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Ray Fittipaldo's Steelers chat: 05.24.23
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Thad
10:21
Hey Ray, from what I’ve seen and heard about Washington’s receiving ability, it seems underestimated to me.  Your thoughts?
Ray Fittipaldo
10:21
Or unproven. He simply didn't have much of a receiving resume at Georgia.
Dylan H
10:21
Is Chandon Sullivan truly the planned starter for slot corner? If so I am a little concerned
Ray Fittipaldo
10:22
We'll see what they do, but for now yes.
Matt
10:22
Is Nick Herbig better suited as an inside LB considering the knock against him as an outside LB is his size?  If not, why do you think that is?  Do you think we will see him on the field much come September?
Ray Fittipaldo
10:23
Herbig should be able to contribute immediately on special teams. After that, it will be up to him. There is a big need for a top backup OLB. Maybe he can be that guy too, but they're also looking at remaining free agents to possibly fill that role.
Sport
10:23
With the new NFL rules, requiring teams all to cut from 90 to 53 players--on the same day, following their final X-game--how will the Steelers keep track of available and desirable FAs?
Ray Fittipaldo
10:24
The same way they always do. The old cutdown was 90 to 75 and 75 to 53. So this isn't much of a difference. Maybe a little more hectic but not that much.
Zip light
10:24
I think that the Steelers formula of an excellent defense, a solid running game, eating up clock and opening up Pickett's excellent and growing decision making and accuracy w/medium range passing coupled with some down field throws in certain situations IS a formula for success. Throw in an accurate Place kicker and they appeared poise to do well. What say you?
Ray Fittipaldo
10:25
I agree. A lot of things have to fall in place. Injuries cursed this team early last season. If they're healthy they should win a lot of games with that formula.
Bob Prince was the best
10:26
Hello Ray, thank you for taking the time to answer questions. With the emphasis so much on the passing game in the league at this time, do you see teams transitioning back to a ball control running game with a defense that can shut down opponents? It just doesn't make sense to me to allocate 20 - 25% of the salary cap to one player ( qb ) it's not a sustainable business plan for being a SB contender each year.
Ray Fittipaldo
10:26
They're doing the smart thing now. They have a QB on a rookie contract and can afford to have some bigger contracts on defense. If Pickett is successful eventually the team building has to change a bit bit for now it's a smart plan.
Chrissy
10:27
Hi Ray, I am intrigued by Butler’s height and speed.  Do you think he has a good chance to be part of the receiving corps or special teams?  Thank you.
Ray Fittipaldo
10:27
Maybe he can compete with Boykin if he's good on special teams. I think that's the only way he gets onto the roster.
Paul
10:27
Ray, do you feel they need to sign a veteran inside linebacker or will Robinson suffice?
Ray Fittipaldo
10:27
They're looking.
Jay Daven
10:29
Ray, do you think the extra weight gained by Pickett will lessen his chances of getting slammed to the ground?  Didn't he take judo classes or some class on learning how to fall without hurting your body?
Ray Fittipaldo
10:30
Extra pounds and muscle help with absorbing bigger hits, but there is no way to avoid concussions. It's just the force of the hit or the fall that leads to that. Adding more weight won't necessarily help with that.
Gino
10:30
Ray, do you see the Steelers possibly making a trade if they can’t sign a free agent at inside linebacker?
Ray Fittipaldo
10:31
Perhaps, but they won't do that now. They're evaluating the players who are here and will determine in August or September if they have to make a move.
Colonel
10:31
Good morning Ray. A lot of Steelers fans (and some media) are not fans of Matt Canada. Is this sentiment noticed by the team, coaches, and/or front office and do they care?
Ray Fittipaldo
10:32
I'm sure they are aware, but they obviously didn't care enough to force Mike Tomlin to make a change. Tomlin wanted him back and that's all there is to it.
Guest
10:32
I like that the Steelers were aggressive in the off-season.  Filling needs with Final Cut down players may save some money, but extends the time for the team to come together.  They need a strong start, especially with Canada’s  offense and a young QB.  Agree?
Ray Fittipaldo
10:33
Yes. The schedule is lighter early in the season too, so they have to take advantage of that.
Thanks for all the questions this week. I'm going out to watch the second OTA. We'll chat again next week.
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