Ray Fittipaldo's Steelers chat: 06.10.26
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Scott S
12:37
This is the 2nd offseason we are hearing Roman Wilson is looking good in practices, do you thing He can win WR3 job? I just read an article where they say he is a cut candidate, I find that hard to believe.
Ray Fittipaldo
12:38
I don't think he is a cut candidate, but this is a big summer for him. Rookie year was a wash because of the injuries. Last year was a disappointment. He needs to start playing consistent football.
Scott S
12:38
Odds the Navy kid, EH, makes the team? I’m sure everyone is rooting for him and I’m looking forward to seeing him play, but He still feels like a long shot to make the 53.
Ray Fittipaldo
12:39
If he makes it, it will be because he earned a spot with his special teams play. That's the way it is for most late-round picks.
Fan in Maryland
12:39
Are you looking forward to 3 days in Paris?  Go to Fauchons for great pasteries.
Ray Fittipaldo
12:40
Not looking forward to the long plane ride, but yes I am. My goal is to get to Normandy if possible. Hoping I can do that on Saturday, the day before the game.
Ethan in IL
12:40
Hey Ray - is it true the Steelers are interested in bringing Najee Harris back? I've heard some rumors but wanted to hear your take.
Ray Fittipaldo
12:40
Lol. Why?
Scott S
12:40
Any news on using someone other than Benton at NT? I have always thought he would be better playing 3 or 4 tech and was disappointed we didn’t draft a true NT. Would love to see Black get a shot.
Ray Fittipaldo
12:41
D-line coach Domata Peko believes Yahya Black can be an "elite" nose tackle. So I am guessing Benton will be bumped outside more often than previous years. MIght be a situation where he plays fewer snaps (because Heyward and Harmon will be starters) but his sack production could increase.
Jeff in Chatt
12:44
Hi, Ray. A follow-up question to your recent response about the team showing respect to Steelers greats by unofficially retiring select jersey numbers, like #12 & #58. What about #1? How does Gary Anderson’s tenure with the team warrant his popular jersey number being unofficially retired since 1994?
Ray Fittipaldo
12:45
Yes that one baffles me a bit. Anderson was a terrific kicker, but I'm not sure he's deserving of having his number unofficially retire when guys like Mel Blount have to see their numbers issued on occasion. At least in the preseason.
Eric Witt
12:45
win/loss prediction as they stand right now?
Ray Fittipaldo
12:45
9-8!
Scott S
12:45
Who do you see as a breakout candidate this season? I will be watching R Wilson, P. Wilson, and Black.
Ray Fittipaldo
12:46
Those are three good candidates. I'll toss in Germie Bernard's name too.
BAB
12:46
Everyone keeps talking about details and communication with the new coach. However, I remember watching a lot of Cowboy football when he was coach and there were a lot of details missing, for example, clock management and discipline. The same with the Raiders defense. I don’t want to hear the Raiders defense lacked talent, the talent had nothing to do with discipline.What are your thoughts? At some point, it is on the players to be detailed and communicate.
Ray Fittipaldo
12:47
You are right. It is up to the players, but the coaches can lead them in the right direction... And while we're on the subject, other than Maxx Crosby, who exactly from that Raiders defense from the past few years is getting you excited?
BAB
12:47
You do realize Normandy to Paris is about six hours?
Ray Fittipaldo
12:47
Yes, but I'd love to find a way to do it.
Bill
12:48
Is Yahya Black a good NT in disguise??
Ray Fittipaldo
12:48
He might not be in disguise very much longer.
Henry Hill
12:48
I know it's not real football yet, but have you seen any improvement in Allar's play and technique so far?
Ray Fittipaldo
12:48
Sure, but he still has a long ways to go.
Scott S
12:49
Thanks for the chats Ray, I may be delusional, but I don’t see how this team won’t improve over last season, upgrades at WR and secondly, improving OL and a returning QB for first time in a long time. If AR and our Defense stays healthy I think 12-5 is realistic.
Ray Fittipaldo
12:50
I can see the optimism, but they do have to deal with a first-place schedule. When you factor that in and also acknowledge they've had some luck in avoiding Lamar Jackson and Joe Burrow in recent years then I think you can also see how 9-8 is realistic as well. Either way, I think they'll be in the mix. \
12:52
Ok that's it for this week. The Steelers are off until training camp so I'll be taking some time off too. Chats won't be weekly, but I will continue to do a few throughout June and July before camp starts.
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