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Ray Fittipaldo's Steelers chat: 05.19.20
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Ray Fittipaldo
2:34
Ben isn't a guy who goes out of his way to make friends with national media. And for whatever reason it seems many in the national media (mostly former players) have an axe to grind with him.
Jakester
2:34
Thanks for the chat, Ray.  Who gets more snaps next year - Ebron or Vance?
Ray Fittipaldo
2:35
Good question. Vance is a decent blocker while Ebron doesn't really offer much there, so I'll say Vance assuming they're both healthy.
Hire the right guy
2:35
It seems like a ludicrous idea to get to move up in the draft just because you hired a minority
Ray Fittipaldo
2:36
I agree with you. I don't think the NFL will go down the road. That might have been a strategic leak to see how it was viewed. Plenty of people, including minority coaches, don't like the idea.
James Harrison’s ego
2:36
Is this chat room big enough for me?
Ray Fittipaldo
2:36
For you? Or your mouth?
Guest
2:36
Ray, what are your thought on Lamar Jackson this year? Do you think his game will continue to evolve or do you think the defenses will adapt and limit his improvement.
Ray Fittipaldo
2:39
I think that's one of the more interesting things when you try to handicap the division. He's obviously very tough to handle when he runs the ball. And he does it in such a manner that he's not putting himself at risk a lot. The knock on Jackson coming out of Louisville was his accuracy. So I think you'll see opposing defensive coordinators doing everything they can to force him to throw into tighter windows. That's easier said than done because his ability to run limits what you can do to defend him.
Gene
2:39
Hi Ray your thoughts on all the UDFA do any of them have a chance to make the roster especially without OTA’s.?
Ray Fittipaldo
2:40
Really going to be hard for undrafted free agents to make an impact this year. Those guys need a chance to shine and the longer buildings stay closed the harder it's going to be for them, or any rookies for that matter, to make an impact in 2020.
pozone
2:40
Ray it sounds like Connor really wants to stay. Do you think they can work something out? I would like JUJU to stay also but he might want to move on? Thanks Ray
Ray Fittipaldo
2:41
Lots of people want to stay, but it's a business. Conner knows that, and the Steelers know that, too.
Alan F
2:42
Will the facilities be open come Friday?
Ray Fittipaldo
2:42
The Steelers facility was opened today but only for a small number of employees. We don't know when players and coaches will be allowed back in. The league would like for all 32 teams to be on the same footing so it could be a while.
TomnIsolation
2:43
Any thoughts and/ or prediction of Brady/Bucs record? Thanks!
Ray Fittipaldo
2:44
I haven't looked at their schedule, but I think it would be a disappointment if they didn't make the playoffs after the moves they've made. So I guess 9-7 or 10-6 would be my prediction.
Maurice
2:44
After liking AB, LB and Harrison so much, now really I don’t give a damn about them .. I feel they disrespected the hand that feed them.. from heroes to zeroes .. I know many people feel the same .. what do you think Ray?
Ray Fittipaldo
2:45
I don't look at it the same way fans do. I don't have a rooting interest. But I can see why you would feel that way. I can think of a lot of other former Steelers who exited in a much more respectful manner.
Mike
2:46
Is this the year Terrell Edmunds shows us he is worthy of his 1st round selection or are we back to the drawing board.
Ray Fittipaldo
2:46
It's a big year for Edmunds. Lots to prove.
Carl
2:50
Ray, I have to disagree with your response to Dina about Ben getting his hair cut.  Just because he’s a big time athlete doesn’t mean he is entitled to special treatment.  He could give or get the virus! Sorry, but  it makes him and the Steelers look bad.
Ray Fittipaldo
2:51
I guess that's why it's America. We can agree to disagree.
daveb
2:52
If fans are allowed this year, what's your guess on how many would be allowed in the stadium, at least at first?
Ray Fittipaldo
2:53
I'd just be speculating, but maybe half or a third-full.
robert
2:53
If the first game can not be played in NY will they play in Pittsburgh?
Ray Fittipaldo
2:53
I think they would postpone until a later date or cancel an early-season game if it didn't go off as planned.
Jakester
2:53
When the offices reopen, if no coaches, who from the team is allowed in?  Trainers?  Doctors?
Ray Fittipaldo
2:55
Yes and probably some business operations people. It's up to the team. It's being called a soft opening so it's really an experiment. They want to get an idea of what it's going to be like when they go to it on a larger scale. They're taking temperatures and things of that nature, all things they'll have to do when it opens to everyone.
Showdog
2:55
The notion that games can not be played without fans is based on the Pittsburgh teams being solded out most of the time. In the real world there are college games and high school games with few fans. the games are still exciting.
Ray Fittipaldo
2:56
Yes to a certain extent, but no fans in the stands would definitely be something to get used to for players and fans alike.
rman
2:56
Do you think someone will make a mask that looks like a Terrible Towel?
Ray Fittipaldo
2:56
Yes. Mike Mitchell.
Bill
2:57
I had to go to Florida last week and the flights were packed. How and why am I allowed to sit elbow to elbow with 200 strangers on an airtight plane but I am not allowed to sit in an open air stadium? I know you don't have the "answer" but I am interested in your opinion.
Ray Fittipaldo
2:57
Good point, but 200 people and 20,000 people are very different things when it comes to the potential spreading the virus.
Alan in Nashville
2:58
Hi Ray, I know it would be very inconsistent with the way the Steelers do things but I would love it if they would unofficially cut ties with James Harrison. No need to announce it or anything. He’s either a liar or a snitch and I really don’t care which one but I wouldn’t want him around my players or coaches. He also sort of threw Coach Cowher under the bus as well. What do you think of the whole issue?
Ray Fittipaldo
3:01
Harrison said he had conversations with Rooney and Tomlin after his ugly exit in 2017. And to be honest with you, he made it known during the podcast that he respects them and what they did for his career. He was definitely careless in telling stories that probably should remain behind closed doors, if in fact he's telling the truth. It did put Tomlin and the Steelers in a bad situation. I asked the NFL if they are investigating the matter. They are declining comment. So this might be something they're dealing with for a while. If only for appearances sake, the Steelers might have to answer some questions from Roger Goodell or one of his employees.
Al Legheny
3:02
I see the receiving corps being dramatically better this coming year - of course having Ben changes things dramatically but you get Year 2 Johnson, Year 3 Washington, JuJu, Ebron, Vance (hopefully he can stay healthy).  To me the key is having a running game which defenses will respect and if so I see the offense being incredibly productive.  Thoughts?
Ray Fittipaldo
3:03
I agree with you. The Steelers have to be more balanced with their offensive approach. Art Rooney II believes that too. It will be up to the coaches to drive that point home to Roethlisberger in the coming weeks. He has to be on board, and I think he will be. He's not blind to the fact that teams with strong defenses and good running games have been the teams advancing deeper into the playoffs in recent years.
3:04
OK thanks for all the great questions this week. Let's do it again next week.
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