Ray Fittipaldo's Steelers chat: 05.26.26
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Ray Fittipaldo
12:00
OK let's get the chat started.
Turk in MD
12:00
Hi Ray!  The comments from former players (Harrison, Slay, V. Williams) about the staleness of the D and the respectful answers Patrick Graham gave about "communication" over the past week suggest a much clearer picture of the defensive challenges the team suffered for the last 7-10 years.  

I think the D is going to be markedly better this season.  What say you?
Ray Fittipaldo
12:02
Good observations especially in the way Graham handled that question last week. Even the players who are loyal to Tomlin spoke about the changes with the new coaches and how they're very detailed when it comes to communication. Does that solve all of their problems? I'm not sure. They were 27th in total defense last season. There might be more to the defense's downfall. But I do agree with you that the communication can get better and the defense should benefit as a result.
Turk in MD
12:03
Barring injury to someone in the QB room, I don't see how Mason keeps a roster spot this year.  I really like Mason.  It just feels like his career has run its course in Pittsburgh.  Thoughts?
Ray Fittipaldo
12:03
Maybe, maybe not. If Will Howard plays well this summer, Rudolph is likely No. 3. I think they will find a way to get Allar onto IR. Or maybe someone else gets hurt.
Lou
12:04
Hi Ray. We all hear from people about AR and his lack of mobility and big downfield passes hurting the team last year. Do you think that has to do more with the OL, lack of WR options, the scheme or AR just being old? I think it was more on the  lack of WR and the O scheme and not AR.
Ray Fittipaldo
12:06
All of the above. They made a decision early in the season they were going to have Rodgers get the ball out quick. That happened after he faced heavy pressure in the opener against the Jets. And yes, the lack of depth at receiver was an issue last year. I think they're better 1-3 at WR this year for sure, but there are still questions about the Nos. 4 and 5 spots in the rotation.
steelstu
12:06
Do you think Caleb Johnson has the speed to be an effective NFL running back. Also, it appears that the Post Gazette is no longer covering Pitt sports, which is unfortunate considering the volleyball team is the most successful team in the city for many years running.
Ray Fittipaldo
12:07
Kaleb Johnson has to earn his way onto the field. I don't think they would have drafted him in the third round if they didn't think his speed was good enough. As for Pitt sports, we will continue to cover the Panthers and have since new ownership took over. We had some stories planned if the baseball team made the tournament, for example.
Reedboat
12:08
Hey Ray! It's early, of course, but shouldn't we be somewhat excited about the emphasis on Offensive talents? There's no way we score fewer points this year than in prior years. And just maybe we can dominate a first quarter this year!
Ray Fittipaldo
12:08
Dominate? I'd settle for scoring at all in the first quarter lol
AsharScott
12:09
Hi Ray.  I have a question about the ILB play for the Steelers in recent years.  It seems like since Ryan Shazier (a generational talent), nobody has been able to fully succeed there.  Devin Bush had only limited success before he got hurt (i.e., when he may have had generational athleticism), and Myles Jack, Joe Schobert, Patrick Queen, Peyton Wilson and others for some reason have not been fully effective.  Even Robert Spillane "became" a much better LB after he left Pittsburgh.  It is possible that our defense was so complicated or so demanding on the ILB's that virtually nobody could succeed?   If that's true, do you suppose there's hope of a more accepting system being implemented this year?
Ray Fittipaldo
12:13
You make a good point about Spillane. And there might be something to your point overall. However, some of the guys you mentioned were well past their prime when they got here -- Schobert and Jack specifically. The new system could be friendlier to ILBs. How many times did we see guys like Jack matched up against receivers? That seemed to happen to the Steelers more than most teams. I'll be interested to see if that continues to happen, or if this staff has an answer for that.
Max
12:14
Hi Ray, do you think there's any concern within the Steelers organization about their inside linebackers? I was thinking they would address it in the draft. I hope it doesn't turn out to be a weakness. Thanks
Ray Fittipaldo
12:15
They scouted ILBs fairly hard this spring, but Queen and Harrison have one year left. How well Payton Wilson plays this year will determine if they try to sign him to a second contract around this time next year.
Charlie
12:15
Would they really cut Will over Rudolph?
Ray Fittipaldo
12:15
It won't come to that.
PadraigJ
12:16
Morning Mr. Fittipaldo, appreciate your work.  Do you see the offense having a significantly higher ceiling with the west coast offense, new OC, and new play caller?  What about D with new DC & play caller?
Ray Fittipaldo
12:18
All kinds of optimism with the new staff, but it doesn't always work out the way you think. I do believe McCarthy being an offensive coach will help the offense score more points. And the defense has much room for improvement. Where I'm a little unsure with this staff are the intangibles. Tomlin just found ways to win. Can this staff do the same in those one-score games? You could see the offense and defense put up better numbers, but the record might not be as good.
BH
12:19
Hi Ray, living in Texas I got the pleasure of hearing the vociferous complaints of Cowboys fans regarding the mind-numbing clock management and general strategy blunders McCarthy exhibited during his time in Dallas.  I know these types of blunders are 'near and dear' to the hearts of the Steelers fans throughout the Tomlin era.  Should we look forward to more of the same on this issue, or dare we hope for better?
Ray Fittipaldo
12:20
McCarthy studied the game a lot during his year out of the league. I'm guessing he heard those criticisms so he'll have some adjustments. But I always view clock management as a feel thing. Some coaches are good at it and others just struggle with it.
Fred
12:22
Good morning Ray!  Do you think the addition of Michael Pittman Jr. is going to draw enough attention away from DK Metcalf this season to significantly increase Metcalf's production and is Roman Wilson showing the staff enough (although I know it's early) to finally get a shot at some meaningful playing time?
Ray Fittipaldo
12:23
Pittman is basically replacing Calvin Austin III. Nothing against Austin, but Pittman is a big upgrade there. He might not command double teams, but he will take advantage of single coverage if the other team doubles Metcalf. That's all he really has to do. As for Wilson, it's way too early to make any judgments on where he is right now Like the others, he's getting used to the new system.
The Cap Guru
12:25
Ray, With AR on board now and eating up 22.5 in cap will they still be able to work around more cap even after Pat restructuring? If Khan wants to sign someone cut later or after camp will he be able?
Ray Fittipaldo
12:25
The cap has never been an issue for Khan other than the COVID year when the number dropped. And that was a one-year problem. Every team in the league had issues that year with the cap.
The Cap Guru
12:26
Ray, do you see Yahya Black rising up in year 2? Seems like even with Seabass Joe Day and Rubio the Dline will still need more.  Wonder how Steph Tuitt is these days
Ray Fittipaldo
12:27
He had a pretty good rookie year, but yes he should be even better this season. All second-year players are expected to make a significant jump.
Gino
12:27
Hi Ray, shoutout to our vets for their service.  I would like the Steelers to bring in one more receiver.  Do you know if the Steelers are looking at anyone like Diggs? Aiyuk?  Other?  Thank you.
Ray Fittipaldo
12:27
Won't be a big name like that, but yes they could bring in someone if Wilson doesn't step up and take a hold of that No. 4 role in the rotation.
Tina
12:28
Hi Ray, how much do you see the Steelers to re-sign JPJ?  I’ve heard 100 million floated.  In your opinion, is that a reasonable amount?
Ray Fittipaldo
12:29
Price of doing business in the NFL. He's going to be get top of the market money for a CB, or close to it. I don't think $20 million a year is out of the question for him.
Sunner in Orlando from Lebo
12:29
With Rodgers back in the mix, can the Steelers truly get a read on Howard and Allar if they are just going to play in meaningless exhibition games where starters play only 1 series at most? If they are even in evaluations, who stays and who goes because if one is put on the practice squad, they will get picked up pretty quick by another team IMO.
Ray Fittipaldo
12:30
I think that was a big reason McCarthy was hired. They needed someone who could figure out the QB situation. McCarthy has a history of developing QBs. I think they trust his eye whether these guys get into regular season games or not this year.
Tim
12:30
Looking forward to continuing the great Steelers coverage with you, Gerry and Chris.  Thank you for all you do to keep a life long Steelers fan transplanted to Bengal land up to date and informed.
Ray Fittipaldo
12:31
You got it, TIm.
Spaceace
12:31
Thanks for the chats Ray!  Always look forward to them.  Now that the Rodgers is in and this roster is set, what do you see as the best case scenario for the upcoming season?
Ray Fittipaldo
12:31
I think their ceiling is 11 wins. They're playing a first-place schedule. That makes it much more difficult.
Bill
12:32
Bill Maloni
46 seconds ago

Ray, please fantasize with me and tell m\e how this Steelers defense can be better, with basically the same players as last year's disappointing squad?
Ray Fittipaldo
12:32
Different coaching, better coaching, however you want to define it.
NY Steel
12:33
Why do the Steelers not play a true NT in their base defense?  Given all their problems being consistent in stopping the run since the Jags ran all over them in 2017, wouldn’t that help?  They seem so soft up the middle of the field.  Most plays it looks like only 2 true DL on the field.  It is no wonder no MLB seems to ever succeed or stay.  They have an impossible job.
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