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Ray Fittipaldo's Steelers chat: 06.07.21
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Ray Fittipaldo
2:28
That's what they're banking on, Jim. Get the run game going, open up the downfield passing game, play-action, etc.
SteelByDesign
2:28
Any idea who's going to have the unenviable task of replacing Tunch on the radio broadcasts?
Ray Fittipaldo
2:29
The Steelers haven't announced a replacement just yet. There are plenty of good options, including some who already work in the media after their playing careers ended.
Eric Carr
2:29
Ray, do you think non-vaccinated  people will be able to attend games at the Heinz this yr? I bought tix to 2 games not knowing.  Buffalo is 100% vaccinated only.  Can't believe I'm gonna miss the opener being right up the road from Buffalo! Bucs and Pens allowed both,  correct?
Ray Fittipaldo
2:30
As far as I know the Penguins and Pirates did not require proof of vaccination to attend games. I haven't heard any talk of the Steelers making it mandatory.
Guest
2:31
Hi Ray, any word on training camp? Will it be in Latrobe? Will there be fans? Do we have a date that it opens?
Ray Fittipaldo
2:32
See answer from above. And the Steelers are eligible to report July 21, I believe, but that hasn't been confirmed by the team as their actual start date. It's when they're allowed to report because they're in the Hall of Fame game.
mrbig
2:32
are all coach/assistant spots filled?
Ray Fittipaldo
2:32
Yes they are.
Methuselah Thõempkrësharh
2:33
Was Claypool at OTAs? Needs to work on hand strength/suddeness imo. Of course he could do that on his own.
Ray Fittipaldo
2:33
He was there last week, yes.
Y-Town Steeler
2:33
What do you think are realistic stats for Pat Freiermuth this season and do you think he will have more snaps then Ebron by season end?
Ray Fittipaldo
2:35
Tough question to answer because he's a rookie, and no one really knows right now how he'll develop. Last year at this time the Steelers had no idea that Chase Claypool would be so good as a rookie. We have to wait and see how Freiermuth fits in. But I will say this: if he's a quality blocker he'll get plenty of snaps because the Steelers want to be an improved running team.
Jay_In_Indy
2:36
Hello Ray...  Should the NFL make teams publish their draft boards after 10 years?  What are your thoughts about publishing draft boards after a set time?
Ray Fittipaldo
2:36
It would be great, but why would NFL teams agree to do this?
Ron Shanklin
2:37
Would you guess anyone outside of Claypool, Shuster, Johnson, Washington group will stand out and make this team?
Ray Fittipaldo
2:38
Ray-Ray McCloud has the inside track for the fifth spot, but he was on the team last season. You could see a young WR challenge him, but it would be a surprise if they did because the Steelers didn't draft one.
Dr. Mike
2:38
Max Starks would be an ideal Tunch replacement.
Ray Fittipaldo
2:39
Starks doesn't work in media in Pittsburgh. That's not a prerequisite, but guys like Charlie Batch do. And he's been on TV and radio before.
Sunner in Orlando
2:40
If Ben were to play real well this year and he and the Steelers wanted to go another year, would they have to restructure his deal again or does his current deal account for another possible year?
Ray Fittipaldo
2:40
They'd just do another one-year deal with dummy years on the end, I think.
Sunner in Orlando
2:42
Have there been any internal discussions on extending TJ? Will the Steelers draw a line in the sand and say this is our max offer we can afford so take it or leave type of deal? Things "allegedly" did not go well in the exit interview so I'm wondering if he has a beef against anyone in the FO.I would hate to have an Aaron Rodgers situation brewing.
Ray Fittipaldo
2:44
TJ Watt is their No. 1 priority this year. That does not mean it will definitely get done before the season. But there is a chance. Look at what happened with Cam Heyward last year. They didn't sign him until a few days before the season began.
Carl in Carrick
2:45
Hi Ray.  Do you see the Steelers extending James Washington?   I think his play has been undervalued.  Thanks.
Ray Fittipaldo
2:46
I doubt it. Chase Claypool is under contract for three more years and Diontae Johnson for two more years. Washington has done well at times, but spending money on a No. 4 WR when there are so many other needs doesn't make a lot of sense.
Reggie
2:48
I feel like we need more help at corner. Trying to replace hilton and nelson with sutton and a bunch of rookies isnt a formula for success. Thoughts?
Ray Fittipaldo
2:48
Not rookies. Justin Layne is entering Year 3 and James Pierre Year 2, but I know what you're saying. Those guys are unproven.
Bnix
2:48
What are the reports on the undrafted rookies after OTAs specially shakur brown and Lamont wade?
Ray Fittipaldo
2:49
More buzz around Brown, but as is the case with everyone, let's wait til camp to see how these guys perform when it really counts.
Steelit
2:50
I see the cornerbacks and offensive line as being the two biggest question marks on the team. Which group do you see as being more of an achilles heel>
Ray Fittipaldo
2:51
I'm not sure there is much differentiation. Injuries are going to happen at every position, and I'd include OLB in there, too.
Chris Dolbow
2:52
Ray- what can tell us about the dynamics of Canada’s offense. Ben made mention to more pre-snap movement, some FB utilization, etc. anything you can share on that?
Ray Fittipaldo
2:54
We got a good preview early last season. Jet sweep motion. They'll be creative with personnel packages and force defenses to declare and adjust. Many of those things disappeared as the season went on last year.
2:55
Thank you for taking part in today's chat. We'll do it again next week.
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