Ray Fittipaldo: Let's get started.
bob m: hey ray am I the only one who sees how bad mike mitchell is? he is never close to anyone one passing plays and wiffs constantly on tackles he is the real weak link back there in a very leaky secondary.
Ray Fittipaldo: Mitchell didn't do a very good job on that Davante Adams TD last night. The same thing happened in Indianapolis. But it also happened last week when Robert Golden filled in for an injured Mitchell. The safeties have to do a much better job of getting ball carriers on the ground. Their tackling was atrocious yet again against the Packers. Did you see Sean Davis on that screen pass that went for a TD. It's almost as if he never played football before.
RC: nice to see big ben's accuracy/passing game improvement. However, those missed tackles in the defensive secondary is keeping games closer than they should be. Is tackling not taught anymore?
Ray Fittipaldo: It's difficult for coaches to teach tackling, but it shouldn't be an excuse. Other teams do a much better job than the Steelers. Mike Tomlin has to address it. I'm not sure how many padded practices the Steelers have left, but if I was him I'd have a full padded practice Wednesday and have his defensive backs bring the scout teams players to the ground in live 11 on 11s. They have an extra day of preparation this week. They have to do something. It's amazing to me that it hasn't cost them a game yet. They've been awful for large portions of the season in the tackling department.
SteelyD: Are you starting to get concerned about Artie Burns? I sure I am. It's been Artie Burnt lately.
Ray Fittipaldo: If I'm Keith Butler and Carnell Lake I'm looking long and hard at what I'm doing with the corners. It's not just Artie. Coty Sensabaugh has been beaten for two long touchdowns in the past two games. I don't really understand the philosophy. You have a good defense. They should want to keep the ball in front of them and make teams drive the length of the field. Those CBs have to stop gambling and play sound fundamental football. And if Artie continues to screw up I'd get Cameron Sutton ready to play. Maybe he'd be more responsible. Don't laugh. Bill Belichick didn't insert Malcolm Butler into his lineup until late in the 2014 season, and he won the Super Bowl for the Patriots. Sometimes coaches have to think outside the box to get the most out of their team.
SteelyD: Good resolve to win yesterday or scary bad performance?
Ray Fittipaldo: It's both. They're finding ways to win, but they can't continue to play as poorly as they have in recent weeks and expect to win. I think they've been lucky to be quite honest with you.
Steelerfan120723: Hi Ray, I am so frustrated when the Steelers are in 3rd down situations and needing 3 or less yards and they are attempting passes of15, 20 or more yards instead of just trying to get the first down. I don't recall them doing this so often in recent years, do you?
Ray Fittipaldo: I don't know if they're throwing 15-20 yards down the field in those situations. I do see them throwing short passes. I'm not a big fan of that. I think it's easier to get a yard on the ground in those situations, but the Steelers must feel like they have better matchups in the passing game because they do it quite a bit.
warriors#9: final win total?
Ray Fittipaldo: The way they're playing I'd say 12-4 right now. Maybe 13-3. But they're not inspiring confidence in me that's for sure.
LB: Hi Ray, Every week it seems like we see Watt make a nice play in coverage and I know that is important. But part of me feels like we're kind of wasting Watt and Dupree's pass-rushing talents by dropping them in coverage so often. We've finally got some young OLB pass rushers of quality and they spend a ton of time dealing with the pass. Thoughts?
Ray Fittipaldo: Keith Butler likes the versatility they provide as rushers and droppers. It's true. What I don't like is that muddle huddle thing they do when everyone on the defense is milling around and they rush from standing positions. That doesn't work very often.
---: Why do you think we've all of a sudden become - over the last few games - susceptible to the long pass play? Is it Coty S. being unfamiliar or Artie B being bad at knowing what to do? What gives?
Ray Fittipaldo: They're undisciplined. They gamble too much. Sensabaugh stepped in front of one last week vs. the Titans and got a pick. But he also got burned on that 75-yard TD to Rishard Matthews. It's OK to gamble once in a while, but it's pretty obvious opponents know how to take advantage of that. Carnell Lake needs to get those guys straightened out. Tom brady might throw for 700 yards in a few weeks if they don't.
2017: the tackling of the steelers continues to look bad. i know that tackling can't necessarily be practiced like in the old days due to the CBA, but what can be done? frankly, at this point tackling should be second nature, but i guess it is like any skill...you have to practice it. thoughts?
Ray Fittipaldo: They say they can practice it without pads on the sled, but obviously that's not good enough. Again, I'd have them out there in pads Wednesday and put them through their toughest practice since training camp. At least the defense's toughest practice. Don't punish the offense.
team: Ray, be honest, this team is gonna get freakin shredded by New England. That is the sad truth that all Steelers fans - myself included - know in our hearts. Can you say something to make me feel better?
Ray Fittipaldo: Not right now. No.
eseergae: I believe that after 11 games, we have found the teams identity: They are the little girl, who had a little curl, right in the middle of her forehead.
When the Steelers are good, they are very very good, and when they are bad they are horrid. Can the little girl survive in January?
Ray Fittipaldo: That depends what happens Dec. 17.
Guest: Do you think Cam Sutton will replace Burns or Senabaugh down the stretch? A
Ray Fittipaldo: I wouldn't rule that out.
Cburg Stiller: What do you think is behind the recent flood of big plays the D is giving up? Is it as simple as Haden's absence? Getting caught in certain schemes at the wrong time? Individual mistakes?
Ray Fittipaldo: It's not all Haden being out. He'd certainly help if he's able to return. But it's biting on double moves, not aligning properly, missed assignments, not knowing what to do. Should I go on?
Mtsteel: Hi Ray, thanks for your time. So I know people like to talk about Steelers fans complaining after a win, and yes we are 9-2 and that's awesome. That being said, our defense is dreadful. The amount of big plays given up and wide open WR's on a given week makes you really wonder what is going on out there! I guess this is the D we have to live with but what are your thoughts on their play or lack thereof? Thank you sir.
Ray Fittipaldo: It's disconcerting. The Patriots defense is on the upswing after a horrendous start to the season. They're getting better. The Steelers defense is regressing. That shouldn't be happening. You want to be playing the best football of the season at the end of the year.
SteelyD: Am I too optimistic thinking there was still a lot of good from that game? I think they were only some blown coverages (not to mitigate that as a concern) from that being the dominant win many expected.
Ray Fittipaldo: Those blown coverages led to three touchdowns. You're not going to win in the playoffs doing that.
Jordan23: Artie Burns is having a horrible year. Can you see Cam Sutton playing down the stretch?
Ray Fittipaldo: If this keeps up, yes.
PHIL WILLIAMS: hi ray ... the steelers getting the job done mentality is certainly giving us close games .. but do you think that joe haden will be back before the patriots roll into town ...and is there a chance that the steelers replace marcus gilbert over his games missed column ???
Ray Fittipaldo: I don't have a feeling on Haden's return. He hasn't spoken to the media since the day he suffered the injury. He hasn't been around very much.
Moose: Our game model is play lights out for the half of the 1st quarter, exist for the next 3 quarters, and come through in the last 5 min. What has to change for us to win more decisively? Play calling? Is it just a lack of focus or killer instinct?
Ray Fittipaldo: Better defense, for one. More consistency on offense.
Moose: I believe the Pats are consistently good, even with less talent than other teams because of 2 things, game planning, and having the mentality of wanting to bury teams, not just beat them. Our downfall will be not being able to play with a lead. What say you?
Ray Fittipaldo: I think it'd be nice if they'd get a lead more often. They did that versus Tennessee and look what happened. Can't get a lead when your defense gives up that many big plays.
Moose: If the season ended today, who is the offensive, defensive, and team MVP’s?
Ray Fittipaldo: Antonio Brown, Cam Heyward and Antonio Brown.
Moose: My fear is not so much NE, but the next two games (Cinn/Balt) leading up to NE. Do you think that this team will get caught up looking ahead, or handle their business?
Ray Fittipaldo: I agree with you. They haven't played well enough recently for any of us to think otherwise.
SB or Bust: It's better to be lucky than good, I guess. The Steelers were lucky last night. I hope they don't use up their 9 lives before the play offs.
Ray Fittipaldo: They're about halfway there.
Moose: How big of a blessing has Hilton been? It seems like he is just a gamer and love his style of play.
Ray Fittipaldo: He's been very good. I'd say their most consistent corner after Haden.
A Blincoln: Did Mike T. error badly by giving Dungy ”Coach-Speak” look-ahead-beyond-next-game comments and on the record at that? Will you guys ask him for non coach-speak at future pressers?
Ray Fittipaldo: Some of my colleagues thinks Tomlin is too smart and too calculating with the media for that to happen. I disagree. I think he let his guard down and said something he probably regrets. Not that I don't think he's smart. I just thin he let his guard down with his former boss. He'd never do that with local reporters. My opinion: he made a mistake. Now he's secretly hoping his players can cash the check his mouth wrote.
Ike Steelheart: If all the DBs would play with Hilton's Hearth...
Ray Fittipaldo: Or his tackling ability.
touchback: How surprised were you that the Packers kicked a 57 yard field goal? Ever notice that missed field goals end up going the other way for TDs? That momentum shift is quite undeniable.
Ray Fittipaldo: Terrible decision by Mike McCarthy. Had the Steelers on the ropes there and let them back in the game.
Presto Digitator: Question: Where would this team be without Antonio Brown? Answer: Certainly not 9 & 2. Your thoughts? Nice article on Joe Greene by the way.
Ray Fittipaldo: Thank you. I'm guessing 6-5 without Brown. Maybe 7-4. He's that important to the team.
jim: I worry about a team like Baltimore with a very good defense. Average defenses have been keeping us in check (Indy), I think we could very likely lose that game if we don't improve defensively, you agree?
Ray Fittipaldo: They could lose in Cincinnati if they don't play better than they have in recent weeks.
Dippity Doo & a Leather Hat: How is Cam Heyward such a well-kept secret? It looks like he can't be blocked if he doesn't want to be blocked.
Ray Fittipaldo: If he's not All-Pro this season then something is wrong. He is a man among boys.
Mason: Could you see the Steelers trading for an elite cornerback in the offseason?
Ray Fittipaldo: No but I can see them keeping Haden even though he'll cost them.
Ike Steelheart: I think the main question here is: can this team win the SB this year or again they don't have enough talent yet?
Ray Fittipaldo: I think the talent is there. They just have to be disciplined and play better.
Yinzer in Germany: Do you M. Bryant will return more kickoffs this season even when JuJu comes back?
Ray Fittipaldo: I liked what I saw last night. Why not? They could use the spark i the return game.
NC Bruin: Ray - a great team win, especially considering the minus three turnover differential. What are the odds that a team loses with such a differential?
Ray Fittipaldo: Not very good. The Steelers were lucky Sunday night.
Renegade: Ray, From pics and video - looks like Lambert was not in attendance at the HOH ceremony. Do you know if this was the case? Any other no shows?
Ray Fittipaldo: I did not see Lambert. I didn't see Jack Ham either.
Mike D: Do you see the Steelers spending a high draft pick on a CB?
Ray Fittipaldo: No but maybe a safety. They invested a first-round pick in Burns. They have to try to make that work.
Jonathan Mason: It's hilarious when people say anyone other than AB is the best wide receiver in the league. Julio Jones finally has a good game this season and all of a sudden he's the best again. Your thoughts?
Ray Fittipaldo: It was almost like Brown saw what Jones did Sunday afternoon and said "Watch this"
Carlos: Improve the pass rush is the key for Steelers finally beat NE in playoffs and advance to Super Bowl?
Ray Fittipaldo: And tackling and better coverage and better discipline.
BD : If there was currently a viable replacement, would Artie Burns have been benched by now? His instincts seem to be failing him the last few games.
Ray Fittipaldo: It's starting to get to that point. Is Cam Sutton a viable option? That's the $100,000 question at this point.
KA: Eli caught as many balls as he dropped. Do you think he’s on another team next year?
Ray Fittipaldo: Perhaps. He's not making a case to stick around.
Landry Bones: I've accepted this defense is as bad as ever..Haden returning helps some but it's still an awful pass defense...Doesn't the offense have to get better and only way to beat Pats is by outscoring them?
Ray Fittipaldo: Hey the offense has scored 40 and 31 the past two games. Maybe Ben and Brown will have to bail out the defense in that game.
PK: Burns is really having a poor second half of the season. Unfortunately, they really can’t afford to bench him, agree?
Ray Fittipaldo: Unless Cam Sutton is practicing well.
PK: William Gay had a poor game. With the starters they have, plus Sutton and Allen, do you think this is his last year with rhe Steelers?
Ray Fittipaldo: Yes. He might be replaced by Sutton in the dime if he shows the coaches he's up to the task.
Mark: Ray, do you think last night's secondary breakdowns were primarily due to poor tackling and execution? Or is the Steelers' talent in the defensive backfield not as good as we thought? Haden can't come back soon enough!
Ray Fittipaldo: Not disciplined play, poor tackling, not aligning properly on other occasions. It's disconcerting to me that I see players running around like a Chinese fire drills as a guy like Brett Hundley is getting the snap. Just line up and play.
NaplesJC: Ray, Burns seems to be a liability in coverage and especially tackling. That’s not what we expect from a first rounder
Ray Fittipaldo: He's been very disappointing the past few weeks.
KA: Another narrow escape against a mediocre team. How do the Steelers fix their alarming trend of allowing long TD passes in general and on the first drive of the second half in particular?
Ray Fittipaldo: Coach them up better.
NPG2003: Ray, Is Martavis finally turning the corner? He looked more consistent last night. Thought he and Ben were on the same page most of the night. Your thoughts...
Ray Fittipaldo: I thought Bryant had a good, solid game.
Granville: I've thought Mike Mitchell has been awful from day 1 here...is Wilcox an option there and why does Mitchell seem to get a free pass from media and coaches? by the way Carnell Lake needs to go
Ray Fittipaldo: They seem to like Golden more than Wilcox. It was Golden last week when Mitchell was injured.
Guest: people blaming Artie and Sensabaugh on letting WR get behind them...where's the Safety help and what does Mitchell exactly do so well back there?
Ray Fittipaldo: The safety play the past few weeks has been bad. But there aren't many options. Do you want to see Golden or Wilcox instead?
Danikan: Ray, did you see Willy Gay chasing and not catching receivers last night? I know injuries to others have him in the field, but don't you think inexperienced Sutton and Allen would be an improvement over inept and over the Hill Gay?
Ray Fittipaldo: They have to get Sutton ready by the New England game. Brady will be licking his chops if Gay is out there.
Sonny Sixkiller: I've already seen enough of Bud Dupree to pass on his 5th year option...why is he so bad after 4 years with his physical talent and rookie Watt makes more plays? is he lazy or dumb?
Ray Fittipaldo: That will be a very interesting decision. The sack production isn't there, but he is dropping a lot and he's not really used as a traditional edge rusher.
70 Year Fan: Artie Burns is the weakest link in the defense. After 1 1/2 years he still can't cover, is consistantly beaten, can not or will not tackle, is penalty prone and then is seen laughing on the sideline. Has coaching failed him, or is he a slow learner, or is it just inadequate raw material?
Ray Fittipaldo: Burns doesn't seem to learn from his mistakes. That's why I wouldn't be afraid to make a move if Sutton is ready.
Hulderman: Is Mike Mitchell a liability at this point for the Steelers defense? He seems to be late on many plays in the secondary.
Ray Fittipaldo: He didn't play very well Sunday night.
Al in NJ: Even though they should have soundly beaten both Indy and Green Bay, do you think the experience gained through having to make these last-second comebacks could actually be a plus come playoff time? A team like the Eagles who have rolled over their competition may be lacking this.
Ray Fittipaldo: That's a positive way of looking at things. Perhaps. But I'd rater be dominating teams if I was the coach of this team.
Hulderman: Do you ever recall a finer piece of footwork than A.B.'s toe drag swag last night?
Ray Fittipaldo: That was pretty special. I see it in practice every day.
Hulderman: Shazier seemed to have been shaken up late last night. Did he enter concussion protocol at all or was the injury not related to a concussion? I noticed he was back on the field again a few minutes later.
Ray Fittipaldo: It was an ankle injury. He had it taped up and went back in the game.
Hulderman: Any update on Joe Haden?
Ray Fittipaldo: Not from Haden. Maybe Tomlin will give one tomorrow at his presser.
JJ: Chris Collingsworth commented on the Sunday Night Football broadcast that you'll probably never see a Steeler outside linebacker with double digit sacks again because they are required to cover receivers too. Do you agree with his sack comment? I thought they drafted Watt more for putting pressure on QB's. Do Steelers want QB pressure more from line or linebackers? Do outside linebackers have to cover because they do not trust the defensive backs yet? Thanks.
Ray Fittipaldo: Sounds like Collinsworth is reading the Post-Gazette.
Ray Fittipaldo: And it's not a trust issue with with the DBs. Butler just likes the versatility and the doubt it creates in QB's minds when they don't know if an OLB is dropping or rushing. Not that it has seemed to matter in recent weeks. Brett Hundley and Jacoby Brissett looked like Brett Favre and Peyton Manning against Butler's defense.
Hulderman: Ben has looked a lot more like Ben the last couple games. Minus the Jags game, Ben has had a pretty good year! But, it seems like bad things happen whenever we try to pass to Eli Rogers. What do you think?
Ray Fittipaldo: I'm thinking Demarcus Ayers might be looking pretty good right now. Is he available?
FineIine: Burns has too many breakdowns and is unwilling or unable to tackle. Dupree was supposedly primed for a big year after training with a pass rush guru in the off season. He has no pass rush moves. Too early to label these first rounders busts?
Ray Fittipaldo: Yes too early, but your observations are not off.
Hulderman: How much no huddle offense was used last night? Any notable difference in success between huddle v. no huddle last night?
Ray Fittipaldo: I don't remember very much at all. In fact, when they were struggling at various points in the game, I thought they'd go to it and they never did.
Steeler fan in NC: In your opinion, does Bell look slow? I don't understand the reluctance to use Connor... How is his pass protection?
Ray Fittipaldo: I thin the pass pro is a big issue with Conner. And yes, Bell appears to have lost a half step. Maybe we shouldn't be surprised with all the hits he's taken over the years. Still, what did he have Sunday night? Almost 200 scrimmage yards? He's still pretty darn good.
Dj Cain: Hello Ray! I coach a AAU basketball team and I’m confident in my team! So with that being said what was wrong with Tomlin saying they looking forward to the showdown? Tomlin is a Coach who believes in his players and will take them to the foxhole gotta love it! I wouldn’t be surprised if we see a Steelers team we been looking for when they play the Patriots do u feel the same?
Ray Fittipaldo: Then why hasn't he been talking about the Patriots all season? Again, I think he let his guard down and made a mistake. But people can spin that other ways, especially if they beat the Pats in a few weeks.
SB or Bust: Not wild about the game and the defense in particular last night but the Steelers are still getting a bargain at $17 million/yr with Brown.
Ray Fittipaldo: Don't know about a bargain, but he's worth it.
Steeler fan in NC: Sutton log any snaps last night? Any indication on if he suits up and gets playing time this week?
Ray Fittipaldo: I didn't see him get in the game, but I'd be working him in practice to get him ready.
Danikan: Ray, where is Bud Dupree? I know he was in the field last night but no one really noticed. In my opinion, he is not earning that next contract.
Ray Fittipaldo: I wrote about the OLBs last week. They are being used as true 3-4 OLBs. By that, I mean they are being asked to cover. And when they do rush they're not always rushing one-on-one. They're involved in stunts. But still, you expect some production. It hasn't been there consistently.
Ray Fittipaldo: Thanks for all the great questions this week. Stay tuned to my Twitter @rayfitt1 about next week's chat.
First Published: November 27, 2017, 1:27 p.m.
Updated: November 27, 2017, 6:01 p.m.