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Ray Fittipaldo's Steelers chat: 08.02.22
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Ray Fittipaldo
12:27
I just think they were desperate for a center after Pouncey retired and thought he could handle the transition. Obviously, a miscalculation, but hey, they did draft Pat Freiermuth in the second round. I know people always point to passing on Creed Humphrey, but they needed a TE, too. Sometimes you swing and miss.
Ule
12:28
I'm concerned the Left Guard position is not well filled by either Dotson or Green.   Both seem in over their head on this critical job.   Am I wrong?
Ray Fittipaldo
12:28
Dotson might be OK if he can stay healthy. He hasn't been able to do that. Green is athletic and a fit for this offense, but he's small. If he's too small to play center in this league then I am betting he's going to have some challenges at guard too. But we'll see what happens.
Alex B
12:29
When Rudolph was drafted the front office declared they had a first round grade on him, so was that just hyperbole or do you think that was the front office trying to sell the pick to the fans
Ray Fittipaldo
12:29
I think Colbert meant what he said. Why would he try to sell a third-round pick to fans?
Lou
12:30
Hey Ray. Super early reports of camp seem to show Mason is the top QB, yet everyone in their armchair HC spot has Mitch as the starting QB. I'm all for Mason being the starter. The guy learned under Big Ben, has shown some stuff here and there, and knows the system better than anyone.  What are the odds he starts the season as top dog?
Ray Fittipaldo
12:30
Between 10 and 20%. Not impossible, but I think this is set up for Trubisky to win the job.
Sunner in Orlando
12:30
Myles Jack and Tyson are the only new pieces to the Defense that was last against the rush. Will these 2 make the difference in stopping the run or will the scheme developed by Austin and Flores be the difference or will the defense be terrible again?
Ray Fittipaldo
12:31
You're forgetting about Ogunjobi. Three new faces can make a difference, and I think they will. Not saying they'll all of a sudden become a shut-down defense against the run, but I expect them to be better.
James Ryan
12:32
Hey Ray! Thanks for the chats as always. Do you think DJ would take a short term deal (2 yrs, 44m)? And would the Steelers do something like that? The org says we're never in rebuild mode, so you my as well give your #1 guy something
Ray Fittipaldo
12:33
No. Why would he settle for less term when his peers are getting longer deals?
Barney
12:33
Does the third team offense go against a third team defense? Shouldn't a good QB be blowing apart the 3rd team defense. Pickett ran with the second team recently but saw no comments of how he performed. Was it good, bad or ugly?
Ray Fittipaldo
12:34
In camp, the 1s go against the 1s. The 2s the 2s and so on.
TC in CLT
12:34
Hi Ray, why do you think the Watson suspension was only 6 games?  Did the judge consider all the games he was out last year? Thanks.
Ray Fittipaldo
12:34
I can't read the judge's mind, but I think Roger Goodell will seek more games.
ev
12:35
Ray, What is the likelihood that both Warren and Durant make the roster/practice squad?
Ray Fittipaldo
12:35
I can see that happening. Both have had their moments in camp.
Guest
12:36
Love seeing all photos posted on PG of the fans at training camp and reading the related articles.  Do you think having training camp back at SVC, particularly with so many fans in attendance, will have a positive effect on the Steelers preparation and performance this season as compared to the last 2 seasons?
Ray Fittipaldo
12:36
Nice atmosphere, but not sure there is a correlation to season performance. They Steelers opened the 2020 season 11-0 and held camp at Heinz Field. They made the playoffs both years they had to hold camp at Heinz.
Phenom Camp
12:37
Any early camp phenom candidates Ray? From reports, Pickens, Warren, Heyward have garnered attention. Anyone else on your radar?
Ray Fittipaldo
12:37
I agree with those guys. Anthony Miller is having a nice camp, too.
Dormont Dave
12:37
Hearing Devin Bush has not improved from last year. Given the draft capital relinquished for him, will he be greatest draft bust in Steelers history?
Ray Fittipaldo
12:38
I don't know about greatest draft busts, but it could be a top 5. But again, let's wait to see how he does this season.
GPT
12:38
I know everyone is raving about Pickens. Is his development part of the calculus to resigning Diontae Johnson?
Ray Fittipaldo
12:38
When they drafted two WRs a few months ago, it was a not a positive sign for Johnson getting a second contract.
Jerry
12:39
Hey Ray! I think Jack is what Bush needed  to help him learn and have a good year. Your thoughts
Ray Fittipaldo
12:40
Not a bad thought. Jacks looks the part on the inside and any mentorship with younger players would certainly be a positive.
Petey
12:41
Pickens by all accounts has looked great in camp. Will he open the season as WR3?
Ray Fittipaldo
12:41
Absolutely. I will tell you this about Pickens. He is the most talented WR on the Steelers roster. And among the WRs who have practiced he has been the best WR. Still has to learn the offense and all rookies have some growing pains, but the guy is really smooth.
12:42
Ok thanks for all the questions this week. We'll do it again next Tuesday. Continue to check out our coverage at post-gazette.com throughout training camp.
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