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Ray Fittipaldo's Steelers chat: 05.18.21
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Ray Fittipaldo
1:59
OK let's get started.
21-58-66
1:59
Ray - Thanks for the chats.  Any player or position you will be paying particular attention to as OTAs start (assuming a good attendance?) and camp comes around?
Ray Fittipaldo
2:00
For me, it's the depth at OLB and in the secondary. It's a bit thin at both positions. And then of course on offense I'll be watching the rookies -- Harris and Freiermuth. And how the offense operates under Matt Canada.
Guest
2:00
what ya think ? 10  td passes  for ben, 24 int's and 4 wins sound right?
Ray Fittipaldo
2:01
A bit pessimistic, eh? How about 17 TDs, 9INTs and 9 wins. And a bunch of handoffs. (Assuming he plays all 17 games).
21-58-66
2:02
Ray - I see and hear all of the published comments the rookies and others are making about the supposedly revamped Steeler offense.  But, at the end of the day, doesn't it come down to what Number 7 thinks about all of this and his comfort level?  Thanks.
Ray Fittipaldo
2:03
The Steelers met with Roethlisberger in January and he understands the offense is going to change. How much? That's still to be determined I think. But Canada is going to install his offense and tailor it to Roethlisberger's strengths. That's what all good coaches do.
Yuri
2:03
Hello Ray.  Apparently, Najee Harris impressed the Steelers and others at the recent minicamp.  Do you know if the Steelers were similarly impressed by any other players who participated?  Thank you Ray.
Ray Fittipaldo
2:04
I wouldn't put too much stock into a three-day rookie minicamp. The real work begins at training camp. OTAs will be a bit more revealing assuming everyone shows up, but Latrobe is where this team will be molded.
Gino
2:04
Hi Ray, how close were the Steelers to signing Kerrigan?  Was it simply a matter of not being able to fit him into their salary cap?  Thanks.
Ray Fittipaldo
2:06
I have yet to see the particulars of the deal with the Eagles, but they likely offered more money. His role with the Steelers likely would have been as a top reserve OLB/edge -- a situational pass rusher. Not sure what the Eagles offered in terms of money or playing time/role, etc.
Hawaiian Steeler
2:06
Aloha Ray, will the back end of the schedule, 5 out of last 6 games against AFC Playoff teams, determine if the Steelers make the Playoff or not?
Ray Fittipaldo
2:07
I think it will go a long way toward determining whether they make the playoffs and/or seeding for the playoffs.
Donna
2:07
Hi Ray...what’s your opinion on James Washington.  To me, he’s the forgotten receiver when people talk about that position.  If I’m not mistaken, he’s a free agent after this season and I think he will be gone one way or the other.  If he has a great season, someone may offer great money...if doesn’t do well, he may be cut.  Thank you.
Ray Fittipaldo
2:08
Washington is a good No. 4 WR. Typically No. 4 WRs don't sign second contracts with their original team s. He probably wants to go somewhere were he can have a bigger role.
Jyro
2:08
Good Afternoon Mr. Fittipaldo and thank you for the venue!  Any trade value in the receiver room with all of the newly-acquired weapons on the offensive side?
Ray Fittipaldo
2:10
Not sure what Washington would bring back in a trade... maybe a fifth or sixth-rounder. But I'm not sure I'd make a deal. He's the No. 4 WR, and they didn't draft any to develop for the future. I'd keep him and then draft another WR next year.
Retire21
2:10
All Power 5 draft picks this year for the first time. Did the problem with a scouts traveling  hurt kids on lower tiers?
Ray Fittipaldo
2:11
Without a doubt. Kevin Colbert was very open and frank about that. He wanted to draft players who played in the fall. The Power 5 schools played the closest thing to a full schedule. So it's not surprising the Steelers drafted a bunch of players from those schools.
Jim
2:12
Even if Loudermilk was gone when we selected in the 5th, would it have made a difference for a guy that isn't going to play for a year or two? Still scratching my head over trading a 4th rd pick to move up. Has Colbert given a logical explanation for it?
Ray Fittipaldo
2:13
He said they liked him and believed it was worth trading away a 2022 fourth-rounder to get the chance to take him.
Southside Jimmy
2:13
Ray, does it seem odd that this year will be the 7th year in a row that the Steelers will open the season on the road?
Ray Fittipaldo
2:14
Yes it is. I assume the city asks the Steelers to open on the road when the Pirates are at home. I don't think they want the traffic concerns of getting fans in and out of those stadiums that are about 500 yards apart.
Erk the jerk
2:14
Ray Ray Dewitts over here. So the stinkers are finished and with the teams 1st losing season under the combo of Tombo/Rozzenbaggs do you envision a scenario where said stinkies are so bad they can get their next q.b if the go 5-12 or 6-11 ?? Graciano
Ray Fittipaldo
2:15
I do not, Erk the Jerk. I think they are a 9-8 or 8-9 type of team. I honestly can't see them having anything less than seven wins barring a major barrage of injuries.
Retire21
2:15
Trying to plan some road trips but I heard the flex option is even earlier this year and May involve games moving in and out of Mondays!
Ray Fittipaldo
2:16
Book for September and October when the weather is much better. Who wants to travel in November and December?
Dru
2:16
Hi Ray.  Do you have a sleeper team you predict to have a great season?  Thanks.
Ray Fittipaldo
2:16
I like the Chargers to make the playoffs, and I think New England is going to bounce back.
Carl in Carrick
2:17
Have you had a chance to evaluate this year’s crop of college quarterbacks who may eventually be Ben’s replacement?  Thanks Ray.
Ray Fittipaldo
2:18
Carl! It's only May. We have 11 months to go. Take a deep breath and exhale. There will ne plenty of time for that in January.
DaquidoBazzini
2:19
Hi Ray - Any updates or thoughts on Freiermuth’s shoulder in rookie mini camp?
Ray Fittipaldo
2:19
Not that I am aware of. Freiermuth said after the draft his shoulder is fine and has no limitations.
Humble Guest
2:20
Hello Ray, An NFL Business question.  From Amazon:  "The NFL has announced its 2021 regular-season schedule, including 11 Thursday Night Football games on Prime Video available at no additional cost to Prime members..."  So, to watch a regular season football game, I will need to have a paid subscription (I moved from Pittsburgh 25 years ago..).  Is this leading the way to pay per view playoffs and Super Bowls much like Wrestlemania or am I being paranoid?  The greed is boundless..
Ray Fittipaldo
2:24
Yes I believe games will be on local TV for both markets but you must have a subscription for the others. And, of course, if you are out of town, you'd need it for Steelers home games.
lamberto55
2:25
still no true nose tackle???
Ray Fittipaldo
2:25
Did they have one last year?
Luis
2:25
Ray over or under 6 wins?
Ray Fittipaldo
2:25
Over.
Clef
2:25
Hey Ray do you feel the same way I do it’s you must commit to the run so they extend Long drive so the defense can rest otherwise there will be no playoffs for the Steelers?
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