You are viewing the chat in desktop mode. Click here to switch to mobile view.
X
Ray Fittipaldo's Steelers chat: 08.03.21
powered byJotCast
Prev Page View Full Chat
Ray Fittipaldo
12:54
I wouldn't say there is no chemistry. I think when they arrived people assumed their college chemistry would naturally carry over. But the NFL is a different game. The offense at Oklahoma State is completely different from the one they're in now.
Nicholas
12:55
Hello Mr. Ray.  Is the rookie center Green somewhat undersized or are his fellow linemen just really large?  Thank you sir.
Ray Fittipaldo
12:56
He is definitely undersized. We'll see how he handles the bigger nose tackles.
ev
12:56
Why limit Ben in practice, especially with the new terminology involved with the offense?
Ray Fittipaldo
12:56
They're trying to preserve his arm. He's been on this schedule for a long while. It's not really any different from previous years.
KN
12:57
Hello.  Thank you as always for the chat.  Based on what you have seen so far in the padded practices, is there anyone in the house who will be  reliable as back up safeties or will they be looking outside ? I believe that Tre Boston is still available .Thank you again.
Ray Fittipaldo
12:58
Preseason games will be important for those guys vying for reserve roles. Definitely something to keep an eye on.
putinbatch
12:58
Hi Ray Ray. Have you ever heard any talk about Heath Miller as a hall of famer? Amazing player and best Steeler TE of all time (?) I think he deserves it. Thanks.
Ray Fittipaldo
12:59
Great player. Best TE in franchise history, but he doesn't have the stats to warrant HOF consideration. But he was a great all-around TE. Could block and catch.
OrangeFlameBulbs
12:59
Do the players and coaches know which players are not fully vaccinated?
Ray Fittipaldo
1:00
Yes.
TSH
1:01
Hi Ray,  Where does Mason Rudolph need to improve to be QB1 after Ben Retires?  1) Confidence 2) Letting the game come to him 3) Reading the D or can it be summed up with consistency?  Where do you think he needs to improve to get to QB1?  Thanks Much!
Ray Fittipaldo
1:02
Decision making and pocket presence. He sometimes doesn't look comfortable in the pocket. And decision-making in terms of knowing when to throw the ball away, when to take a calculated gamble, etc. But that only comes with playing time.
VaSteelersFan
1:05
Hi Ray, I thought Shakur Brown was going to get a look at slot corner for the upcoming season. Did something change? Does he not have the pedigree?
Ray Fittipaldo
1:06
No he's a rookie and they are looking at Brooks and Maulet there now.
Theresa
1:06
Hi Ray, what’s your favorite sport next to football?
Ray Fittipaldo
1:06
To watch? Probably hockey or baseball. Honestly depends on how the local teams are doing.
Jay Daven
1:08
Ray, in your opinion, since Devin Bush had a major injury last year and he posted a horrible action on the internet, is he mentally and physically ready for the new season?  How are the fans reacting to him at practice?
Ray Fittipaldo
1:09
I haven't seen any negative reaction from fans regarding Bush, but we are on opposite sides of the stadium. And I am sure he will be physically and mentally prepared for the season. He's a very big part of their defense.
TSH
1:09
Hi Ray!  The 2021 schedule is tough!  The early part of the season will include good opponents and a newer team trying to gel and barring no injuries should improve later in the season but greeted by a very tough last 5 games of the season.  Does the schedule hurt their record tarnishing the teams improvement or do they overcome and become a playoff contender?  Thanks Much!
Ray Fittipaldo
1:10
I think they're going to be around .500. The schedule is tough as you note, but their defense is going to help them win a lot of games. If the running game is improved the Steelers have a chance to be contenders. That's why the injuries along the line are a concern.
David Howell Evans
1:11
Follow up question to my coach draft - what number does Tomlin go?
Ray Fittipaldo
1:11
Top 3-5 I think.
1:14
OK practice is about to get underway here at Heinz. Thanks for all the great questions this week. We'll do it again next Tuesday.
Connecting…