Ray Fittipaldo: Welcome. Let's talk Steelers.
BB: Ray - The Ravens had a pretty stout pass rush even before the recent Ngakoue pick-up. Do you think the Steelers will initially try underneath routes to try and keep Ben clean?
Ray Fittipaldo: The Steelers have done a nice job of keeping Ben clean and getting the ball out of his hand quickly has been a big part of that. He gets rid of it quicker than any other QB in the league. Certainly, they'll be aware of Ngakoue and Calaias Campbell. Mike Tomlin referred to Campbell as a "goon" today, in a complimentary way. They have quality players and rushers across the defense, and the Steelers will have to be on their toes to keep Ben clean this week.
Artie Bridge: Ray, You're the best. Three questions:1. Ebron has been a nice addition to the receiving corps. How's his blocking?
Ray Fittipaldo: OK, Artie this is one question. Ebron has been better than I thought he would be in the run game. It seems like he has bought in. Of course, anyone who plays TE for the Steelers has to block, so he didn't really have a choice. But I have been pleasantly surprised with his willingness to put his face in there.
MG: A few times during the game I was surprised to look up and see Bud Dupree lining up in the middle. What do you think was the reason for that alignment and do you think we'll see more of it?
Ray Fittipaldo: That was something they came up with to defend Derrick Henry. I'd have to go back and look at how the Steelers defended in that look. If they had success then of course they'd go back to it in the future. But they come up with different angles every week. I was watching the Steelers-Ravens game from last year. The first one at Heinz Field. There was a three-safety look they gave Lamar Jackson and a look with three inside LBs with Tyler Matakevich as the extra ILB. Will be interesting to see what they have in store this week.
BB: Ray - If you are the Ravens, how quickly are you going to try Andrews down the seam to see if the Steelers have that buttoned up or not?
Ray Fittipaldo: First play. They did it quite a bit last year when Bush was healthy. Actually, on one of them, it was Nick Boyle down the seam, and Bush made a great INT. They won't have that luxury this year.
San Diego Steeler Fan: I noticed some Black & Gold at the Tennesee game last week how many fans do you think make it to Baltoimoregame?
Ray Fittipaldo: Always a lot of Steelers fans in Nashville. There will be some in Baltimore I'm sure, but it seems like they are less willing to sell their tickets to Steelers fans.
Artie Bridge:
- Ebron has been a nice addition to the receiving corps. How's his blocking?
- Who is primarily responsible for the upgrade in creative play calling and play design?
- Any truth to the rumor you're changing your moniker to "Ray-Ray"?
Ray Fittipaldo: 2 Matt Canada was added to the staff in the spring, and he is responsible for bringing in some of t he new ideas. You see that on the jet sweeps and the pre-snap motion. It's helped them for sure.
Ray Fittipaldo: 3 I have news for you. My nickname was "Ray-Ray" before McCloud was born. It stuck through my elementary school days.
JB: Do you think TJ gets enough credit nationally. He is unbelievable as he seems to disrupt every play. If our DB’s could hold for a split second more he would have double the sacks. he gives 110% every play. i feel he is not hyped up enough like Donald, Mack and others. They deserve it but so does TJ.
Ray Fittipaldo: Watt was a legitimate NFL defensive player of the year candidate last year. And I think he will be again this year. If not for a guy named Aaron Donald in LA, he might win it too.
Pedro: Ray we asked you and Gerry on your chats if patriots would tank season for Trevor Lawrence and both said no way Bellicheat/Kraftcheat and/or would do that, I certainly did.. if they don’t end up with first pick they will be close enough to trade up for him.. are you still standing pat they won’t ? Waiting for your view now, stay safe!
Ray Fittipaldo: They're 2-4 and struggling now, but there are a lot of other bad teams in line for Lawrence first, including that train wreck of a franchise in New York -- the Jets.
Tx Steeler: Any concerns with Ben's deep ball? It seemed he was unable or unwilling to stretch the defense much in the second half. I can't really recall any accurate deep throws so far this season.
Ray Fittipaldo: The one to Claypool against the Broncos was pretty accurate I'd say. It produced an 84-yard touchdown. He hasn't hit a lot of them, but I wouldn't say he's struggling, either. JuJu Smith-Schuster said after the game they were playing a lot of Tampa-2, which forces the QB to throw short. So, I'm not sure it's Ben's unwillingness to throw deep or merely taking what the defense gives him. Either way, they're 6-0, so...
VSsteelersFan: Hi Ray, do you think Claypool was a bit underutilized on Sunday? I hear he was being blanketed, but so were JuJu and DJ during those atrocious interceptions and that didn't seem to bother Ben. At least with Claypool you have better odds of him coming down with a jump ball. Thanks
Ray Fittipaldo: Malcolm Butler was on him all day. He had one catch and drew a pass interference penalty. They also tried to go to him late on a third-and-short that was called back on an OPI on Jaylen Samuels. It's the NFL. If an opponent wants to take you away they can do it. It's up to other players to make plays. Smith-Schuster and Diontae Johnson made enough of them for the Steelers to win.
Buster: Why was James Washington used so sparingly on Sunday? Looked like he was odd man out in most formations.
Ray Fittipaldo: Well, Johnson returned after missing most of the previous two games with a back injury. And Claypool played so well when Johnson was out that he ended up cutting into Washington's snaps. I think it's pretty clear he's now their No. 4 WR. If you ask me, he's a pretty darn good option as a No. 4.
The Dude: Do you believe in the theory that your punter can “outkick the coverage”? Even though Berry kicked the ball 20 yards shorter than Kern, the Steeler net was better after returns.
Ray Fittipaldo: Sometimes. But I'd rather have a guy like Kern and take my chances that my gunner and the other on the coverage unit can make a play for me.
Mike: As best I can find, Tomlin only received votes for Coach of Year once. Last year (2 votes) - not even a vote in the 2008-11 years! He is getting attention this year -- you think the last 2 years re AB and Bell, showing Tomlin's handling of those 2, is a big reason?
Ray Fittipaldo: Tomlin has done a good job this year, and that's part of it. I also think he's been around for so long and has enjoyed so much success that he gets overlooked for such honors.
Eric: Ray, What is the plan if Spillane were to go down with injury? Who would step into that role? Thanks
Ray Fittipaldo: Probably Ulysses Gilbert. He came in for Spillane on third downs against the Titans.
Jason in Slippery Rock: Why do you think Steelers fans are obsessed with who the number one receiver is? You need four good receivers in the NFL these days; does an arbitrary label of "number one" really matter? The match ups will dictate targets, like Tomlin says.
Ray Fittipaldo: That's correct, but I also read Tomlin's comments to Bob Labriola last week when he was asked about whether the Steelers have a No. 1 WR. His response was "I don't know." He went on to say No. 1 WRs find ways to beat double coverage and still make plays. I thought it was an interesting comment with Smith-Schuster being quiet against the Browns and Eagles. Not sure if he wanted to send a message or motivate someone, but it was interesting to me.
Jerry: With the Steelers run defense being so strong. I don’t see Lamar beating us by throwing as long as we don’t turn the ball over.Your thoughts?
Ray Fittipaldo: That's the problem with Jackson. He can beat you throwing and running. They forced him into three INTs last year, and they still lost.
Guest: in the beginning of the year i stated steelers go indefeated until afc championship game and lose to kc,,,,,,,,,everyone laughed,,,,,,,who's laughing now?
Ray Fittipaldo: You do know it's only Week 8, right?
JerseySteel: Hi Ray - can you explain how Ray Ray Mcloud was unemployed when the Steelers picked him up? He has been a godsend in the return game, jet sweep, and occasional short pass that they hope he can break into a long gain
Ray Fittipaldo: I've been wondering the same thing too. He did an interview with us a few weeks back and let on there were some issues with his maturity in Buffalo, how to be professional. So it seems like he's grown up a bit. That tends to happen when you're on the street. I think he realized this opportunity might be his last if it didn't work out. And there's something to some teams just being good fits for certain players. And McCloud seems to fit that mold for the Steelers.
Jeff: Thanks for the chats Ray. I am not going to go negative on Sundays game, every good team makes adjustments at half time. In your opinion what was the biggest adjustment Ten made? They couldn't do anything in the first half
Ray Fittipaldo: The 73-yard TD pass to Brown certainly helped. Not sure if that was an adjustment or not, but they hit it. That changed the momentum of the game. That gave the Titans belief. Sometimes that's all you need. Plus, once it got to be a 13-point game with plenty of time left it meant the Titans didn't have to go away from Derrick Henry.
Jeff: I am a big Minkah fan but he screwed up on the Brown touchdown. we looked to have 7-8 in the box thinking it was going to be a run play. i am fine with the but Minkah has to be there to tackle that guy. teams give up 20 yard pass play but that proved a big momentum shifter. Even if the titans go down and score they chew up time on the clock, which was their enemy with such a deficit
Ray Fittipaldo: Bingo. That play changed the game. This defense has given up far too many early in the season. Miles Sanders had a 74-yard run. The Giants had a big passing play for a TD in the opener that gave them an early lead. There has been a pattern.
Seven’s Coming: Hi Ray- thanks for the chats! I not only get to read cool stuff about the Steelers but I’ve learned a lot about the game. My question today is about the green dot. It’s been noted that Devin Bush was wearing it and he was in for just about every defensive play. When a player like Spillane is wearing it but comes out for snaps- how is the communication handled? Does another player have the green dot or is communication done differently?
Ray Fittipaldo: When Spillane comes off the field they have to do it the old-fashioned way -- communication from the sidelines.
JerseySteel: Hi Ray - I noticed one play towards the end of the game where I saw Justin Layne on the field, but did not see Steven Nelson. Was Nelson injured in the game?
Ray Fittipaldo: If he was, it's not serious. Tomlin did not mention him today when he updated the injuries.
Gravel: Hi Ray - Good afternoon. Couple of TE quesitons. Is Andrews playing better than his innate talent level due to scheme? In man coverage, how will the Steelers plan to cover him? Were you as nervous as I was when Ebron was taking those big hits on those short passes?
Ray Fittipaldo: Andrews is a pretty talented guy. It's not like he was an undrafted free agent. I think he was a fourth-round pick. Heck, George Kittle was a sixth-round pick. And it helps that Jackson views him as his No. 1 WR. The Steelers mixed zone and man concepts into their scheme last year against the Ravens. I imagine they'll do the same this week. As for Ebron, it's the NFL. TEs go over the middle all the time. They have to be able to absorb big hits.
Javi: Hello Ray. Im really pleased by the special teams play thus far. Did you expect this much improvement with the return game and addition of Ray Ray? What a pickup! He's been awesome. And all around Danny Smith's teams look great finally!
Ray Fittipaldo: I agree with you. I do the report card every week after the game, and every week I have a hard time giving them anything but an A or a B. They've been solid all year.
Nitro: Hi Ray - Outside of safeties and CB play, I'd say the Steelers roster/play is better through 6 games in 2020 versus 2019 season. Agree? Conversely, the Ravens seemed to have regressed every so slightly on both sides of the ball? What have you seen from the Ravens tape?
Ray Fittipaldo: The Ravens have regressed a bit on offense, but really only in yardage. They're still among the top scoring teams in the league. Their defense might be better in some ways than they were last year. It's going to be a good game.
marty v: Do you think Jack Lambert had a smile on his face when he saw the hit on Henry by Spillane? And where can I get a #41 Steeler jersey?
Ray Fittipaldo: That hit was a thing of beauty and Lambert would be proud. As for No. 41 jerseys I'm half-tempted to go to DICKS to find out if any Spillane jerseys are on the rack.
Bill: What was more responsible for the Steelers poor second half performance, the Titans's adjustments or a poor performance by the Steelers?
Ray Fittipaldo: A little of both.
Yates: Hi Ray - Steelers offense has been aided by return game so far. But with Ravens kickers, hard to see Ray Ray being a difference maker. As such, does he get more PT on offense this game?
Ray Fittipaldo: Depends on what they think of the matchup. The only time he's a good option is when teams are susceptible to jet sweeps and reverses. I'd have to look a lot of tape on the Ravens to give you a good answer.
AFC North kitchen chef: What led Tomlin to sit Buggs and dress Mondeaux?
Ray Fittipaldo: I think the biggest factor was Derek Watt's injury. Mondeaux ended up playing fullback in goal line and helped the Steelers score on a Benny SNell 1-yard run. Of course, Mondeaux also committed two penalties on defense. For that reason, along with Watt's expected return, I don't think you'll see Mondeaux this week.
El Cid 97: There was talk about how the Steelers had a somewhat better situation with no OTAs and limitations in camp because of the consistent coaching staff and veteran players in contrast to other teams. How much do you consider that a factor in our 6-0 start? This came to mind as I read a Michael Lombardi article on how the Pats are hurting because of not having their offseason with Cam and newer players like Winovitch and Harry. Any credence to that? Any reason to worry that the Steelers come down to earth as teams use the season to gel?
Ray Fittipaldo: I'm sure that's part of it, but let's be real: the Pats are struggling because Tom Brady is no longer there.
Rob H.: Is this the week the reshuffled schedule really hurts the Steelers? Seems like a tough ask to go in there and win with Balt just lying in wait after that Tenn game.
Ray Fittipaldo: I agree. It's a tough matchup for the Steelers because of that. The Ravens have an extra week to prepare for them.
Tony C: Will the steelers use a spy to prevent L. Jackson from running out of the pocket?? If yes, who??
Ray Fittipaldo: I watched last year's game and I didn't notice the Steelers using a spy very often. They did a nice job with a controlled rush, which kept Jackson in the pocket more often than not. The Ravens will make adjustments knowing that, and the Steelers will have to counter that. That's the great thing about the NFL =-- the chess match among the coaches.
Nick from VA: In a game when the Steelers are up by 20 in the 3rd quarter, why did they throw the ball 49 times?
Ray Fittipaldo: Tomlin said today short passes can convert third downs and help with time of possession just as much as runs. I get it, but I agree that number is way too high.
Nick from VA: Is this the real test for the Steelers this year? I feel like the Ravens are a more complete team than the Titans.
Ray Fittipaldo: I would agree. Jackson is a different animal to defend and the Baltimore defense is much better than the Titans defense.
Brian in VA: Any hope we can re-sign Dupree? He’s improved every year and been so durable!
Ray Fittipaldo: I never say never, but it's going to be hard with the salary cap. And remember there was a reason they drafted Alex Highsmith.
JeffMcClelland: Hi Ray - The Steelers seem to have (on paper) some rather weak opponents remaining on the schedule other than the Ravens. Cowboys, Bengals, Jaguars, Washington. What's to stop this team from winning at least 12-14 games?
Ray Fittipaldo: The Cowboys, Bengals, Jaguars and Washington.
Questfor7: I knew the narrative on Monday would be that the Titan blew it by missing a FG. But the reality is, with neither team turning the ball over in the first half (except for the last minute Hail Mary) the Ateelers dominated 27-7. It was clear who the superior team was. The score wasn’t indicative of who dominated.
Ray Fittipaldo: I agree to an extent, but the Steelers opened the door for them to get back in the game with the turnovers and the poor defense on the 73-yard TD.
SteelByDesign: Did you see any of the Philly/Baltimore game? What did they do to keep it so close?
Ray Fittipaldo: I haven't watched that game yet. I watched last year's Steelers-Ravens game at Heinz Field this morning.
Kissfan911: Ray, great start to this season my question: Is there any truth to the rumor that the Steelers are going to trade for MLB Avery Williamson if so what would it cost the team?
Ray Fittipaldo: If they do it will only cost them a late-round pick and my guess it would be for insurance purposes. I don't think they'd do it with the idea of having him play in front of Spillane.
Lambert Lunatic: Hey Ray, Claypool had 4(5) TDs last week and only 1 catch yesterday for negative yards. I heard Malcolm Butler shadowed him most of the game. I actually see this as a big positive and a warning to other teams regarding the depth of our playmakers. Do you agree?
Ray Fittipaldo: Yes. JuJu had 95 yards and Johnson had 85 yards and two TDs. That's how good teams do it.
SteelByDesign: Does home field advantage mean less this year? I haven't been to a game. Is the crowd noise generated by the fans significant enough to make a difference?
Ray Fittipaldo: Undoubtedly yes, but it's still an advantage to sleep in your own bed and not travel across the country, etc.
Bob: Can we get Spillane to teach Minka how to tackle? The shoulder bumps are getting old...
Ray Fittipaldo: I'll let him know tomorrow.
Jeff Z. South Side: Nice to have Mr.Berry back huh? The other guy stunk. "Pinches nose" like P.U
Ray Fittipaldo: 2 punts for 100 yards. Can he keep it up? That's the question. He's been too inconsistent for my taste in the past.
RPO is boring: Ray, I noticed the Steelers did not bring in some fast juco college quarterback to run scout this year For Lamar any idea who’s doing it this year? I assume Dobbs.
Ray Fittipaldo: We'll find out Wednesday.
Slippery Rock Steve: re the Pats struggling, everyone's forgetting all of the players they're missing; half of the league's COVID opt outs were from their team
Ray Fittipaldo: Right, including Dont'a Hightower.
Mark: Ray, some of BRs old bad habits started to creep into his play on Sunday. He threw into triple coverage on multiple occasions. The throw into the end zone on the last play of the half was unnecessary and reckless. Do you see that continuing against Baltimore? It won't be pretty if it does.
Ray Fittipaldo: The Steelers better hope not. He needs to get back to the QB he was in the first five games.
MTScott: 14 seconds before the half, why not get a sideline pass & setup a possible FG?
Ray Fittipaldo: I agree. Even after the Ebron penalty. I'm still miffed by that decision.
Jerry: Looking at the schedule the only tough games I see are the Ravens. Your thoughts?
Ray Fittipaldo: Right now. It's the NFL. Teams get hot or play well once in a while. The Steelers could run into that.
Slippery Rock Steve: Great chat as always, Ray. Thoughts on Spillane's play? I'm sure you've had access to a closer look at him specifically, is his play 'up to the standard'?
Ray Fittipaldo: I thought he was solid. Got stuck on a few blocks, but that's going to happen to all ILBs.
Nick from VA: I liked the formation with the D-Lineman in the backfield on the Snell touchdown. Do you think we'll see more of that in short yardage situations?
Ray Fittipaldo: Not if Derek Watt is healthy.
Gravel: Ray - The botched punt by Titans - was it failed attempt to pass for 1st down or just a bad snap and the punter panicked?
Ray Fittipaldo: It looked to me like a botched snap that the punter tried to turn into a pass play.
Adam: How do we stop Jackson from running it? If we can force him to beat us from the pocket, I think we are in good shape.
Ray Fittipaldo: Stopping the read option is key. He had some success with that last year at Heinz Field.
Jay_In_Indy: Hello Ray... Even though Claypool is a rookie, I feel that we need to get him the ball more. He is a dynamic play maker with a huge catch radius that can make this offense much better. Don't you agree?
Ray Fittipaldo: Yes, but when teams put their No. 1 corner on him there are going to be other favorable matchups to exploit.
The Big Woo: I haven't seen anything on Bush's surgery - was it successful, as expected, etc. Have you heard any updates?
Ray Fittipaldo: I've been in sports journalism for 23 years, and I've never heard a team announce a player had "unsuccessful" surgery. They're all successful until we hear otherwise.
Jeff: People need to lay off Ok's. he has been MORE than solid filling in for banner, everyone will have some mistakes. 6-0 would have been a little tougher without a competent right tackle
Ray Fittipaldo: For sure, but an illegal hands to the face penalty on the 1-yard line is unacceptable to me. You have to concentrate at all times, but you better not miss with your punch high in that situation.
Guest: Why do you think that so many Patriot players decided to opt out?
Ray Fittipaldo: They were all sick of Bill, like Tommy.
Ray Fittipaldo: Ok that's all the time we have for this week. Talk to you next week after the Baltimore game.
First Published: October 27, 2020, 4:53 p.m.