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Ray Fittipaldo's Steelers chat: 9.18.17
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Ray Fittipaldo
12:34
As always, I'm sure it's a little bit of everything. Penalties were costly versus Cleveland. Rust is a factor with Bell, at least according to Tomlin. But to your point, I think we're all waiting for this offense to break out because the expectations were so high.
SB or Bust
12:34
Chicago is another game the Steelers should and need to win.  Interesting to see if they play down to competition this week - hoping for a different team response this week compared to other years to get to 3-0.  Need to stack wins for January.  (Bears will be desperate.)
Ray Fittipaldo
12:35
Bears can be as desperate as they want, but if they're not as talented it won't matter. The Steelers are the better team and they need to go there and get a win.
John
12:35
Is James Harrison injured?  Has he been in a game this season?
Ray Fittipaldo
12:35
Harrison played four snaps versus Cleveland and none versus Minnesota. He has not appeared on the injury report this season.
grumpy EDB
12:35
Hi Ray after watching Xavier Rhodes yesterday im not so impressed with Burns as I saw a huge difference in quality of play. Wat do you think?  Davis seems strong...
Ray Fittipaldo
12:36
Rhodes is a better CB than Burns. He's very good and hasd more experience.
grumpy EDB
12:36
Hi Ray What are opposing Defenses doing that is keeping the steelers from scoring more touchdowns?
Ray Fittipaldo
12:36
Good game plans, good execution by above average players. The Vikings are very good and the Steelers believe the Browns are going to be a decent team.
Stiller Guy
12:36
Would you expect Tuitt to get at least one more week of rest in light of this week's opponent and to make sure he's available for Bmore?
Ray Fittipaldo
12:37
Not sure. He never really had a shot at playing Sunday. All depends on how he responds to treatment.
Sheff
12:37
Are we going to have one or more players with at least ten sacks this year?
Ray Fittipaldo
12:38
That's what they want, but it hasn't happened a lot in recent years. Watt and Chickillo off to good starts.
Joe
12:38
Ray, Ben doesn't look like his head is in the game completely over the last two weeks. Forcing throws to AB, not seeing other open receivers or tight ends, some poor throws. Do you agree? If so, why, and do you think it has anything to do with his retirement talk from this year
Ray Fittipaldo
12:39
The Vikings are one of the better defenses in the league. I didn't see a lot of open receivers, and I know he faced some pressure. And the Browns did some unorthodox things to slow the Steelers down. Don't panic just yet.
TeddyBallGame14
12:39
Facing Case Keenum is one thing, but how different would the game have been if the Steelers faced a healthy Sam Bradford?
Ray Fittipaldo
12:39
Impossible to say. They might have won 46-6. Who knows?
So Cal Steeler Fan
12:40
Hi Ray....to what do you attribute the lack of rhythm with the offense in the first two games? Running game looks sluggish, passing game looks a bit stale....thoughts?
Ray Fittipaldo
12:40
Well, the offense didn't get a lot of playing time in the preseason games. That could be part of it.
Zach B
12:40
TJ Watt said he knew he had it, is the feeling his groin injury is minor enough he will be able to go this week in Chicago??
Ray Fittipaldo
12:41
We'll find out later in the week I think. He indicated yesterday after the game that it was "minor."
Ryno
12:41
Blacked out 2 weeks in a row and unable to watch the Steelers. Is there any chance at some point the NFL May modify the blackout rules? I live in Pennsylvania, but am geographically closer to Baltimore, which is in another state! It would be nice to be able to watch a team from my home state instead of a team from a different state.
Ray Fittipaldo
12:42
Don't see that happening. If you have the money you can purchase the NFL Ticket and get every game. That's one option. Or find a bar that has the NFL Ticket and watch it there.
MB
12:42
Hi Ray, what do you make of the flat offense and red zone ineptitude once again this year. If not for playing a rookie QB and third stringer they could very well be 0-2.
Ray Fittipaldo
12:42
They were 2 for 2 in the red zone versus the Browns, were they not?. Not as good yesterday. The Vikings get paid, too.
Black and Gold in Cal
12:43
Ben seems inconsistent.  He seems to be really good or just medicore.  Do you think age is becoming a factor?
Ray Fittipaldo
12:43
I have a feeling the offense will play well in Chicago. If it doesn't there might be reason for concern. I don't think age is an issue.
Black and Gold in Cal
12:44
Bell has not impressed.  I know it has only been two games but they were not good teams.  Is it the O-Line or has his talent fallen off?
Ray Fittipaldo
12:44
The Vikings are a contender for the Super Bowl in the NFC.
Mikefromcali
12:45
Big Ben won two superbowls because of all time great defense. Facts: he has scored 40 points against two non playoff teams with two of the worst qbs in league who cant keep their defenses on the field.
Ray Fittipaldo
12:45
If you say so.
Guest
12:45
I am somewhat disappointed with AV's play in the 1st 2 games. What do you think and have you heard anything from Munchak?  Thanks
Ray Fittipaldo
12:45
Tomlin said he had been ill a few days last week. That might explain his issues Sunday.
Justin - SC
12:46
How do you believe they will fix our 3rd down conversions?  Is it just lack of discipline from penalties and execution stand point or is the offense still getting into playing form?
Ray Fittipaldo
12:46
Still trying to round into form, get a rhythm.
Jon
12:46
Why has bell gotten off to such a slow start this year and do you think he will pick it up?
Ray Fittipaldo
12:46
Rust. And yes, I think he'll pick it up and soon.
Carlo
12:47
How did you feel Mike Hilton played yesterday? Based on the stat sheet, he was very active.
Ray Fittipaldo
12:47
Tied for the team lead in tackles. Didn't see any breakdowns in coverage. Looked like he played well.
Chest
12:47
seems like the offense will continue to use packages to get JuJu on the field, don't you agree?
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