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Ray Fittipaldo's Steelers chat: 06.14.21
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Ray Fittipaldo
2:21
I think there is an actual competition.
JerseySteel
2:22
Hi Ray - what is your comfort level with Okorafor and Banner as starting tackles? I tend to have more of a comfort level with the interior OL though noted that there may be a rookie at Center
Ray Fittipaldo
2:23
Both have a lot to prove. Big years for both.
JerseySteel
2:23
Hi Ray - who are the CB's on the field in the nickel defense week 1?
Ray Fittipaldo
2:24
Don't hold me to this because things certainly could change, but if I had to predict right now I'd say Hade, Sutton and James Pierre.
Jared
2:24
Do you think they will actually play Juju more on the outside and johnson to slot?
Ray Fittipaldo
2:25
I think they'll be a little less predictable this year, but JJSS will be used in the slot on many occasions because he's very effective in that role.
Bill in SF
2:26
A couple years ago Tuzar Skipper was supposed to be the 2nd coming of James Harrison - at least in the eyes of the participants on these chats! Whatever became of him?  Is is on a roster somewhere?
Ray Fittipaldo
2:27
According to quick Google search Skipper i playing for the Titans.
Jim
2:28
How can one publication predict 5 wins for the Steelers, what am I missing to think a minimum  of 8 wins?
Ray Fittipaldo
2:29
Which publication picked them to win five wins? I can see them finishing anywhere from 8-9 to 10-7.
LivinTheDream
2:31
Ray, your and Brian's  comments during the Northshore pod cast about the OL changing their technique from grab-on to drive-on are quite interesting. It seems to me that grab-on is something you do to pass protect and drive-on would help the runners. My question is why not do either one (at the appropriate time) rather than one or the other all the time?
Ray Fittipaldo
2:33
Protecting the passer is completely different from blocking in the run game. In pass pro, you are retreating. In run blocking (in most schemes) you are going ahead and trying to block linemen and linebackers in an aggressive fashion.
Jake
2:34
Does McFarland factor into the O even if Harris stays healthy? (The Canada connection is interesting to me.) Or do you think his usage is like Lev Bell in 2017?
Ray Fittipaldo
2:34
I think they are going to ride Harris and the other RBs on the roster will be used here and there to spell him.
Jim
2:35
Why wait until camp or an injury to sign someone like Hooker? Why not give someone time to get acclimated and a chance to compete for a job?
Ray Fittipaldo
2:35
Because I think they want to see what they have on their roster before adding anyone else.
Methuselah Thõempkrësharh
2:35
are Mondays your new spot or is your switch with BB temporary?
Ray Fittipaldo
2:36
Just temporary. Brian took today off so we switched. I'll be back in my usual Tuesday slot once training camp starts.
J$Money
2:36
With a new offense, do you expect Ben to play anymore than usual in the preseason or will his reps in training camp be adequate to get ready for the regular season?
Ray Fittipaldo
2:37
I think the reps in camp will be adequate. And remember he's been at most of the OTAs so he has a head start.
Jim
2:37
Browns have ran the ball effectively the last two years with a so-so O-line, no reason the Steelers can't run the ball this year with a good young back, am I crazy?
Ray Fittipaldo
2:37
The Browns have something like three Pro Bowlers on their O-line so I am not sure I'd call them "so so."
Jim
2:38
sportsnaut is predicting 6-11 but I did see another where itwas 5-12.
Ray Fittipaldo
2:38
Uh oh another web site I never heard of.
I know nothing!
2:40
Thoughts on the USFL and odds they make it?
Ray Fittipaldo
2:40
I've lost track of the number of football leagues that have come and gone since the original USFL. I'd put the odds at 2%.
Jana
2:41
For as much as you can divulge do you see Ben adjusting to and learning this new offense?
Ray Fittipaldo
2:42
The fact that he was present for OTAs was significant for me. He wants to learn and help in the transition. I am sure there will be some adjustment throughout camp and maybe even into the season, but Roethlisberger seems like he is trying his best to make it work.
Jim
2:42
Well the Steelers had three pro-bowlers as well with Big Al, Pounce and DeCastro. I think the RB will make a difference.
Ray Fittipaldo
2:43
I do too, but I don't think there was any comparison between last year's Steelers line and the Browns. Pouncey retired for a reason. The Steelers let Villanueva walk. I should have mentioned All-Pros rather than Pro Bowls, which can be more of a popularity contest.;
Bernard
2:44
Would the Steelers have enjoyed additional post season success had the Rooney's not fired Arians?
Ray Fittipaldo
2:46
That's hard to say. Arians was let go following the 2011 season. There were some older players on the roster in 2012 and 2013 and the team had to be remade. The Steelers were really good statistically from 2014-18 on offense under Todd Haley and Randy Fichtner.
Bernard
2:47
How confident are you that Canada can succeed as an NFL OC?  He did put up 50+ once on my Buckeyes in College Park but beyond that and a short stint at Wiscy, I don't know much about the guy.
Ray Fittipaldo
2:47
Brian Batko wrote an in-depth profile on Canada that ran online at post-gazette.com today. Here is the link: https://www.post-gazette.com/sports/steelers/2021/06/14/matt-canada-st...
Bernard
2:47
Maybe already asked, but how do you think Bush is feeling and will he be 100% back for regular season?
Ray Fittipaldo
2:48
Bush said last week he is 80-90% and says he'll be 100% by the time training camp rolls around.
Jay_In_Indy
2:48
Hello Ray, do you think it would be a good idea if Matt Canada went back and reviewed tape of when the Steelers o-line was firing on all cylinders under Mike Munchak and implemented some of the most successful plays that were used back then?
Ray Fittipaldo
2:49
No. This is his offense and he has to make it work on his terms. Munchak used many of the same techniques and principles that Shaun Sarrett did. In fact, it was basically all the same because Sarrett was a Munchak disciple.
Out of work in Cleveland
2:50
I find it more enjoyable rooting for the Browns to lose, than the Steelers to win.  Does anyone else feel the same?  Is there something wrong with me?
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