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Ray Fittipaldo's Steelers chat: 08.01.23
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Ray Fittipaldo
11:56
Welcome to the chat. Let's get started.
Nate from Fort Wayne
11:56
Morning, Ray. So what does Kwon Alexander bring to the Steelers that Kyle Van Noy(who's still a FA) doesn't? Was Kyle Van Noy just looking for a starting job and maybe would cost more? is it the age?
Ray Fittipaldo
11:58
For one, he's about three years younger. I think that matters. And anyone waiting until camp to sign isn't breaking the bank. Alexander might have received a little more by signing now than in May but I can't imagine it's a significant amount. We'll find out when his numbers leak.
Guest
11:58
what does signing Kwon say about the rest of the ILB's?
Ray Fittipaldo
12:00
It says more about what the front office thought about the depth behind starters Cole Holcomb and Elandon Roberts. Alexander was not signed to be a starter, but he'll now ascend to top backup. Now if someone in front of him plays poorly, of course, Alexander could step in and become a starter, but they didn't sign him to start in front of either. There is a reason they signed Holcomb and Roberts in March.
Ron
12:00
Hello Ray, and I hope all is well. When you look at the measurable, Porter Jr. Is virtually the same player as Sauce Gardner, albeit lighter on the interception production in college. Gardner might be slightly faster, but Joey has longer arms. If he is newly as good as Gardner ti start his career, how does that impact the defensive approach, and will someone in Chicago be fired? ;)
Ray Fittipaldo
12:01
This is the first time I've seen Porter compared to Gardner. Let's let Porter's play on the field define who he is. No sense is comparing him to an All-Pro right off the bat.
artie bridge
12:01
Ray, I see photos of the additional padding on helmets at camp.  Here's my question:  if this provides further cushioning against concussions, why not wear them throughout the season?  Any down-side?
Ray Fittipaldo
12:01
Some players do wear the caps during practice in-season, but it hasn't been required by the league.
Jay
12:02
Hello Ray.  Steelers over/under is 8.5.  If Tomlin is the 2nd best coach in the league, how can his team have so little expectations?  Is he overrated by national media or underrated by local media?  He is an excellent leader of men but at this point I feel hes closer to Jeff Fisher/Marvin Lewis than Andy Reid.
Ray Fittipaldo
12:03
It all has to do with the QB. If Kenny Pickett plays better than people think he will those expectations will rise. I think that 8.5 number has more to do with the QB and the perceived shortcoming of the offense and much less to do with the head coach.
Ron
12:03
Who will be the two most interesting players to watch perform in pads today?
Ray Fittipaldo
12:04
Keeanu Benton, Broderick Jones, Nick Herbig, Darnell Washington. I know they're all rookies, but they also have a chance to earn roles if they play well in camp. And proving you can play well starts today when real football begins.
Jay
12:04
Morning Ray.  In recent years, we seen Josh Allen take a step forward with addition of Diggs. Burrow/Chase, Hurts/Brown, Tua/Hill, all took major steps with ace receivers.  Do you think the receiver room is good enough to help KP?  Do you think next year a pro-bowl caliber WR is a must for KP?  Thank you
Ray Fittipaldo
12:05
I think the expectation is George Pickens will be that guy for the Steelers. If not, they'll adjust, but I don't think there is a need to go out and sign a WR if Pickens plays to his potential. That's why they drafted him in the second round last year.
Ron
12:05
Do Muse, Killebrew, and Boykin all make the team because of their special teams ability? And, if so, are there any concerns in your opinion in terms of sacrificing positional depth that could be a little stronger than what these three bring to their respective units?
Ray Fittipaldo
12:07
Special teams are important. There are a few guys who are on the roster each season specifically for their ability to contribute on teams. If you look at Killebrew's defensive snaps since he's been with the Steelers he's only played 57 defensive snaps since signing before the 2021 season. Depth matters. Guys like Killebrew have to be good enough to play in a pinch, but he's on the roster for his abilities to play on teams.
SteelerSharp
12:08
Highsmith seems to be killing camp. What’s your sack prediction for this season? Double digits again?
Ray Fittipaldo
12:08
I'll say 12 sacks for Highsmith.
Yates
12:09
Not reading much about OLB #3.  Light work so far?
Ray Fittipaldo
12:10
The first padded practice is today. I think you'll start hearing more about Nick Herbig, but for now Markus Golden is probably the top backup. Herbig has a chance to earn some playing time if he plays well in camp and the three preseason games.
Ron
12:10
5s. Porter gets 5 interceptions, Pickett only throws 5 interceptions, or the offensive tackles only let up 5 sacks all year. Which scenario would you predict leads to the Steelers improving the most overall from last year?
Ray Fittipaldo
12:11
There is no way any offensive line gives up five sacks or fewer in a season so I'll go with that one for your hypothetical. Any team that can keep their QB clean to that extent is going to be successful.
Backwards Johnson
12:11
Single biggest weakness on this team, going into the season? Left tackle, offensive coordinator, QB, or ILB? Other?
Ray Fittipaldo
12:12
OC because I've been unimpressed with Matt Canada thus far. Having said that, I think Mike Tomlin had the cuffs on him last year. So maybe I'll answer with OC/HC.
Jim Hopper
12:12
With the addition of Kwon Alexander how do you envision the ILB rotation shaking out?
Ray Fittipaldo
12:13
Holcomb and Roberts start and Alexander begins the season as the top backup.
Northwestern Fan
12:13
Hey Ray,  this Steelers secondary still seems average to me.  All this talk about Porter coming in and starting seems like wishful thinking.  I was never high on him and his interception shortcomings.  Will we see a consistent lineup out there this year, or will they spend the season juggling players and positions?
Ray Fittipaldo
12:14
I don't think it's their plan to have a consistent lineup. They added versatile players in free agency and the draft so they can move people around to different spots. Safety Keanu Neal spoke about that a bit earlier today. He thinks the different personnel packages can be beneficial for the team rather than a hinderance.
John
12:15
Was the Steeler's winning streak at the end of last season Fool's Gold against poor teams and 4th string quarterbacks?
Ray Fittipaldo
12:15
We'll find out, but you can only win the games on your schedule and they won seven of their final nine.
12:17
He'll have a front row seat. I hope to have one too. It might be his favorite drill of camp, but he also makes it a point to watch other competitive drills. He goes over to the OL-DL 1-on-1s. And he'll go over the WR-DB drills too.
RyanW
12:17
How hyped do you think Tomlin is for the backs on 'backers drill today? haha
Ray Fittipaldo
12:17
Question to previous answer.
Wrathchild
12:18
I have been reading that Spencer Anderson has been showing a lot versatility through the first week of camp, obviously padded practices and preseason will tell the whole story but how has he looked so far?
Ray Fittipaldo
12:18
I'll let you know in a week or two. You said it. Real football begins today.
Mike from DC
12:19
Ray, how has Darnell Washington looked so far this spring?
Ray Fittipaldo
12:20
Inconsistent as a receiver. He'll get a chance to shine this week with the pads on. He was drafted because he was the best run-blocking tight end in the draft.
the real guest
12:20
Ray, Today should be a big day for the Bigs at camp. Finally a lot of overdue competition on the DL and OL. Agree?
Ray Fittipaldo
12:20
Yes. I am hoping the OL and DL don't do 1-on-1s at the same time as backs on backers. Hopefully, they're staggered periods.
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