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Ray Fittipaldo's Steelers chat: 10.2.17
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Ray Fittipaldo
12:36
OK let's get started. Sorry for the delay. We just got back from Baltimore.
JerseySteel
12:36
Hi Ray - what is your assessment of the play of two new Steelers at CB this year - Mike Hilton and Joe Haden?
Ray Fittipaldo
12:38
I think they're both doing pretty well. The Steelers pass defense is among the league leaders when it comes to yards allowed. Hilton has been really good blitzing from the slot and he picked up his career INT yesterday. Haden was in coverage on that TD to Wallace yesterday, but Flacco really thread the needle to get that one in there. Overall, he's been solid.
Charlotte John
12:38
With all the talent on the defensive side, is stopping the run just a schematic issue and, by years end, our run defense will be stout?
Ray Fittipaldo
12:39
Well, they still had a few problems with the zone runs yesterday. The Ravens popped two for some pretty big gains. After that they were solid. If you want to be a dominant defense you have to be able to stop the pass and the run.
Izzy Steel
12:40
Mondays after we beat the ravens are always great! My question is, what do you think we need to improve going into next week against the jags?
Ray Fittipaldo
12:40
Get the passing game going a little better and get the run defense stronger.
Joe B
12:40
Did Terrell Suggs play? I'm asking for Dean Pees.
Ray Fittipaldo
12:41
I noticed him pregame when he wore that Bane mask when he was introduced. During the game I did not notice him once. Sad, but he seems like he's a prop now.
mtsteel
12:42
Hi Ray, thanks for the time.  Great all around win yesterday. Not to nit pick, but in the 4th Q, the Steelers were looking to put the game away and threw a bomb on 3rd and 2.  Whats up with these bombs? Why not get the first and sustain the drive to keep the clock moving and maybe get a FG ? Thanks!
Ray Fittipaldo
12:42
I actually liked that call. As Ben said afterward it would have been a dagger if he was on target. No issue with that call whatsoever. The QB and the WRs have to start making ore of those plays.
Guest
12:43
3-1, 2-0 in the division with a win over the Ravens, and this team isn't playing anywhere close to its best. Tomlin's teams tend to get better as the season goes on. Oh, and the Patriots have some problems. Any reason why we shouldn't be feeling pretty good today?
Ray Fittipaldo
12:43
Much different feeling than a week ago I bet. All good this Monday.
Blu
12:43
Finally inactivated Harrison after 3 games.  I believe that is a good move considering his play has been less than 10 snaps (or so).  What is the future of 92 for this season?
Ray Fittipaldo
12:44
We still don't know if he was inactive because of his illness or if that was a coach's decision. But it's tough to dress your fifth OLB when he doesn't play special teams.
Stilrs In CA
12:44
Hi Ray...LB finally hit his stride with the big game in Bmore. Your take on Bens game? He still doesn't look as sharp as he has been in the past?
Ray Fittipaldo
12:45
No he hasn't been real sharp but maybe he'll come around this week. If they want to go to the Super Bowl he has to get closer to his usual form.
Blu
12:45
Ben's play thus far has been mediocre.  Is this father time or simply early season timing issues?  I would think after 2 months of work weeks now timing issues would be a moot point.
Ray Fittipaldo
12:46
Don't think timing should be an issue at this point of the season especially since he had a full camp with all the WRS (except for Bryant for 2 weeks). He's just been a bit off for whatever reason.
chuck D
12:46
With all of the weapons on offense, why does this team choose to be so one dimensional at times?
Ray Fittipaldo
12:47
I wouldn't call 42 runs and 30 passes one-dimensional. They did what they had to do to win that game. Sunday was about running the ball. Next week could be about the passing game.
chuck D
12:47
Any chance Ayers is brought back now that the Pats released him?  Or did he burn a bridge when he left?
Ray Fittipaldo
12:48
Maybe to the practice squad, but you're right. Maybe he burned that bridge when he decided to sign with the Patriots.
chuck D
12:48
Why the conservative approach on offense early 3rd quarter?  Seemed as though they turtled up pretty quickly yesterday rather than keeping their foot on the gas pedal.
Ray Fittipaldo
12:48
Yeah not the way you want to finish a game you definitely dominated in the first half. They are still looking for that complete game.
chuck D
12:48
MVP of the defense so far?  Shazier or Heyward?
Ray Fittipaldo
12:49
Both have been really good. Can't choose between them.
AK
12:49
Do you expect Rogers to play in the next game?
Ray Fittipaldo
12:49
Not at this point. They won without him. Hunter did fine. Don't see a reason to go back to Eli when juJu is playing so well.
AK
12:50
The Jags have a pretty good defense and good RBs.  What are the keys to beating them?
Ray Fittipaldo
12:50
Just like Sunday, establish the running game and get yourself in favorable down and distances. On defense, stop the run and force Bortles to beat you.
Jeff
12:51
With the emergence of our young DB's how long do you think Mitchell and Gay have left with the team we seem too on a youth movement on defense.
Ray Fittipaldo
12:51
Gay has pretty much been phased out already. Mitchell will be back in the lineup once his hamstring heals.
Jeff
12:51
Do you think TJ has a legitimate shot at ROY. His play has been excellent as well as former practice squad members looks like our D is back on track especially with Bell finally returning to form.
Ray Fittipaldo
12:52
Kareem Hunt in KC is off to a good start. But yes, Watt is playing well. That's looking like a good pick for Colbert and his staff.
Mike
12:52
Hi Ray,it seems that we still keep getting stupid penalties negating good field position and forcing us to try FG,than TD.Do you see any way that Mike can get them from making those repeated blunders?
Ray Fittipaldo
12:53
Lots of holding calls this season. I didn't like the one on DeCastro. I thought his hands were inside. Bad call. But they can't get those types of penalties when they're in that part of the field. They have to clean that up.
Ike Steelheart
12:53
Hello Ray, I had the Steelers 3-1 in the first 4 games, losing at Baltimore, Ok, they lost at Chicago, but it is better losing on the road with a non-conference team than with an AFC and division opponent, so I think this 3-1 is better, right?
Ray Fittipaldo
12:53
Absolutely. If you're going to be 3-1 might as well lose to the NFC teams. Still perfect in conference.
Guest
12:54
Thanks as always...It looks like to me that ben and Martavious are still a little off with the timing of passes... What do you think the issue is??
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