You are viewing the chat in desktop mode. Click here to switch to mobile view.
X
Ray Fittipaldo's Steelers chat: 02.21.23
powered byJotCast
Prev Page View Full Chat
Ray Fittipaldo
2:43
Of course they do. And more often than not we know about most injuries too.
Chuks
2:43
Ray, since you apparently know it all, just wondering, were you a road grader type, or kind of wimpy finesse/technique guy during your playing days? And don't me you could do it all. Gracias.
Ray Fittipaldo
2:43
I could do it all.
wiscoken
2:44
Ray, both Loudermilk and Green have been disappointments to date.  I understand the Steelers reluctance in not giving up too early on a draft pick, but do you believe their grace period is over, and that both are at risk in being released if they do not show a big step forward?
Ray Fittipaldo
2:45
I think Green could be in trouble to make the 53-man roster this year. Perhaps Loudermilk too, but he had an injury early last season that affected him. He's still been a disappointment, but at least he had an injury excuse. Green didn't have that.
Jake
2:45
I project Robinson to have a breakout year especially if they let Miles Jack go. What do you think of Robinson?
Ray Fittipaldo
2:45
I like him as a run stopper, but I'm not sure how he fits in the pass defense.
Tom
2:46
OK. please research how many tackles FOR LOSS our ILB had for the season.   i bet you can count on one hand.
Ray Fittipaldo
2:47
My bad. I didn't read closely enough. Yes, that was a problem and I'm not 100% sure if they were coached to play passively on their side of the LOS or simply lacked that type of splash.
Nate in Iowa
2:47
Hi Ray, which 1st round cornerbacks do you like the most and why?  Thanks!
Ray Fittipaldo
2:49
Honestly, they're all different. Gonzalez probably has the most upside because of his blend of size, speed and playmaking ability. But if you listen to Grady Brown, tackling is really important which could lead the Steelers to a player like Porter or Devon Witherspoon. It's a deep and diverse CB class.
navydad
2:49
whats chances of resigning Sutton
Ray Fittipaldo
2:49
I think that largely depends on Sutton and what he wants to do.
D-Ru
2:50
Fast Willie Parker was discovered by one of the Rooneys if I remember correctly… how much input does the owners have is selecting draft picks and or unsigned free agents?
Ray Fittipaldo
2:51
Dan Rooney, son of the late Dan Rooney, was a scout then and remains in the front office today. So he wasn't an owner making that suggestion. He was a paid scout and he still works in that capacity.
Rick
2:51
Do you anticipate the Steelers bringing in a kicker during camp to legitimately compete with Boswell? I know big contract and all but he does appear to struggle more often than in the past (as well as ongoing injury issues).
Ray Fittipaldo
2:52
They need to have a backup plan in case he falls on his face, but it makes zero financial sense to move on from him unless he is absolutely terrible.
Roscoe137
2:52
Ray-do  you think Mitch will stay to back up Kenny?
Ray Fittipaldo
2:53
Omar Khan talks next Tuesday at the combine so we might get a little more clarity on that. But based off what Art Rooney II said it appears they like him in that role. The only issue is his salary/cap hit and of course whether he wants to be here.
SC Steeler
2:53
Switching gears:  What do you think about the possibility of NFL legislating the Philly Special (push the QB QB sneak) out of the game?  And how do they do that and still allow other ball carriers to be assisted by a push?
Ray Fittipaldo
2:55
I sort of lean toward teams learning how to stop the play, or more importantly, stop teams from getting to third- and fourth-and-one. To me, it makes for some fascinating decision-making on first and second downs if it's allowed to continue. It could pay to take more risks as a defensive coordinator on first and second downs when you play teams like the Eagles. Ultimately, it's a chess game. If the rule does not change rest assured coaches will have counters to it going forward -- and across all downs.
Fellow KO alum
2:56
Any chance of bringing JuJu back?
Ray Fittipaldo
2:56
I think they need a relatively cheap option at slot WR in free agency, and I don't think JuJu fancies himself that.
Eric in Indiana
2:57
Do you think Ben Roethlisberger might even consider taking an OC job in Pittsburgh if Canada fails in year two?
Ray Fittipaldo
2:57
He can draw plays in the dirt. But can he draw them in the playbook? That is the question.
Stash
2:58
Ray, if you are from KO, how many Amel's stuffed grape leaves have you devoured in this lifetime? Gracias.
Ray Fittipaldo
2:59
I'm a fan, but Getaway Cafe, Campiti's, Fiori's and Beto's were my go-to places long ago. Nowadays, my kids are big fans of Moonlit Burgers although I find it a bit overpriced.
D-Ru
3:00
Natural grass or synthetic grass? What do the players say about the quality of playing fields? I really think it’s good how the Steelers are one of the few teams using traditional dirt and grass. I am worried about the long term negative effects of the little rubber pellets used on artificial turf and  think something better needs to be used. Is it a subject that comes up?
Ray Fittipaldo
3:02
I've read studies on the rubber pellets and how some young females have had health issues because of it. You don't hear about it so much at the college or NFL level. I do find it interesting that places like Arizona have trouble keeping up a nice grass surface. With the NFL being a multi-billion dollar industry you would think they would mandate they figure it out.
Virgil
3:02
Who do you think has a better receiving group (including TEs) - Chiefs or Steelers? Other than Kelce they don't seem to have an especially good group. But they do have the guy throwing it and play design.
Ray Fittipaldo
3:03
Yeah it's like Kelce, Reid and Mahomes make up for the lack of a strong WR corps. And for that reason, I'd say KC. It doesn't matter how the sausage is made, they just score, score, score.
3:04
All right folks. That's all the time I have for today. Stay tuned for the chat time next Tuesday. I'll be at the combine and will let yinz know when I can do it.
Connecting…