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Ray Fittipaldo's Steelers chat: 06.07.21
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Ray Fittipaldo
1:56
Welcome to my Steelers chat. Let's get it going.
Jim
1:56
Any word from the Steelers on why they didn't sign Hooker or if they even offered?
Ray Fittipaldo
1:59
When teams bring in free agents on visits there isn't always the intent to sign right away. Sometimes they like to meet with them first, continue to evaluate and then revisit at another time. Hooker is a former first-round pick and could add some quality depth at safety in the secondary, but I tend to think this might happen later in the summer rather than now, if it happens at all.
Jim
1:59
Anything show in OTA's (quickness, movement, etc) that would let on as to why the Steelers traded a draft pick for Loudermilk? Sounds like a great guy, but can he play?
Ray Fittipaldo
2:00
I don't make any determinations on players when they are practicing in shorts, and I certainly don't do it with linemen. Let's bring this up again in camp and I can give you an answer. I do know they love his size.
Newman
2:00
Over the years have you ever noticed a difference in the coaching staff's attitude and demeanor early in the off season, particularly Tomlin, depending on how the previous year ended?
Ray Fittipaldo
2:02
Sure. They always have offseason goals and they might stress that goal by being more vocal in practices or interviews. For example, we've heard plenty from the players so far about the change in demeanor with the offensive line coaches. We'll get to hear from Adrian Klemm next week. (Hopefully, as several Steelers assistants are made available to the media). I certainly would like to hear from Klemm and his plans for the season.
mrbig
2:03
Harris, Pat Green... solid. But in my opinion, the biggest offseason move was the Fichtner/Canada move and Canada's adjusted offense & playcalling will determine how far they go... what say you?
Ray Fittipaldo
2:03
Could be, but he needs the horses to carry out his plan. And the offensive line is in flux. Very interested to see how they jell this year. It's going to be a huge key to the season.
Stlrdave1
2:04
Hi Ray. I'm trying to be optimistic. Granted alot of things have to come together. But I love the chip I believe they will have on their shoulders, Thanks for taking my comment
Ray Fittipaldo
2:04
Chip definitely there for the running game. BJ Finney talked about that last week when we interviewed him.
Chris Parker
2:05
Hi Ray - love the chats. How is Pressley Hardin looking so far in camp? Thx!
Ray Fittipaldo
2:05
He definitely has a strong leg. That's readily apparent when you watch him punt.
shaif jetha
2:06
hello ray, if you were coming from edmonton alberta to pittsburgh this fall! what game do you think will b one to look forward to outside the AFC north!
Ray Fittipaldo
2:08
Well, depends on what you're looking for. If you like the old, traditional matchups then the Raiders would be a good game. Great history between the Steelers and Raiders. But you also have the Seahawks, Titans and Broncos coming in. Russell Wilson is fun to watch. The Titans just got Julio Jones to round out their offense. And the Broncos game could be interesting if one Arron Rodgers is traded to Denver at some point.
Mason f
2:09
What are the chances we see more fullback next year?
Ray Fittipaldo
2:10
Derek Watt was not healthy last year in camp and they couldn't really get things going with that aspect of their offense. That could change this year provided Watt is healthy. Matt Canada like to use his fullback when he was at Pitt.
Eric Carr
2:11
Do these "informed" Steelers fans that keep harping of Ben's imaginary poor conditioning and weight even really look at the way he looks at OTA's and camp every yr before they say that? Will they ever get a life?
Ray Fittipaldo
2:12
It's not just fans. I see plenty in the national media harp on it. He's not Tom Brady and eating avocado ice cream and doing the TB12 method, but Roethlisberger's so-called weight issues have been way overblown.
Guest
2:12
Do you honestly believe that this team will go anywhere with Tomlin still as head coach ?
Ray Fittipaldo
2:12
They went 11-5 and to the playoffs with him last season.
Sunner in Orlando
2:13
Did not having fans or a minimum amount of fans in the playoff game last year hurt the Steelers v the Browns? Would they have won the game in your opinion or were the Steelers out of gas at that point in the season and a full house would not have helped them?
Ray Fittipaldo
2:15
Having fans in the stands would not have prevented Maurkice Pouncey from snapping the ball over Roethlisberger's head on the first play from scrimmage, and it would not have prevented Roethlisberger from throwing four picks. I get what you're saying. Having fans would have helped, but you're not winning any game the way the Steelers played.
Pete
2:15
PFF ranked the steelers offensive line as #29 in the NFL.  What say you?
Ray Fittipaldo
2:15
Who was 32nd?
Sunner in Orlando
2:16
The Steelers historically have done well when they have a tough schedule and conversely have played down to their inferior opponents over the years when they've had easier schedules on paper. How do you see this year shaking out with the toughest schedule in the league coming up. I say 10-7 or at worst 9-8.
Ray Fittipaldo
2:16
I think you're in the ballpark. Anywhere from 8-9 to 10-7 is a good call.
Winter Park Fan
2:16
Many analysts have rated the steeler draft mediocre, mostly because it did not meet their "needs".  The steeler approach has always been to draft, sign and develop and their perception of need may differ from the so called "experts".  I think they had a strong draft.  Comment?
Ray Fittipaldo
2:18
Najee Harris definited fill a need. A huge one. And so did Kendrick Green. And while some people thought the Freiermuth pick was a luxury you have to consider what the Steelers want to do this year and in the future -- they want to run the ball better and become more balanced. Eric Ebron won't provide quality blocking in the run game, so Freiermuth, if he proves capable, would fill that very big need.
V. Fontaine
2:18
I presume camp at St. Vincent with fans will return this year? Also, how much longer do you think the Steelers will continue to train there? They are one of the few that continue to go away for camp. I know the Steelers connection there is strong but I can't imagine the players in this day and age like it.
Ray Fittipaldo
2:20
I wouldn't presume anything just yet. The Buffalo Bills just announced today they are not going away to camp and will instead train at their practice facility. Art Rooney II is on the record as saying he wants to go to Saint Vincent this year, but he said he's only going to do it if fans can attend. Then there is also the matter of the NFLPA signing off on it.
Eric Carr
2:20
I know the draft was over a month ago and it's water under the bridge but if the Vikings hadn't made the decision for us and he was still there,  do you think we take Darrisaw over Najee? Do you think that would've been the correct call?
Ray Fittipaldo
2:21
I wish I could answer for you, and maybe I can someday. My gut says they still would have picked Harris, but Darrisaw is a very strong left tackle prospect.
Sunner in Orlando
2:21
Who gets booted out of the all of a sudden crowded running back room? I say Samuels. You?
Ray Fittipaldo
2:22
That's a good guess. I'm sure we'll get a better feel in camp and the preseason, but Samuels does not have a role that makes him a lock to make the roster.
SteelByDesign
2:24
Am I the only one seriously worried about this team's depth?

Right now, an injury at OT, CB, or OLB feels like it would be a death blow to this team's Superbowl chances.
Ray Fittipaldo
2:25
All tenuous, but Joe Haeg is a vet and the likely swing tackle. There would be some angst if he had to play for a long stretch, but he does have experience. CB and OLB definitely more dire, which is why I think you see more speculation about prospective free agents at those two positions. Definitely two positions to monitor in camp and the preseason.
Eric Carr
2:27
Ray, how likely do you think it is that Hooker is signed? Or a vet OLB or OT before camp?
Ray Fittipaldo
2:27
I think more likely during camp.
Jim
2:27
I may be the only one, but I think the Steelers O can be really good with a decent running game and I think with the addition of Harris, we will have one.
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