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Ray Fittipaldo's Steelers chat: 06.28.22
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Ray Fittipaldo
2:16
Because the Steelers are replacing a future HOF QB with someone with a much thinner resume. I completely understand why expectations aren't as high as other years when they had an established veteran QB.
Carl in Carrick
2:17
Ray, if you had the power to suspend Watson, how long would that suspension be and what do you think the league will do with Watson?  Thanks.
Ray Fittipaldo
2:17
Indefinite is a good approach, I think. We still don't know the extent or depth of the allegations against him.
Donna
2:17
Good afternoon Ray.  Do you think Watson will play this season based on what you have seen and heard so far?  Thank you.
Ray Fittipaldo
2:18
I do not.
what da
2:18
Mitch had 29 wins and 21 losses.  Why is he being crowned the grand poohbah.  It explains his weak salary for a QB. Is he another Tomlin project?
Ray Fittipaldo
2:18
I think he's viewed as a placeholder with some upside. But his success hinges on the pieces around him. Probably true for Pickett, too.
Zamo
2:19
Hey Ray!  Enjoy the break before the grind. Please confirm my fears that we will add an established RB behind Najee because I have zero faith in Benny football or McFarland. Need that next Deangelo or Fast Willie because we will need someone good as a backup.
Ray Fittipaldo
2:19
Yes, but where do you find those guys in July or August? Not ruling out a trade or a waiver-wire pickup, but I think they're going to see what Snell and McFarland have to offer this summer before making any moves.
Mercury
2:20
In answer to your Rudolph/Garrett locker question:  Yes. Garrett could put his helmet on for him.
Guest
2:20
if the competition is close, id rather start KP over Mitch.. either option is better than Mason though...thoughts??
Ray Fittipaldo
2:21
I don't think they want to put a lot of pressure on Pickett as a rookie. Starting him from Day One would put undue pressure on him in my opinion.
Krugerrand
2:22
Who has better odds of playing more snaps for the Browns: Baker Mayfield or Mason Rudolph?
Ray Fittipaldo
2:22
Mayfield 5%, Rudolph .5%.
Nate
2:22
Hi, Ray.  What's your take on the Larry Ogunjobi signing?
Ray Fittipaldo
2:22
I think it could be a really good signing provided his foot injury is not an issue.
CanadianSteelersFan
2:23
Good Morning Ray, So the Steelers begin their season with a road game for the 8th straight season. Do you think the Pirates/MLB would ever consider a schedule change to finally allow the Steelers to open the season at Heinz Field?
Ray Fittipaldo
2:23
Honestly, it wouldn't be that hard to figure out in advance. And based on Art Rooney's comments in the spring it seems like the Steelers are intent on having those conversations with the Pirates and MLB soon.
Guest
2:24
Was the loss of Alualu or Tuitt more important to their inability to stop the run last year?  These injuries are often referenced as a big problem, but I'm curious if Tuitt was known as a strong run defender (he was good at getting penetration, but that doesn't mean he was a good run defender)?
Ray Fittipaldo
2:24
Losing one would have hurt the run defense. Losing both was catastrophic. Hope that sums it up.
Thebigwoo
2:25
There were articles on Kevin Dotson where he stated that his whole previous football life was at right guard, and the difficulties he had switching to left guard. Then the Steelers sign James Daniels who has more starts at left guard than any other position. I haven't seen anything about moving Dotson to rg and having Daniels at lg, and actually just the opposite. Is there any thought or validity about having Dotson back at rg and Daniels at lg?
Ray Fittipaldo
2:26
Nope. I asked Dotson about that this spring, and he said he's staying at left guard. Daniels will play the right side. But you are right. It was a tough transition for Dotson. For some guys switching sides is not an issue, but Dotson admitted he had a hard time with the footwork and hand placement although he says he's much more comfortable now than he had been in the past.
ZO
2:26
Prediction for Offensive MVP this season?
Ray Fittipaldo
2:26
Najee Harris provided he stays healthy.
Putski's Revenge
2:27
Who will be the Steelers HoF rep now the Ed retired? Or does it stay with him?
Ray Fittipaldo
2:28
I haven't heard. Lots of good candidates.
Treesmann
2:29
Ray I coached youth sports for 20+ years.  It was my job to fit my game philosophy to match the talent or lack there of to put the team and it’s players in the best possible position to be successful and win.  Given that is a core belief of mist coached what the heck was Canada going last season
Ray Fittipaldo
2:30
I agree, but an aging QB definitely did not fit his system. No excuses this season. The offense has to be better.
Seferg
2:31
Have you seen enough from them to know the differences between Pickett, Trubisky and Rudolph?
Ray Fittipaldo
2:31
Somewhat, but there will be a lot more scrutiny once the pads come on in camp and things heat up.
Robert Lehman in Yorktown, VA
2:32
Will Najeh be as good or better than Derrick Henry in 2022?
Ray Fittipaldo
2:33
Najeh Davenport? or NAJEE Harris? Henry is a beast, but I think Harris can have a great year if the OL is good on front of him. A big if, I know.
Putski's Revenge
2:33
Do you have a feel for Coach Meyer (OL) yet, especially in comparison to Sarrett and the dude who left to go back to college midseason?
Ray Fittipaldo
2:33
I do not. Tomlin better have gotten that hire right, though. Will be an interesting summer for the OL and how they mesh.
Bob
2:45
Both the Chief and Dan Rooney seemed to have personal grandfather like relationships with players and were even revered but ARII doesn’t appear to, at least not at the same level.  In your opinion why do you think that is.
Ray Fittipaldo
2:46
Not sure that is accurate. Art is in the locker room shaking hands with the players just like his grandfather and father did. He carries on many of the same traditions.
Chris M
2:46
Ray, I just wanted to say, thanks for multi-tasking and doing this chat while you're on with the 93.7 The Fan PM Team. My question is, how much of a chance does George Pickens have to overtake Chase Claypool as the number two receiver in the team's hierarchy?
Ray Fittipaldo
2:47
You're welcome, Chris. Not sure it will happen in 2022, but Pickens has a high ceiling. At one time, I thought Claypool did, too. Perhaps he still does if he can have a bounce-back season.
Robert Lehman in Yorktown, VA
2:48
Was Kenny Pickett worth drafting at #20 if he does NOT start this year and Trubisky plays as a top 10 QB in 2022?
Ray Fittipaldo
2:49
One has nothing to do with the other. It's all about Pickett and how he performs over the next 4-5 years. He'll get his chance, believe me.
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