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Ray Fittipaldo's Steelers chat: 05.05.20
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Ray Fittipaldo
12:32
It will definitely be different. It's way too into the future to know, but I am sure it will be different.
WONKY
12:35
Have you considered the political ramifications for our mayor and governor if they attempt to bar NFL play? Could the Steelers consider playing games this year in West Virginia?
Ray Fittipaldo
12:36
I don't think that will happen. Pittsburgh is in a much better place than many other places in terms of COVID numbers. I am sure when the time is right the Steelers will be able to get back to business. Or close to it.
livinthedream
12:36
Ray, CINCO DE MAYO falls on Taco Tuesday and we can't celebrate because of something called Corona. What is going on?
Ray Fittipaldo
12:38
I'm semi-old, but I don't remember Cinco de Mayo being a thing when I was growing up in the 1970s and 80s. But now that it is I'm on board! I'm a big fan of Mexican food and drinks. The spicier the better. .
Jud
12:38
Anyone in the Steelers organization (or alumni) been diagnosed that you are aware of?
Ray Fittipaldo
12:39
I still have not heard that anyone associated with the Steelers has tested positive. I know players from other clubs have made it public. Of course, that's a personal choice. Some might not want their medical information known to the public. We have laws that govern that.
Zack
12:39
Hi, what FA's do you think we could add to help with depth at safety and ILB?
Ray Fittipaldo
12:40
Good question. Your options for free agents are limited at this point. More often than not in recent years when Kevin Colbert has a need to fill he looks to fill it through trades in training camp or early in the season.
Jud
12:40
What aspects of this year's draft do you think will continue in the future?
Ray Fittipaldo
12:41
I keep hearing a lot about work-life balance and how teams realized they were able to get their work done without having to travel as much or work crazy hours. So you might see the lives of scouts become a little better. Same with coaches during the offseason.
MunhallMatt
12:41
Speaking of CINCO D MAYO, I always get into the same argument with my step-son - Is Troy Polumalu mexican/ hispanic? My step son claims he is Somoan.
Ray Fittipaldo
12:41
He is of Polynesian descent.
Tim fromTyrone
12:41
Ray I think the Steeler organization hands down has had the greatest string of NFL centers in the last 50 years. No team has been better drafting and signing free agent centers. When do you think they will start looking for Pouncy's replacement. He is not done yet but I think in the 2021 draft they should address this position. Your thoughts.
Ray Fittipaldo
12:42
Yes his contract expires after the 2021 season so you will see the Steelers try to get one in the draft next year or in 2021.
Devin Bush's Rat Tail
12:42
After what happened last year with Ben going down and the offense nose diving with subpar QB play. How can Art II honestly say they’re comfortable with Rudolph and Duck should anything happen to Ben? I get it, we’re cap strapped. There is literally no contingency and a possible another wasted year with a defense finally becoming dominant. Who’s taking crazy pills here?!!
Ray Fittipaldo
12:45
Best handle in the chat! Listen, if Ben goes down for 14 games again the Steelers probably aren't going to the playoffs. He makes that much of a difference. But the Steelers are paying him $35 million a year and they have good reports on his rehab so they are betting that he is healthy enough to play most of the games. So really all they're looking for in a backup is someone who can win a game or two if Ben goes down for a short period. And honestly, I think every team with a QB on a big deal operates in the same way.
Guido
12:45
Hi Ray.  Have you heard if writers like you will be able to sit in the press box if and when the nfl season starts with social distancing? Are the writers and other media assigned a certain seat?  If so, I hope you like and trust the man or woman sitting on either side of you, especially in light of the current health situation.
Ray Fittipaldo
12:47
I'm sure there will be guidelines. If there are no fans it might be safer if we are spread throughout the stadium in the open-air. Maybe we would do all of our interviews in a press conference setting rather than being allowed in the locker room. I am sure it won't be ideal, but like most, I'm just hoping I can do my job in a reasonable manner when we do get back to games and practices.
John Strange
12:47
If the 2020 season is cancelled what is the draft order for next year? Is it the same as in the Bengals picking first. etc?
Ray Fittipaldo
12:47
They're not cancelling the season.
Buzzard Bill
12:48
Winston gets $1 million, and then Dalton gets $3 million...  what do you make of that?  Dallas must not have thought much of Winston as a $1 million back up.  Do you think Winston will be disgruntled now?
Ray Fittipaldo
12:48
He signed the contract so why would he be disgruntled. If he wanted more money then he could have signed with a team later in the summer.
Ken
12:49
I think McFarland could be a real sleeper. He was a 5 star recruit in High School and kept his offers from 'Bama, LSU and other big name programs even after a broken leg his senior year. Decided to stay close to home and had huge red shirt freshman year in 2018. In 2019 had so-so year but played through high ankle sprain. Seems like a first round talent who came out a year early perhaps. What say you?
Ray Fittipaldo
12:50
I've seen the long runs against the quality competition in the Big Ten. But like you I'm also aware of the injuries. It's only a fourth-round pick so I guess he's worth a gamble. I just know that previous injuries are the most reliable way to predict future injuries. That's just the way it is. maybe the Steelers will get lucky, and he turns out to be a durable player in the pros. If he is then he might turn out to be a good pick.
Gene
12:51
How many prime time games do you think are on the schedule this year?
Ray Fittipaldo
12:51
I believe the max is five per team. So I'll guess four for the Steelers. And, of course games can be flexed to primetime later in the season.
Steeltown Fan in CLE
12:52
Which Steeler players are most likely to deliver break-out performances over the full season on offense and defense?
Ray Fittipaldo
12:53
I'll go with Diontae Johnson on offense and Steven Nelson on defense. Nelson was really good last season, but maybe he'll get a few more turnovers this year and get the proper recognition.
steelmann58
12:53
Hi Ray when do you think the will extend Cam ? and is there anyone else on the team they can do.
Ray Fittipaldo
12:55
It's a different time when it comes to contract negotiations. If there is lost revenue this season by fans not being able to attend games then that will affect the salary cap in future years. That doesn't mean it will affect the decision to keep Heyward, but it makes the negotiation more complicated. So my guess is they'll get something done this summer, but it's harder to predict when so much about the economic future of the game is unknown.
Ralph
12:55
The way the offensive line played last year, can't run block, don't you think a change in coaching should be made?  It's obvious Sarrett can't control those guys.
Ray Fittipaldo
12:57
"Can't control?" ??? He inherited a line that was built to pass protect. Al Villanueva wasn't signed to run block. When the Steelers had a chance to replace Ramon Foster they drafted Kevin Doston, who is known as a run blocker. So that's good. But developing a running mentality doesn't happen overnight. Personnel has a lot to do with it.
Rocky
12:58
Ray, Does Gentry have to be the 3rd TE? How about on cut downs there is someone worthy? I know some teams are kind of deep at position, if it’s in deed the case why not practice squad him and pick up someone if available?
Ray Fittipaldo
12:59
Well, the Steelers don't usually give up on draft picks after one year. And Gentry was an early fifth-round pick, so I doubt they cut him this year. And really unless there is an injury to McDonald or Ebron, Gentry isn't going to play all that much. He might not even dress.
Trent
12:59
Ray...do think Barrett has a chance of being our third string qb this season?  Thank you.
Ray Fittipaldo
12:59
No I do not.
AK
12:59
Is Wisniewski the backup C at this point?
Ray Fittipaldo
1:00
It would appear that way although he's played mostly guard in recent years. They also have JC Hassenauer on the offseason roster. He was on the 53-man roster late last season when Pouncey was suspended.
Justin
1:00
The NFL schedule release date (Thursday) is usually an exciting time so I can plan a trip back to Pittsburgh for a game. This year seems different.  Why post a schedule at this point when it seems odds are the schedule will get pushed back or be played will little to no fans in attendance?
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