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Ray Fittipaldo's Steelers chat: 01.20.20
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Ray Fittipaldo
1:52
Welcome to my Steelers chat. Let's get started.
jay
1:52
Ray, watching playoffs the last few years, coordinators really shine in these games.  Coach Tomlin has been pretty good, but I can't recall games where he really out scheme anyone.  Is it his issue or coordinators?  Thanks
Ray Fittipaldo
1:57
I was thinking about that this morning, but in a different way. The NFL Network ran a chart with the Andy Reid coaching tree. There were a lot of current or former Reid assistants coaches who got head coaching jobs. There is a n extensive Bill Belichick coaching tree as well. Tomlin doesn't really have one. Bruce Arians is a head coach, but he worked under Cowher and Tomlin, and he was let go in 2012 so I'm not even sure that counts. Coaching trees don't necessarily mean you're a great head coach, but it does mean other owners in the NFL value what you do as a head coach. I also realize Randy Fichtner looked a lot smarter last season when Ben Roethlisberger was his QB. And Keith Butler looked a lot smarter last season when he had Minkah Fitzpatrick. Personnel matters. A lot. That being said, it doesn't look like a lot of owners are looking to raid the Steelers staff when they want to hire head coaches. Then again, given the turnover in the league on a yearly basis maybe the owners don't know what they're doin
Maze
1:57
Will the Steelers draft  RB?
Ray Fittipaldo
2:00
I think there is a pretty good chance they will although Najee Harris of Alabama and Travis Etienne of Clemson going back to school weakened the RB class a bit. Both of those guys were going to be taken by the end of the second round, probably earlier. So it depends on who is available and where they are on the Steelers' draft board.
Tampa Too
2:00
Regarding the draft which position(s) are the hardest to predict NFL success?  And next which one(s) are the easiest?   Thanks!
Ray Fittipaldo
2:02
Gotta be QB for the toughest. The Steelers have had a hard time developing CBs. Honestly, I think it's different for different teams. I don't want to say RB and WRs are easy to evaluate because they're not, but their skills are easier to define in numbers (40-time, vertical, etc.).
Gairzo
2:02
If a player cannot play in the Pro Bowl due to injury, the SB, or schedule, and is replaced, is the absent player credited with Pro Bowl status for that year when HOF voter consider his induction?
Ray Fittipaldo
2:02
Yes they are.
Some Guy
2:02
I feel like i'm the only Steelers fan who has confidence in Rudolph as a starter for years to come.  Pre-concussion I thought he looked pretty good with alot of room to grow.  Post-concussion (pre-benching) he looked visibly slower going through his progressions.  I think the concussion played a much larger/longer role in his performance this year.  Do you think he can still be the guy for us moving forward?
Ray Fittipaldo
2:04
Too hard to say right now in my opinion. He had a lot of things happen to him in 2019 from the concussion to the benching to the Myles Garrett incident. They made it known they like him as their backup entering 2020, but I'm not even sure they have a feel for whether he can be Ben's successor. How could they after watching him in 2019?
Mike
2:04
Best guess 7's career isn't over and he will be back next year operating at a high-level?  50-50 or better/worse odds from what you're hearing?
Ray Fittipaldo
2:04
Won't put a percentage on it, but definitely better than 50/50.
Jim
2:05
After watching the conference this weekend it is clearly obvious that the running game is back in the NFL! Do you think this is good for the league and in particular our Steelers?
Ray Fittipaldo
2:07
The league runs in cycles. I know what the 49ers and Titans did, and it was impressive. But the Chiefs have a franchise QB in Patrick Mahomes, and they make throwing the ball look easy. It's because Mahomes has special arm talent, and they've surrounded him with some fast and talented WRs. I'd much rather have an elite QB. It's been proven those guys are more successful. But there is no denying the league has gone back to running the ball. The Steelers should take note. They need to run the ball better. Art Rooney II came out and stated that last week so I'm sure GM Kevin Colbert and coach Mike Tomlin will address it this spring and summer.
DaquidoBazzini
2:07
Hi, Ray - Who do you think has more upside/potential starter on the OL....Chuks or Banner?
Ray Fittipaldo
2:09
Okorafor came in as a project. Lots of raw talent, young. They wanted to mold him and develop him. He took a step back last season, but they still like him. Banner bounced around before signing with the Steelers. He's lost a bunch of weight and earned the swing tackle job last season. So right now he's ahead of Okorafor on the depth chart. But I don't really have a good feel for which would could become a starter first. I guess Banner because of his status right now, but I don't want to sell Okorafor short.
SteelerfaninOK
2:10
Should we be concerned that we will have a 38 year old quarterback that hasn't played football in a year, inside of a division consisting of extremely young and talented quarterbacks?  Burrows is going to Cincy and Lamar and Baker can also be elite. Isn't it time to get young at the QB spot... and I don't mean with Duck or Rudolph
Ray Fittipaldo
2:11
That will happen in time. Ben still has two years left on his contract. No use in using a valuable draft pick on one now. All of those teams you mentioned drafted guys or will draft guys because they don't have a franchise QB. The Steelers have one, and they want to ride him for as long as he can play.
Bill
2:11
With the only change in offensive coaching staff being the addition of a QB coach - any idea how Coach Tomlin plans to improve the running game as mandated by Mr. Rooney with the existing OC and OL coach?
Ray Fittipaldo
2:14
Put more emphasis on it. I'm sure Canada has some thoughts on how to improve it as do Shaun Sarrett and Randy Fichtner. A lot of it has to do with the personnel they have and making a commitment to drafting or signing players that can run block in addition to pass protecting. They kind of became enamored of pass protectors in the past few years. And for good reason, they became a passing offense. However, with an older QB and a really good defense it would e smart to develop a much better run game. I'm sure they're working on it.
DaquidoBazzini
2:14
Looks like David Tepper has robbed the Steeler FO (according to your story this morning). Any updated thoughts about Kevin Colbert?
Ray Fittipaldo
2:14
No, other than what Art Rooney II said last week. He said he's optimistic about signing Colbert, and he wants to get something done soon.
VAStillerFan
2:15
Any chance the Steelers take a shot at getting Derrick Henry away from Titans? I hear he is up for a new contract and reminds me of a taller faster Bettis.  Probably unlikely given cap situation, but a fan can dream...
Ray Fittipaldo
2:15
Yes you can dream, but he'd cost too much money. Plus, he's taken a ton of hits. Better to draft a guy and ride him for four years then just get a new one.
ProudFan
2:16
How big of a loss is Samir Suleiman?  The franchise strength is with ownership and administration including Colberts.  Should there be some concern over the reports David Tepper is trying to recruit from the Steelers?
Ray Fittipaldo
2:17
Samir did a lot of work with the salary cap. He was very knowledgeable on it and his role should not be overlooked. The Steelers spend to the cap every year, and Samir helped them get under the cap every year, which is no small task.
Stephen
2:17
Hi Ray...what is your opinion of Matt Canada?  Also, do you think Louis Riddick would be a good replacement if/when Kevin Colbert leaves?  Thank you.
Ray Fittipaldo
2:18
When Kevin Colbert does retire my guess is they'd hire someone who is currently working in the league. Riddick is an analyst for ESPN, and he doesn't really know the Steeler Way because he never worked for them.
Yakov
2:19
Loved Coach Canada’s offense at Pitt...Will he have any influence on play calling or designing of plays with his new position as the Steelers quarterback coach?
Ray Fittipaldo
2:19
I'm quite sure he'll have some input. How much? I'm not sure.
Dave
2:19
Ray,  Watching the Chief's and Niner's.  Each team made changes with coaches who did not get it done.  We keep the same and think things will change.  Danny and Randy to a large extent are lucky to have jobs today.  Any chance changes could be made?  Thanks.
Ray Fittipaldo
2:20
Probably not with those two, but there might be more changes to the staff.
Darrin
2:20
I am finding it more difficult to watch games on TV.  The announcers continue to use awful cliches like he is a "downhill runner".  The last time I checked the field was flat.  What do you suggest?
Ray Fittipaldo
2:21
Turn down the sound on the TV and turn on the radio and listen to Cope and Fleming.
Guest
2:21
Do HOF players have a vote each year like Heisman trophy winners?  If not, why not?
Ray Fittipaldo
2:22
No although this year in celebration of the 100-year anniversary of the NFL the HOF put together a special blue-ribbon panel to get some older guys in. That's how Bill Cowher and Donnie Shell were elected. And yes, a few HOFers were on the blue-ribbon panel.
Jeff
2:22
Thank for the chats.  I am going back and forth on whether or not to sign Dupree given lack of cap space.  Yes he improved dramatically but why not go get RB and younger OL to help score some points.  Draft edge rusher.  Thinking the defense will still be good albeit not great.  Your thoughts?
Ray Fittipaldo
2:23
The defense was really good with Dupree, almost dominant at times in the second half of the season. That's why it's a priority to bring Bud back. I think they'd like to see what would happen with that defense and a competent offense.
Franco
2:23
If/When Colbert retires, will the Steelers promote Omar Khan or will the Panthers take him as well?.....Assuming he will be the next man is he legit?
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