zone play calling seems confusing at best. Take the first and goal from the 3 yesterday resulting in two passes, one run and thus a FG. Are they getting too cute down in close or am I being too vanilla when I say until they stop the run, run it?
Ray Fittipaldo
1:01
I'd line up with Nix at FB and either Watson or Bell at RB. And I'd try to hammer it in. You can always mix in a play-action pass down there at an opportune time. I'm not saying you can't pass on the goalline, but you have to have a running mentality down there. It's an attitude and the Steelers don't have it.
KJ
1:02
Do you have any insight as to why AB allowed the free kick after the safety to fall to the ground and take that funny bounce, resulting in KC possession and ultimately a KC FG? "Brain Freeze" or he just didn't realize it was a "live ball"?
Ray Fittipaldo
1:02
He said he couldn't get to it fast enough and it took a bad bounce.
SteelByDesign
1:02
Mike Mitchell is going to get a flag for his mouth at a critical point in a game this year. Do his coaches or teammates ever tell him to chill out? At one point yesterday, very early on, Mike was in Hunt's face and Heyward had to pull him off.
Ray Fittipaldo
1:03
I don't think the coaches have any control over Mitchell. If they did they would ave told him to cut it out by now. They must not care. Maybe it's part of the persona they'd like to have.
Jim
1:04
I was at the game, and thought the O-line played very well, opening holes for the running game. The D played very well too. One of the drawbacks to being in the other teams home is that you don't hear individual names being called out. Who do you think had an exceptional game?
Ray Fittipaldo
1:04
Pouncey and DeCastro did well yesterday. The whole offensive line, really. And obviously Bell and most of the defense until the middle of the fourth. Then it seemed like they were almost falling apart.
WWNJ
1:04
Do either Tomlin or Butler address the continuous Mike Mitchell indiscretions? My fear is that he's going to do something stupid in a big moment and cost a game.
Ray Fittipaldo
1:05
See above answer.
steve
1:05
Good afternoon Ray. I've seen Chief fans complaining that it should have been a TD on the pass that was broken up by Davis in the end zone. I thought it was a good call. Did you think it was a TD or an incomplete pass?
Ray Fittipaldo
1:05
I didn't see a good replay in the press box. I didn't see a lot of complaining on the sidelines from the Chiefs.
Adam
1:05
The Haden signing looks good, I hardly heard is name mentioned all game. thought?
Ray Fittipaldo
1:05
Yep that's a good thing.
Chuck
1:06
Why do we continue to go pass happy on 3rd and short or also when we get in RZ? The only Td we got is when we ran the ball on 1st. The other time we got down in RZ we passed on 2 of the 3 downs. Also 3rd and 2 in second half both times we passed and didn't convert. On a day where you run so well and even convert a 3rd and long by running it, keep doing it. We stop ourselves often. Can we look at play selections as the main reason for drive and scoring failures this season?
Ray Fittipaldo
1:06
I'm sure lack of execution has been involved, too, but I agree the play-calling has to start slanting toward the run.
JJ
1:06
Do you think the Steelers are capable of beating anyone, but also capable of losing to anyone.  Maybe not peaking too early is a good thing.
Ray Fittipaldo
1:08
I'd say so. Lose to the Bears and Jaguars and beat the Chiefs. The Chiefs a team that was averaging 33 points per game, that's impressive.
KJ
1:09
Do you think Haley is "overthinking" himself on occasion? Given the wealth of talent the Steelers have on offense, it's more than curious that we are still waiting for a 30-point offensive output, don't you think?
Ray Fittipaldo
1:09
I saw some good signs yesterday. Red zone execution is holding this team back right now.
1:10
OK have to shut this down and get to the locker room. My travel itinerary got me this week. I'll have a full hour next week after the Bengals game.
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