JotCast | Ray Fittipaldo's Steelers chat: 06.20.23

Ray Fittipaldo's Steelers chat: 06.20.23

View Full Chat Next Page

Ray Fittipaldo

2:52

Sorry for the delay. Lets' get the chat started.

Fay Rittipaldo

2:52

Any plans of the Steelers honoring Savran this season?

Ray Fittipaldo

2:53

Stan was very involved with the Steelers so I am sure the team will do something to honor him. He was on their hall of honor committee and of course did TV and radio work on a weekly basis.

Alan in Alabama

2:53

Hi Ray, Curious question. Is it possible that Robinson did something negative (maybe conditioning or discipline) that would have coaches making definitive statements about him not being in consideration to win a spot at ILB? I get that he has very limited experience and that he’s more suited against the run than the pass (aren’t all of their ILB’s?) but why would anyone EVER take it off the table unless you have a superstar ahead of them? Also, same thing in my mind for Okorafor and Moore. I don’t care how much Chuks is paid. (And I like him) Open up the competition in as many areas as possible! Thanks.

Ray Fittipaldo

2:54

No that was Teryl Austin just being honest about where Robinson is in his career. You have to remember he was a running back for most of his college career. He is still relatively new to the linebacker position.

Tampa Too

2:54

Ray. Refresh my memory. Was Calvin Austin impressive during training camp last year before he was injured? Or did he miss most of camp? It appears that everyone has high expectations for him.

Ray Fittipaldo

2:54

He was impressive in the week or so he was out there, but he was injured before the first preseason game.

Texan Steeler

2:55

Hey Ray, Matt Canada had no hot routes with KP in 2022. How important is it to have hot routes and do you think Canada will correct this in 2023?

Ray Fittipaldo

2:55

I understand why a rookie QB had handcuffs so to speak, but he's no longer a rookie and the coaching staff is going to have to trust him if they want the offense to take the next step.

62 Stack Monster

2:56

Ray, Leal or Loudermilk?

Ray Fittipaldo

2:56

In terms of upside? Leal, but the coaches haven't given up on Loudermilk just yet.

Rich

2:56

Ray could we see Darnell Washington in a two tight end set that keeps the defense guessing whether he will run block, or release as a receiver? Seems like that could be a huge advantage!

Ray Fittipaldo

2:57

It will be once Washington is ready to contribute as a blocker and a receiver. He's still learning the game as a receiver. Let's tamp down the expectations a bit on how much Washington will be used as a rookie. He was selected in the third round. HIs development is going to take some time.

Guest

2:58

Do you expect Pickett to be able to audible more? Defenses have said for years the Tomlin play calling is easy to figure out. Can't we trust our QB to make adjustments based on what he sees? Is this a control thing with the head man in charge?

Ray Fittipaldo

2:58

Tomlin believes the winning formula is playing great defense and playing conservative on offense. That won't change a whole lot, but yes Pickett has to make more plays if the Steelers want to get to the playoffs -- and make some noise when they get there.

Jimmy

2:59

I’ve been watching the Steelers for more than 50 years and the most fun years have been when expectations are low and the team is in the rise. This seems like one of those years

Ray Fittipaldo

3:00

I wouldn't say the expectations are low. I expect them to make the playoffs. They have high-end talent on defense and some weapons on offense. But I know what you're saying. They're coming off a season when they didn't make the playoffs.

Bill

3:01

What are the risks of the Steelers signing and relying on two free agents to start, Cole and Robinson, who are still recovering from season ending injuries last year?

Ray Fittipaldo

3:03

They were desperate to upgrade the ILB position. It was a risk Omar Khan thought was worth taking. I view it in the same way as the Ogunjobi signing last year. They needed help on the defensive line and needed to make a move. We'll see how Holcomb comes along in camp. It will be a storyline for sure this summer. Robinson is a No. 3 WR. He'll play a lot, but he's not a starter. For what it's worth, he seemed to be further along in his rehab this spring than Holcomb.

3:03

Ray, do you think Pittsburgh should try to sign a veteran running back to mentor 22 and 30 like they did 11 to mentor the receivers?

Ray Fittipaldo

3:04

No but they need to find a quality No. 3 in case there are injuries to Harris or Warren.

Mayn

3:04

Which TE do you see getting more snaps this year? Heyward or Washington. Washington's blocking seems to fit the stated identity for the offense but Heyward has a year more experience, more versatility, and is getting some high praise for his elusiveness from some outlets. Thanks!

Ray Fittipaldo

3:05

That's a tough question because Washington is a strong blocker on a team that wants to run the ball. So if he's passes Gentry on the depth chart that will be his role. Having said that, I expect Connor Heyward to play more than he did last season. He has a varied skill set the coaches want to use.

Monte the Mullet

3:06

KP 25 TDs to 5 INTs and TJ relatively healthy = 2nd place and a playoff win at least? What say you?

Ray Fittipaldo

3:07

I would say comfortably in the playoffs, but victories in the playoffs are hard to come by as Mike Tomlin can attest to recently.

Slick Willie

3:07

Hello Ray — Do you think the Steelers can be a SB contender before some of their stars — Heyward, Watt. Peterson, finish their careers ?

Ray Fittipaldo

3:08

By Super Bowl contender I assume you mean a team that can get to a conference championship game. That might be hard for Heyward and Peterson. If Watt never plays in a Super Bowl with the Steelers that will be a major disappointment. I would hope they get to at least one while he's on the roster.

Ric4d

3:09

Do you believe LC and Jon Kolb will ever be enshrined in the HOF?

Ray Fittipaldo

3:09

Both would have to get in via the veterans committee, and I think Greenwood has a better chance than Kolb.

mrbig

3:10

Why does everyone feel the steelers can't make the playoffs? They missed last season by 1 game and went 7-2 to close the season. On paper, they have a better & deeper roster this year & not nearly as many question marks.... so why the pessimism?

Ray Fittipaldo

3:10

Easier schedule, better depth across the board, a second-year QB who gained valuable experience as a rookie... Those are a few reasons.

CoalportKid

3:10

Who replaces all the lost special teamers? Derek Watt, Benny Snell, Jamir Jones, Marcus Allen, Arthur Maulet & Robert Spillane who were 1, 3, 5, 6, 8 & 13 in snaps per this site: https://www.pro-football-reference.com/teams/pit/2022-snap-counts.htm

Ray Fittipaldo

3:11

Methinks the Steelers wanted to revamp their special teams. So you'll see guys like Tanner Muse with a big role. Killebrew is still on the roster. Connor Heyward is a good special teams player. Look for some of the rookies to do it too.

Mike

3:11

Thanks for doing these. I have read several articles about Darnell Washington over the past few days. However, I'm a bit confused because some list him as mini-camp winner and have him doing well, while others state his hands/receiving abilities have not been great. Which one is it?

Ray Fittipaldo

3:13

I think we need to pump the brakes with Washington. He is not a natural route runner. He didn't have a lot of exposure to the passing game at Georgia. That's not his fault. I think it's going to take some time. It's early, but I don't see a prolific pass catcher in the future. I see a big bodied TE who should help in the running game. Anything they get out of him in the passing game should be viewed as gravy.

fredward

3:14

Hi Ray, I saw a rumor that Anthony Miller will get cut. Do you think a) Gunner could be next to go? and b) Hakeem Butler may be pushing his way into the picture?

Ray Fittipaldo

3:15

They needed a roster spot and Miller never really caught on here. He was on the practice squad in 2021 and IR last season. Butler has much to prove in training camp. Gunner will be fighting for a roster spot as well.

Tom

3:15

what position do you worry most about this year? ILB?

Ray Fittipaldo

3:15

And slot CB.

Bud

3:16

Any chance we might see Myles Jack again? He is still available isn't he?

Connecting…