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Steelers running back Kerrith Whyte is wrapped up by the Jets' Nathan Shepard, Sunday, Dec. 22, 2019, at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, N.J.
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Ray Fittipaldo's Steelers chat transcript: 12.24.19

Peter Diana/Post-Gazette

Ray Fittipaldo's Steelers chat transcript: 12.24.19

Ray Fittipaldo: Merry Christmas. Let’s get the chat started.

CJ: Have we seen the last of James Conner in a Steeler uniform? I like the kid, but he can’t seem to stay on the field.
Ray Fittipaldo: I don’t think so. He’ll be in the final year of his contract next season. It’s a cheap rookie contract. Why cut him? Let it play out. He’s proven to be a quality player when healthy. He just hasn’t been healthy enough.

Jacque Strap: Can Paxton Lynch really be that bad?
Ray Fittipaldo: The Steeles better hope not. He’s one snap away from playing now. Mason Rudolph was placed on IR this morning.

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Rich: Hi Ray. Thanks for the char and Merry Christmas! Steelers need a lot of players on offense and not many draft picks. Do they have the cap room to sign a few impact players not named Moncrief??
Ray Fittipaldo: Depends. If they cut some veterans on bad contacts then yes. I imagine they will trim some of the fat. It happens every year. The only question is how much cap space can be gained. It won’t be a ton of money that’s cleared.

Mike Tomlin answers questions during his weekly press conference, Tuesday, Dec. 24, 2019, at the UPMC Rooney Sports Complex, Pittsburgh. (Peter Diana/Post-Gazette)
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Scandall : Can Sean Davis play Edmunds safety position better? Obviously talking about next year. Hard to tell who’s at fault for the long completions, but seems like #34 is always a step too late.
Ray Fittipaldo: Sean Davis is playing out the final year of his rookie deal. I can’t see a scenario next season for him playing with the Steelers. Edmunds is a first-round pick, and I don’t think they can give up on him after only two seasons. It just won’t happen. Davis will sign elsewhere.

Rocky: Do you think the Steelers are regretting not addressing the punter in 2019 draft? I believe they could have had a great one in the 6th round.
Ray Fittipaldo: Berry was decent for most of the year, but this month has been brutal for him.

pozone: Ray do you see the Steelers resigning Finney and releasing Foster? many different reports on Ben do you see him playing next year?
Ray Fittipaldo: They’d be smart to cut Foster. They can clear about $ 4 million in cap space if they do that. I’m not convinced they’ll re-sign Finney though. He’s an unrestricted free agent. They had a chance to sign him to a long-term deal last spring and elected to bring Foster back as the stater instead. If you’re Finney, why do you come back? It’s obvious the Steelers questioned if was stater material just nine months ago. I think the moe likely scenario is moving Matt Feiler from RT to LG and then inserting Zach Banner or Chuks Okorafor as the starter at RT. But you still draft an OL high. They have to start upgrading that unit with younger and more talented players.

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TXSteeler: Cut Foster, move Fueler to guard and play Chucks or Banner at tackle. Cut Vance, draft a TE in round 2. Cut Big Dan, roll with current depth. Cut Berry and take a NDFA. Gets us to over $20mm in cap space without hurting team, enabling them to do business in offseason (Heyward, Bud, etc). Thoughts????
Ray Fittipaldo: Wow TXSteeler. I swear I didn’t look ahead to your question. We are definitely in the same wavelength. Not sue they’d pull the trigger on McDonald with such little depth behind him, but he has been injured and ineffective this season when he’s been on the field. I think it’s a consideration. I just don’t know if they’ll do it.

 

Stlrdave1: As Steeler fans, we should be thankful that we have one of the best organizations in football. No don’t get me wrong, no one is hoping more for a Xmas miracle for the Steelers to get into the playoffs. The Steelers goal is always winning a Super Bowl. But I’ve appreciated that with 4th stringers and practice squad players, they have given a nice meaning to playing as a “team’ And let’s hope for that belated present this Sunday!
Ray Fittipaldo: I know what you’re saying. I was speaking with someone from the Steelers hierarchy before the Jets game in the press box. He basically echoed your sentiments. It’s been a great run. He’d love to see it happen because they were so close to doing it. But you do have to have some perspective in a situation like this. Most teams would have folded, gone 4-12 and the season would have been over at Thanksgiving.

mrbig: Maybe since the WR’s aren’t stretching the field is why there’s not many te’s targeted?
Ray Fittipaldo: Well maybe they need TEs that can stretch the field then. That’s allowed, right?

VAsteelersFan: Hi Ray, I think we’ve seen a market correction with the Duck (though god bless him for how he stepped up and helped this team). He just can’t make the throws. What would you say the odds are of a Paxton Lynch sighting against the Ravens?
Ray Fittipaldo: I certainly wouldn’t rule it out. It’s a game they have to win to have any chance at the playoffs. You do whatever you have to do to win.

Steelers quarterback Devlin Hodges hands off to running back Benny Snell against the Browns in the first quarter Sunday, Dec. 1, 2019, at Heinz Field.
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The Steelers proved it's not always easy to alter your offense on the fly

mrbig: Do you think Connor’s recent injury shows it’s time to move on from him?
Ray Fittipaldo: Probably but not until after next season. As I mentioned earlier he’s on a cheap rookie contract.

dougp: Some Coaches are famous (or infamous) for showing up and working on Christmas. Do you know if many of the Steeler’s Coaches come into work or do they stay home? No judgement, just curious. Merry Christmas!
Ray Fittipaldo: Merry Christmas. They are practicing tomorrow afternoon. Mike Tomlin is letting the players enjoy Christmas morning with their families before practicing at 2. I’ll be here with them. Yeah!

Jeff: is Pouncey a bit overrated? feels like theres a little bit of the “ben effect” when it comes to his linemen, particularly Pouncey, definitely Foster. Do you see the same starting O line next year? Seems we could save some considerable cap space and certainly not get any worse
Ray Fittipaldo: After the way this season has gone I can’t imagine them standing pat on the offensive line.

Goose: Would you offer Tomlin in a trade to the Redskins for their 1st and 2nd round picks in the 2020 draft?
Ray Fittipaldo: Thanks Goose. These questions disappeared for a few weeks. They’re back now after two consecutive losses. Just leaving this here to let the masses know I still get these questions.

Scooter: Happy Holidays Ray! Without sounding condescending, other teams have staggering injuries and win games they need to win. Would finishing 8-8 not be disappointing after sitting at 8-5 three weeks prior?
Ray Fittipaldo: Sure it would be. They had to find a way to beat the Jets, who were 5-9 entering the game. I don’t care if Duck Hodges was the QB.

Charlie fromphila: Ray. Would you agree that the biggest disappointment and challenge for the future is our highly touted offensive line? There hasn’t been a game solo season that they underperformed and likely the reason our young and have been running for their lives on every down
Ray Fittipaldo: There are definitely issues with the offensive line. But the RBs are involved in the running game, the QB, the TEs as well. I’m not making excuses for the line. They haven’t played well as a unit. But pointing the finger exclusively at them isn’t right. It’s a team game. Everyone on the field has to do their job in order for the running game, or any other facet of the offense, to work.

No Rest ‘Til Tucson: No one thinks run-run-pass ad nauseam is a good game plan, but why did the Steelers give up on the run game Sunday knowing how ineffectual Duck was? Also, where was the trickier stuff (wildcat and such) that manufactured a win in the first Cincy game? ZERO creativity in a situation that required it.
Ray Fittipaldo: Guess there’s only so much chicken salad an offensive coordinator can make if you know what I mean.

Kingribel : Isn’t it ironic that Rudolph finally goes under center on Finney’s first snap of the game and ends up on IR from it?
Ray Fittipaldo: Exactly! I remarked the same thing to Dulac and Collier as we drove out of MetLife Stadium Sunday night. They were lucky enough to get a 9-yard run on first down. They want to run it again, and their QB suffers a season-ending injury because the center (B.J. Finney) got driven into the backfield. Guess that sums up the season for the offensive line.

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Big Ben: What are you hearing on Ben’s recovery? Mort 1st reported he may never play again and now he’s doing well.
Ray Fittipaldo: Chris Mortensen basically retracted his original report and came back and tweeted what we’ve been saying all along at the P-G: he’s on track to play in 2020. I don’t want to get into what these national reporters do. They are paid a lot of $ to break stories. On many occasions they feel like they have to make a splash and report something big. And stuff like this happens.

Mary: Conner and Ju-Ju are both up after 2020. Does either get extended in the off-season or because both were terrible this year Pitt makes them play it out?
Ray Fittipaldo: I think Smith-Schuster is more likely to sign a second contract with the Steelers. I don’t think Conner will.

James: What’s the update on Pouncey’s injury? I.r.? I see Pitt called up a center so is he done?
Ray Fittipaldo: Nothing official yet, but it doesn’t look like Pouncey will play this week. Finney to start and J.C. Hassenauer will back him up. He was promoted to the 53-man roster today.

Big#66: Two things about our OL and our new OL coach bother me. Why is the shotgun snap so difficult this year? I coach high school and would be all over my center until it was fixed. Secondly why does the line have so much difficulty picking up a stunt exchange? Isn’t it just a matter of communication and practice?
Ray Fittipaldo: The linemen have to be on the same plane to pass off the stunts. I think too often with the Steelers guys are on different planes. In other words, the tackle is setting deeper than the guard. Therefore, instead of bumping into each other and passing off the stunt, they’re allowing penetration and leakage in pass pro. It can be difficult at times with these speed rushers, but linemen have to be able to adjust and make it happen.

Woods: Again when DuPree’s needed to show up, he takes the day off. Offer him a low ball contract, let him walk or franchise him?
Ray Fittipaldo: He did have a sack, but I agree with you to a certain extent. He was facing Kelvin Beachum. More disruption from his side ccertainly would have helped the Steelers’ cause.

Turk in MD: Happy Holidays, Ray! Coach Tomlin mentioned the importance of limiting Bush’s playing time as a way to protect rookie’s. Do you agree with that approach? Edmonds was forced into a starter role last year due to other injuries. Do you think it hurt his development?
Ray Fittipaldo: The difference is the Steelers had Mark Barron to count on at ILB. Last season they had Jordan Dangerfield as the only viable option at safety. So Edmunds was forced into action. They have a luxury with Barron, and they’re trying to take advantage of it.

Michael: Kerryth White seems to be Pitt’s fastest and best running back. Why not give him more carries and bench Samuels who rarely gets positive yards?
Ray Fittipaldo: Well, they sort of did that after Conner left the game on Sunday. It was Whyte and Snell pretty much.

Cain: Why does Ju-Ju look absolutely lost this year? Lack of focus due to off-field interests? It’s more than just AB.
Ray Fittipaldo: He’s been injured for much of the season.

Anthony: Terrell Edmunds again blows a deep coverage having no idea where the ball is, giving up a key 3rd down and long td. Is it time to move on from him? I think he has as many int’s this year as you and Gerry do.
Ray Fittipaldo: He was supposed to get help over the top from haden, who was late coming over.

Vico: With this offense, I think we can lose to Ravens third team, thoughts?
Ray Fittipaldo: The Steelers can lose to any NFL team with this offense much less the No. 1 seed in the AFC.

Jared: Dropping Foster after the season saves 4 Mil. Is he done after the season? Start Finney?
Ray Fittipaldo: They should have done that last year. I don’t think they’ll make the same mistake twice.

Fineline: After LA defeated Baltimore in the playoffs I thought defensive coaches would figure out how to defend the Raven offense. So far this season I am wrong. Is that style offense the future of the NFL or a fad?
Ray Fittipaldo: I still say fad, but you’re right. The defenses have been slow to counter it.

OHIO412FAN: Regardless of what happens this season, I’m super excited for next year’s team. Ben comes back fully healthy-oh yay! An actual QB who can play. Elite Defense. Will be using remaining draft capital to add to defense and especially offense. Thoughts?
Ray Fittipaldo: Should be among the preseason favorites in the AFC with Ben Roethlisberger back in the fold.

OHIO412FAN: Let’s be real here: do you think the Steelers will get in the playoffs? Week 17 is going to be fun to watch.
Ray Fittipaldo: I don’t think so. I think the Titans will win. But if they lose, yes it will be a fun time for the fans to watch it all unfold. Lots of drama.

Larry: Pitt guaranteed to be on Hard Knocks in 2020? I think that would be epic.
Ray Fittipaldo: I think they meet the criteria if they lose -- consecutive years without making the playoffs.

Brian in CA: Now that Masons season is over, what do you think of his future with the Steelers?
Ray Fittipaldo: I don’t know. If Ben is healthy he won’t get a lot of opportunities.

MrCJJr: Happy Holidays and welcome “back” Ray. Enjoy your work as usual. The team has done a great job to overcome the numerous adversities this season by staying in contention. However, I’m on the fence on whether I want to see them in the playoffs in the condition they’re in. Am I being a fickle fan by admitting this? Thx.
Ray Fittipaldo: I know where you’re going. COuld be ugly if the opponent is KC or NE. I think they could beat the Texans though.

Ryan : Good afternoon ray and merry Christmas any update on pouncey or Connor or some expected today at press conference with coach tomlin
Ray Fittipaldo: Not yet. Tomlin coming to the podium in about 20 minutes.

JuJu 2017: Ray, do you think the Steelers will give JuJu and James Conner a contract extension next year?
Ray Fittipaldo: Not Conner. When was the last time they extended a player with Conner’s injury history? I’ll give you a hint: never.
Ray Fittipaldo: Sorry had to get on a John Harbaugh conference call. I’ll answer a few more before Tomlin’s noon news conference.

Brad: Ray have you seen lynch in practice. Thoughts on arm strength and accuracy
Ray Fittipaldo: He definitely has a good arm. There are reasons he was drafted in the first round. But there are reasons he hasn’t developed into a starter yet either.

Mariah: Hey Ray, what do you think Watt’s chances of the Defensive Player of the Year Award are?
Ray Fittipaldo: I think they are pretty good. He’s had a great year.

Franco3272: Ray, does Houston play to win this week with an outside shot at the #3 seed?
Ray Fittipaldo: Bill O’Brien said he will play his starters and play to win.

Ralph_LA: What kind of season did Joshua Dobbs have?
Ray Fittipaldo: Never set foot on the field as far as I know.
Ray Fittipaldo: Ok that’s it for this week. We’ll do it again next week after the Baltimore game.

First Published: December 24, 2019, 2:23 p.m.

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