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Ray Fittipaldo's Steelers chat: 07.25.23
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Ray Fittipaldo
2:14
I don't get the sense Herbig is going to play ILB anytime soon. They seem committed to finding out if he can play on the edge this summer.
Bubby Tomzcak
2:15
What are you as a beat guy most looking forward to about Camp starting? Also what are you least looking forward to?
Ray Fittipaldo
2:16
Plenty of good camp battles this year with LT, CB and NT up for grabs. That will will be fun to watch in practice. I'm really not looking forward to the long days on the road.
Guest
2:16
What do you think the Steeler’s record will be this year? And follow up question, is how big of a role will Jaylen Warren play this year?
Ray Fittipaldo
2:17
My prediction on July 25: 10-7... I expect Warren to have a similar role to what he had last season. They wanted to take some touches away from Najee Harris and Warren was productive when called upon. I think you'll see more of the same.
Canadian Paul
2:18
I'm coming from Toronto to see Steelers vs. Ravens. Where is the best place to eat by the stadium?
Ray Fittipaldo
2:18
Get a Peppi's on the walk down to the stadium.
Blue Collar Jeff
2:19
Ray--Thanks for checking the mail. Will the fate of the 2023 Steelers rest more heavily on the talent that's been assembled or the ability to develop/deploy that talent? I've been critical of Tomlin & Co. in recent years for not putting the talent to good use (especially on offense), but maybe the talent wasn't there in the first place. Omar & Co. seemed to have addressed that in significant ways this offseason (at least on paper).
Ray Fittipaldo
2:19
Deploying the talent. Matt Canada has plenty of talented players to work with. He needs to put them in positions to help the team succeed.
Seferg
2:20
What positions would you like to see upgraded if the Steelers are to be a serious Super Bowl contender?
Ray Fittipaldo
2:20
Depth at ILB.
Fernando
2:21
Hello Ray —- Do you think the Steelers will follow the current trend of paying running backs with Najee ?
Ray Fittipaldo
2:21
The trend has been not to pay RBs. And Harris' 2023 season will play a big role in his future earnings.
Guest
2:22
Hi Ray. I'm sure you have or will get this question a thousand times. But since I'm typing early I'll ask. Do you believe there's a chance Joey Porter, Jr. isn't signed by or on tomorrow? I know it's a unique situation but does this start off his career with the Steelers strained?
Ray Fittipaldo
2:22
It's not a big deal if he remains unsigned in July or even early August.
Paul from Sacramento
2:23
Hi Ray, Love your chats and insight and writings.. Do you think Canada will work Pickens more into the offense instead of running "go routes"? I read where GP ran more go routes (per snap) than 95% of the other outside WR,,  also read where he was in for 35% of the plays when in the red zone..  Can that be true? Why would you take out George and put in Gunner?  Thoughts??
Ray Fittipaldo
2:24
It will be a major red flag if Pickens isn't utilized more in the red zone this season. And yes his route tree should expand. Most players take a big leap from year 1 to year 2 because they are more comfortable in their role and have a better understanding of the playbook.
Zamo
2:25
Excited for camp Ray and for season to start!  Looking forward to see how the depth at ILB and defensive line shakes out. I’m also looking at who the #3 RB will be. McFarland isn’t it!  Any thoughts on who to keep an eye out for this summer who can turn some heads and who can pop for more than 20 yards and take it to the house??
Ray Fittipaldo
2:26
Warren came out of nowhere last summer to earn the backup job. Maybe there is another player this year who can impress. Have to wait until the pads come on to see who that player might be in 2023.
Chuck from Michigan
2:26
Hi Ray, which of the draft picks have impressed you from what you have observed at camp and OTA’s? Hoping Benton and Herbig can develop in to “splash” players?  Which draft pick do you think has his work cut out for him?  Thanks.
Ray Fittipaldo
2:27
Lots of hype around Darnell Washington, but he's going to have to be really good this summer to earn a role on game days. That means showing out as a run blocker first and foremost.
Max Kolbe
2:28
Pre camp prediction on the player that will surprise the most this season?  Mine is Diontae Johnson.  People overlook how early it is in his career.
Ray Fittipaldo
2:28
I don't know about surprise, but if Matt Canada is doing his job Pat Freiermuth should be a much bigger factor in the red zone.
Heart in Pittsburgh
2:28
Hi Ray. I lived in Bethel Park when Nick Kwiatkoski played there. Heck of a player. Reminded a little of Sean Lee when he was at Upper St. Clair. I'm rooting for him to make the team. What do you think his chances are as an end of the roster player?
Ray Fittipaldo
2:30
He's been most a special teams player the past two seasons so if he can make an impact on teams this summer he'll have a chance. Main competition will be Tanner Muse, who also comes with a nice resume on teams. Not sure they keep five ILBs so will be a good camp battle to see who make the 53-man roster.
Virgil
2:30
Which successful NFL QB - past or present - would you liken KP to the most?
Ray Fittipaldo
2:31
Let Pickett develop on his own. There might be a time for comparisons, but he's only entering year 2. Lots of chapters to be written.
YeeYee
2:32
How many rushing yards and touchdowns does Najee need for the 5th yr option?
Ray Fittipaldo
2:32
I don't know if they'll make that determination strictly on stats, but I think 1,500 scrimmage yards and 10 touchdowns would be a good season for Harris.
The Greek
2:34
How many combine sacks will TJ and Alex get this season?
Ray Fittipaldo
2:34
How's 28 sound?
Tampa Too
2:37
Ray. With the escalating salaries of quarterbacks, do you think it’s time for the league to have a separate quarterback cap?
Ray Fittipaldo
2:39
Not sure the owners and players would agree on how that might work. In the end, teams value QBs more than any other position and are paid as such. And some positions such as RB inevitably feel underpaid and underappreciated. It's just the way the business model is structured right now.
Bubby Tomzcak
2:40
What's the road trip (not game) you're most looking forward to and why?
Ray Fittipaldo
2:40
Vegas. Haven't been there for about 10 years.
Dj
2:41
Why all the national media bias towards Tomlin? He hasn’t been great in well over a decade. Mediocrity and non-losing seasons does not equate to greatness. If Bill can be on the hot seat with all of his success why can’t Tomlin? 0 playoff wins in 6 years, 3 in 12… consistency Is a theme as he also consistently makes the same mistakes with game clock management, coaches challenges, sub par assistants etc. I still cannot fathom how Harvin is on this team.
Ray Fittipaldo
2:42
I love how the final part of this question veers way off course to the PUNTER! Excellent work.
Embrace the suck
2:42
If the Steelers do not win a playoff game this year, is it time for a change in direction at HC?
Ray Fittipaldo
2:43
Probably not, but I think there will be more talk of Tomlin's hot seat getting warmer if that happens. He has a roster that can win now. The only problem is he's in what many believe is the most difficult division in the NFL.
BBatSG
2:44
Lost several pieces on D.  Edmunds, Spillane and Sutton were steady but not spectacular.  What % probability would you give to the new guys being upgrades?  Chances that the D as a whole actually takes a step back with so many new faces?
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