Ray Fittipaldo: OK let's get the chat started.
Guest: On the missed 2 point play. How much of that play was Watt's pass rush? Was the rush that strong to cause the pass to be thrown poorly?
Ray Fittipaldo: Watt certainly had a role in altering the throw. I give him a ton of credit because he's screaming off the edge and Lamar Jackson has to make a quick read and throw. But I also think a good QB makes that throw.
Tom M.: The OL has been a disaster. Given that, which one or two do you think have done the best of the lot? It’s a very short sample, but I’m ready to give one vote to Leglue.
Ray Fittipaldo: I'm with you on Leglue, but let's see how he plays on Thursday. He was good in a very small sample size, but I am intrigued. Among the other guys, I suppose I would choose Trai Turner as the best of the lot. But really, every starter has had good and bad games.
Jay: Ray, I think the Bengals and Steelers will finish one and two in the division while the Ravens slide further down. What do you think?
Ray Fittipaldo: Well, the Steelers beating the Ravens made that a possibility, but they still have a 1 1/2 game lead over the Steelers with five games left. The injuries are mounting for the Ravens so anything can happen down the stretch. It's one of those crazy years.
Uncle Larry: Really what is up with Mason and the team? He is never mentioned, seen or utilized. Is he on double secret probation?
Ray Fittipaldo: He's the backup QB. Unless he is starting for an injured Roethlisberger he's not going to be talked about much.
Ray Guy: Sincere question -- is there any significant difference between punting in college and punting in the NFL? Seems to me that it would be the easiest of the football positions / skills to translate to the pro level. And yet the Steelers struck out with top college punter Daniel Sepulveda, and seem as if they've done it again with top college punter PHIII. What gives?
Ray Fittipaldo: I've stopped trying to figure out punters and kickers. Harvin has a good leg, but he doesn't show it off much in games. By the way, the Steelers were trying out some specialists today so maybe the pressure is on for Harvin to perform at a higher level.
Alex: It sucks the next draft's QB class is really weak. I don't think the Steelers will trade for Rogers or Wilson as it will mess up their cap figure and draft capital. I assume MR will get the first crack but I don't think he is an elite QB who can take the team to SB. With elite defensive players such as Watt, Heyward, what is your secret formula to get to SB once again (invest more in defense vs more balanced roster)?
Ray Fittipaldo: My secret formula is keeping the defense strong by adding some key pieces there in the draft and/or free agency. And no matter who is the QB next year, whether it's Rudolph, a veteran or a rookie, I'm operating under the premise that they'll be more game managers than an elite player. So go out and get a high-caliber lineman in the draft and continue to try to build around Najee Harris. And maybe you get lucky and find a QB that can lead you to the playoffs behind that strong defense.
David--: Washington has provided nothing of late. In fact he probably has more penalties than catches over the last month. Anthony Millers lone 2yd catch was actually impressive. Why won't Tomlin give him a few reps?
Ray Fittipaldo: Good point on Washington's production. He had one target and zero catches against the Ravens. I am sure they were hoping he would contribute more after JuJu Smith-Schuster was injured. Their lack of depth at receiver after Diontae Johnson has been glaring.
Nick: Do Steelers do any practice for Thurs night game or just walk thru? Do they do mental reps of plays? Do they travel on Weds eve or Thurs morning?
Ray Fittipaldo: They did not practice yesterday,. They are doing a walk-through today and they are leaving tomorrow afternoon for Minneapolis.
Guest: Thanks for the chats, Ray. Always enjoy them. Did my eyes deceive me or was there more play action and misdirection used in the Ravens game? Also saw somewhere that Ben was calling most of the plays in the second half. Any truth to that?
Ray Fittipaldo: Well, since Diontae Johnson came out and said Ben was calling the plays when they were in the no huddle, I'd say that's a yes. Although they only ran 16 no-huddle plays out of their 57 offensive snaps. And yes there was more play-action against the Ravens. It was effective so I'd like to see more.
Nick: Is Joe Hayden expected back for Thurs game?
Ray Fittipaldo: We'll know more after today's walk-through so stay tuned. But it's hard to convince coaches you can play after missing three games with an injury without really practicing.
Nick: Does the home team have more of an advantage on Thurs game due to no travel?
Ray Fittipaldo: In most years, yes. But not this year.
JJ: Ray: Thank you for what you do. Question: Do we attribute the fact that we were able to run the ball effectively in the 4th quarter vs the Ravens to Mr. LeGlue, or to the possibility of the defense getting tired by then ?
Ray Fittipaldo: Well, Leglue played most of the game. I think it was a combination of things. After a slow start, the Steelers offense did a nice job of possessing the ball over the final three quarters of the game. I also think Roethlisberger's passing success, especially out of play-action, forced the Ravens to respect the pass. That was encouraging because the Ravens have one of the better run defenses in the NFL.
Devin Bust: At this point does Devin Bust really give the Steelers the best chance to win? I can't imagine that UG3, Marcus Allen, or even Buddy could possibly be worse. He is not even giving them any effort. What is the status of Spillane's knee injury?
Ray Fittipaldo: Same with Spillane as Haden. Tough to convince the coaches on a short week that you can help the team when you're coming off an injury, but we'll see.
David--: At 6' 7" would LeGlue be to tall to be in the mix at center? Who is the tallest NFL center you can recall?
Ray Fittipaldo: There are not many tall centers, but Leglue said yesterday center was his primary position in high school, and he started nine games as a center in college as well. And he played a lot of center in training camp when the Steelers were dealing with the absences of Kendrick Green and JC Hassenauer when they were injured.
Texan Steeler: When you have a chance, please tell Danny Smith to not kick the ball to Nwangu.
Ray Fittipaldo: I'll go tell him now.
YinzerinVa: Waking up next Monday 1) Baltimore 8-5 2) Steelers 7-5-1 3) Bengals 7-6 4) Browns 7-6. Go Browns and go 49ers!
Ray Fittipaldo: The AFC North is definitely up for grabs.
Jay: Ray, I think the Steelers should use the "no huddle" offense for the first 2 series against the Vikings to give them a spark. This will help them get off to a good start. Your thoughts?
Ray Fittipaldo: I wouldn't mind seeing it. I crunched the numbers on Monday morning. The Steelers averaged 8.06 yards per plays in their 16 no-huddle plays against the Ravens. When they huddled they averaged 4.6 yards per play. And many of their chunk plays came out of the no-huddle. There was a 40-yard pass to Claypool, a 13-yard run by Harris and a few others over 10 yards. Keep doing it, I say.
DALTER: Why hasn't Buddy Johnson had a chance to play? He can't be any worse than who they already have playing.
Ray Fittipaldo: He's a rookie and not yet ready.
artie bridge: Ray, do you buy Starkey's diagnosis that the Steeler's primary problem is lack of talent, not flaws in preparation, schemes, play-calling, or in-game coaching decisions?
Ray Fittipaldo: In some respects, yes. But there have been games when I've felt like the offense has been held back by the play-calling. Injuries have certainly caught up with them. There isn't much doubt about that. But the Ravens have had injuries too, and they're sitting atop the division. I get what he's saying, but it's a competitive league, and you have to find creative ways to win sometimes when things are going against you.
21-58-66: Ray - Thanks for the chats. Who supposedly had the coverage assignment on Andrews for the failed two point play? He was wide open.....don't you think he would have been a prime target....either him or Jackson running it in?
Ray Fittipaldo: Of course, but I will give the Steelers credit. Andrews finished with five catches for 55 yards. He had four catches for 40 yards in the first quarter. They did a really nice job of covering him over the final three quarters. It looked like Bush or Edmunds was supposed to be in coverage, but I'm not sure who was responsible for him.
TC: Hi Ray, love the chats! What's you opinion of officiating Steelers v Ravens? I'm 100% in disagreement with the refs about the Ray-Ray catch and the DJ Hit, you?
Ray Fittipaldo: Yes I was not a fan of the McCloud catch being overturned. We're four years out from the Jesse James catch/no-catch game, and I'm still not sure week to week what a catch is in the NFL. The one plays I'd like to see that I haven't seen a replay of yet is the face mask penalty on Kendrick Green after the INT return that was ruled incomplete. I didn't see a face mask live.
Matt from LA: Agree or disagree with Harbaugh's reason (No CBs) or decision to go for two and the win?
Ray Fittipaldo: I didn't like the call because he has the best kicker in the NFL at his disposal in overtime. But he felt like the Steelers would be able to drive on them in OT because they pretty much had their way with the defense in the fourth quarter. For that, I can't really blame him.
Danny R: Thanks for the chats… any chance anyone on defense from the injured reserved come back by the end of the season?
Ray Fittipaldo: You mean Tuitt? I highly doubt it. It's been months since I've seen him. He doesn't come around at all. And I don't have a good feeling about Ebron or Hassenauer either, but we'll see.
jwheaney: What is the status of Kevin Dotson? Thanks!
Ray Fittipaldo: He is still on injured reserve.
Paul: Is Adam's our future NT?
Ray Fittipaldo: They do seem to like him. I thought it was out of character for Tomlin to answer the question about him on Tuesday. Usually with younger or newer players he won't say much. But he conveyed that Adams just might have a future with the team, perhaps even as a starter. And Keith Butler had some good things to say about him today when he did an interview with us. If he is that's a great development for the team. We all know they need to add a defensive end in the draft. If they don't need to use a pick on a nose tackle that's a very good development for them.
Danny R: How does the AFC North final standings look at the end of the season?
Ray Fittipaldo: Ok here's my guess without playing our every game remaining on the schedule. I'll say Ravens finish 11-6, Bengals 10-7, Steelers 8-8-1 and Browns 8-9. What do you think?
Your Fan: After a failed 3rd down try, Big Ben went back to bench and was talking to Dr. Bradley. Why wasn't he talking to his OC or QB coach? It just was very odd to see him explaining stuff to Dr. Bradley.
Ray Fittipaldo: Dr. Bradley was a pretty good player in his day you know.
Greg: What did you think about Adams? Maybe a long(er) term solution?
Ray Fittipaldo: I liked what I saw on Sunday. Maybe he will be. But I wonder why he's been on four teams in four years after being a third-round pick.
HitmanErnie412->305: Ray, based off published reports, there are 4-5 Steelers players that are NOT vaccinated. While I do not expect the Steelers to disclose who those players are, I have noticed that NO Steelers are masked on the sideline. Is this in violation of league policy?
Ray Fittipaldo: No it is not. Players who are unvaccinated have to be masked indoors. There are no such rules when they are outdoors.
AZSteel: What is your opinion of Dan Moore’s future with the Steelers at this point? Do you think he is a long time capable starter, swing tackle/depth player, etc? Also, is he better suited for the left or right side? Thanks
Ray Fittipaldo: Jury remains out. He's had his ups and downs as a rookie. But most rookies do.
Rich A: Ray; I have been watching the Steelers since the late 50s. This Defense seems to have the worst tacklers in the secondary I have ever seen. Do they ever practice tackling?
Ray Fittipaldo: They do tackling drills, but tackling in the sense you mean, no. NFL teams don't go live with tackling to the ground during the season. Most teams don't even do it in training camp. It's mostly thud.
Danny R: How many sacks will TJ Watt have at the end of the season? Does he set the sack record? Thanks.
Ray Fittipaldo: He's on a record pace. All depends on his health. If he's able to play in all five games he'll have a shot at it.
Larry Foote: Has Tuitt played his final game as a Steeler?
Ray Fittipaldo: My Magic 8-ball says yes. But it's only 99% reliable.
Tom in Dallas: Please rank the toughest schedule of the AFC north teams going down the stretch. Not sure anyone has an easy one....
Ray Fittipaldo: They're all pretty similar. Bengals have some tough games, but they're at home for a bunch of them.
Brian in VA: What do you think are Mister Leglue’s prospects at being a long term Contributor to the O-line? How does he look at practice?
Ray Fittipaldo: I like his versatility. He did a very nice job on Sunday. But again, as I wrote about Adams, he's been in the league since 2019. Sunday was the first time he ever played in a game. Guys develop at different rates, but my guess is his ceiling is maybe a depth player rather than a starter, but let's see how it plays out.
SteelerAl: When your MVP is your kicker, you probably are not playoff-bound, wouldn’t you agree?
Ray Fittipaldo: He's not the MVP any longer after that disastrous stretch in the fourth quarter against the Ravens.
Lou: Hi Ray. It's 2022, Steelers draft Pickett, so Rudolph vs Pickett....who wins the QB battle of 2022?
Ray Fittipaldo: I'm a Pickett fans, but it's a huge jump to the NFL for all rookies. So I'd say Rudolph with the caveat that I'm a big fan of No. 8 and wouldn't mind at all if the Steelers drafted him.
DJ: Should we be surprised that Claypool isn't producing? He's 6'4" with elite speed and no character concerns. If he was elite at football stuff he would have been a top-10 pick...
Ray Fittipaldo: Good point. He's been dealing with some injuries this season, too. Not to make excuses for him.
Gene: I sure hope Watt stays healthy because he deserves DPOY, Your thoughts Ray,
Ray Fittipaldo: He should win DPOY and Ben Roethlisberger said today he should win NFL MVP.
Master of the Obvious: Do you have the classic Magic 8 ball or the Nuevo one that has 2 answers suggesting purchasing more Mattel products? Btw, I asked the online M8ball if the Steelers will win the SB this season and it said; "YES"
Ray Fittipaldo: Super Bowl baby!
Jeff: Thanks for the chats Ray. If Leglue has another good game you have to start him somewhere regardless of Dotson status. Right?
Matt from LA: Ray, I love reading your Report Cards after the games. Do you ever get any complaints from players or coaches about your evaluations of them and their performances?
Ray Fittipaldo: I've been doing it for three years, and I have never heard from a coach or player about a grade. Now maybe some of that has to do with COVID and us not being in the locker room the past two years, but for the most part players aren't very vocal to me about anything I write.
Mike in PA: If injured in a game, who would be the back-up kickers?
Ray Fittipaldo: It happened in Cleveland, and it was... no one!
Ray Fittipaldo: At least for kicker. I suppose Ben could punt. He's done it before.
Matt from LA: Most disappointing team in the NFL so far? The Bills? Most surprising? The Patriots?
Ray Fittipaldo: I think that's fair although I think I picked the Patriots to either go to the Super Bowl or the conference championship game in my preseason predictions. I'll have to look.
Master of the Obvious: Ravens feining injury (at least twice) to slow the Steeler momentum Sunday?
Ray Fittipaldo: Seemed that way to me, yes.
Ray Fittipaldo: OK I was just informed practice is ending in 10 minutes. We'll chat again next week. Enjoy the game on Thursday night.
First Published: December 7, 2021, 4:00 p.m.
