You are viewing the chat in desktop mode. Click here to switch to mobile view.
X
Ray Fittipaldo's Steelers chat: 9.18.17
powered byJotCast
Prev Page View Full Chat Next Page
Ray Fittipaldo
12:17
The running game definitely hasn't picked up where it left off last season. I'm not really concerned just yet, but if he has another so-so game against the Bears I will be. After the Bears, they go to the Ravens, and the story will only grow if he doesn't come out and have a better game against the Bears.
Scott in Amsterdam
12:17
Any initial thoughts on what to expect from the upcoming game with the Bears? And are the Ravens looking better than you anticipated so far?
Ray Fittipaldo
12:18
The Bucs blew out the Bears yesterday. They're 0-2. I don't think they're very good. The Steelers have to go there and take care of business... As for the Ravens, I'm intrigued by their defense. Looks like they'll be stout. I wonder about their offense though. Marshall Yanda was hurt yesterday and is out for the year. That's yet another tough injury for them to overcome.
Gus from Dormont
12:18
Besides TJ Watt the defense is essentially the same..why is the front 7 pressure so much better this year..has Butler changed something schematically?
Ray Fittipaldo
12:19
Just winning more one-on-one battles I assume. They did bring some pressure yesterday. I saw Shazier and Williams blitz a few times. They can't rely on that all the time though. They have to generate pressure with four.
Leaper
12:19
Any word on Tuitt?
Ray Fittipaldo
12:19
Not yet. We might have a chance to talk to him later on today when there is an open locker room.
Scott in Amsterdam
12:20
Seems like James Harrison was in a hurry to get out of the locker room yesterday...should we take this as a sign that he is displeased with his role on the team?
Ray Fittipaldo
12:20
He might have just had family at the game he didn't want to keep waiting.
Buckeye Chuck
12:20
We are 2-0, but against a rookie QB in his first start, and a backup QB.  How do you think we will fare against KC, GB, and NE, who all have good teams and good QB's?
Ray Fittipaldo
12:21
That's a fair question. But they've beaten the teams in front of them. That's all you can do. They're giving up 237 yards per game and they're allowing 12 points per game. That's pretty good even if it came versus a rookie and a backup.
Buckeye Chuck
12:21
In your opinion, what is our strongest position group?  It is hard to go against the DL, they have been causing chaos lately against both the run and pass.
Ray Fittipaldo
12:21
Yeah Cam Heyward was very good yesterday. He can just wreak havoc in there.
Mike
12:22
Ray, looking at the game yesterday, why the infatuation with constantly targeting AB when the offense is on the field? Seems like Ben/steelers moved the ball better when he spread the opportunities around?
Ray Fittipaldo
12:23
He's an All-Pro. Sometimes you throw to All-Pros when they're not open because they're capable of making plays other players can't make. Targeting him 11 times versus the Browns worked. Not sure they win that game if he's not targeted 11 times.
Buckeye Chuck
12:23
Grade on Joe Haden week 2?  You don't hear his name much, which is a good thing for a CB.
Ray Fittipaldo
12:23
Solid yesterday. Didn't notice him much, which as you point out can be a good thing for a CB.
Scott in Amsterdam
12:24
Through two games, is it more accurate to say that Bell is rusty or that the o-line has not played up to expectations?
Ray Fittipaldo
12:24
Maybe a bit of both. That Vikings front is pretty good though.
Buckeye Chuck
12:24
Why does it seem like our players never know when to quit as far as celebrating goes?  Another stupid, selfish penalty if you ask me. I wish everyone would just Barry Sanders it.
Ray Fittipaldo
12:25
I guess that's one way to discourage the nonsense. Tell the official to run the 25-second clock. You won't have time for dancing and choreographed celebrations.
Bruce
12:25
Hi Ray,  I was surprised to see a lot of zone coverage yesterday, thought we we're going more to man.  Also how did Joe Haden look, saw a few comments saying that he didn't handle double moves very well.  BTW Cam and the d-line plus linebackers looked very impressive.
Ray Fittipaldo
12:26
They were never going to stop playing zone coverage. They simply were going to incorporate more man.
Joe B
12:26
I've read that the Steelers tried to trade up in the 2015 draft to take Trae Waynes. Looks like they dodged a bullet there.
Ray Fittipaldo
12:26
Yes it does. Sam probably goes for Darqueze Dennard.
Leaper
12:26
Due to Harrison's age, do you feel they're saving him for the latter part of the year or has Chickillo just passed him?
Ray Fittipaldo
12:27
I think Chickillo has passed him, but it's nice to have someone with Harrison's resume there late in the season if you need him.
West Coast Fan
12:27
Hey Ray thanks for the great insight. I know the Steelers are really high on JuJu. I feel the offense is getting ready to explode and it seems to me  that we should stick with our starters until we do. Do you think he should see less playing time until the offense clicks on all cylinders and then ease him?
Ray Fittipaldo
12:29
JuJu has played less than half the offensive snaps in the first two games. Brown, Bryant and Rogers have played more. He's young. They're trying to learn what he can do. I don't think it's a bad thing.
Mtsteel
12:29
Hi Ray, thanks for your time. Any idea why the Steelers were going deep so many times before the half rather than putting themselves in FG position? Seemed odd they were airing it out like that. Thanks
Ray Fittipaldo
12:29
I just think they wanted to take advantage of one-on-one matchups when they were there.
Mtsteel
12:30
Hi Ray any update on Watt's injury? Thanks
Ray Fittipaldo
12:31
No. Saw him earlier today. Was walking without a limp. He might be in the locker room later on today so we might find out more.
grumpy EDB
12:31
Hi Ray, Hilton looks like he is getting more comfortable what did you think? and is Golson out of the nfl right now?
Ray Fittipaldo
12:32
I'm not aware of Golson being on a roster or even a practice squad. He was injured so he might be waiting until he heals to have a tryout. And yes, Hilton does look good. He played about 75 percent of the defensive snaps yesterday.
JP from VA.
12:32
Thanks for taking my question Ray. Why did the Steelers put in Chickillo at ROLB when Watt went out with an injury? Where is Harrison?
Ray Fittipaldo
12:32
They feel like he's the better option. I think it's that simple.
JP from VA.
12:32
Does it look like that Cam Heyward is a man possessed and no one can get in his way?
Ray Fittipaldo
12:33
He played great Sunday. The Vikings didn't have an answer for him.
SteelersinDetroit
12:33
Hi Ray, I am not a fan of Todd Haley's play calling but, having said that, its the players job to execute what he calls (or audible into something else).  From your vantage point what are the executional issues holding the offense back right now?  O-line? Timing?  Thanks.
Connecting…