JotCast | Ray Fittipaldo's Steelers chat: 08.04.20

Ray Fittipaldo's Steelers chat: 08.04.20

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Ray Fittipaldo

2:23

Close to 50-50 would be ideal, but only a few teams come close to that. Probably 53-47 pass/run ratio. That would mean their running game is effective and they can lean on it.

Dennis

2:23

Hi Ray. What do you think about Louis Riddick joining MNF this season? I enjoy his analysis on ESPN.

Ray Fittipaldo

2:25

They seem to make changes every year now. I don't know. I forgot Brian Griese was still in broadcasting to be honest with you, and he's going to be part of their three-man booth. I like Steve Levy as much as the next guy, but I know I'll be having visions of 1990s NHL playoff games in my head every time he speaks.

Chris

2:25

Your thoughts on Zack Banner as a player?

Ray Fittipaldo

2:26

Has developed well as a backup. Was the extra tight end last year. Have no idea if he can play tackle because he never really has in a game. The Steelers seem to think he can do it. He'll compete with Chuks Okorafor.

SteelByDesign

2:26

Think the size/nastiness of this WR group makes the run game better? JuJu and Washington have already shown they like to hit people and Claypool's college tape shows some of the same.

Ray Fittipaldo

2:26

I like Washington as a blocker. He was probably their best blocking WR last year. And Claypool is known for his blocking. I think JuJu can improve in that area.

SteelByDesign

2:27

Who's the head coach if Mike Tomlin tests positive?

Ray Fittipaldo

2:28

My guess is Teryl Austin or Keith Butler would take on that role. But as is the case with the Eagles and Doug Pederson after he tested positive, he's coaching the team via zoom meetings, etc.

Chris

2:28

If no fans this season, I’m assuming no cheerleaders either? For those teams that employ them that is....

Ray Fittipaldo

2:28

something I don't care about.

Chris

2:29

On the other hand...Diontae Johnson definitely looks like he has “IT”! I think his ceiling is higher than JuJu’s. He reminds me a lot of Santonio Holmes in his prime.

Ray Fittipaldo

2:29

I am really looking forward to see what Diontae Johnson can do with Roethlisberger as his QB.

Vince

2:29

Ray, have you heard how the Steelers are planning on using Terrell Edmunds? Also, any idea if LB Gilbert has developed enough to gain significant playing time this season?

Ray Fittipaldo

2:30

The defensive coaches know they had a good defense with Edmunds playing SS last year. Yes, he could move to dime LB. In fact, he might be more effective there. But then there is the question of who plays SS. Not sure they have an answer on their roster.

AWB Tennessee

2:31

What is the deadline for players to opt out of the season and have you heard of any Steelers players being likely to opt out?

Ray Fittipaldo

2:31

Thursday. And no, I haven't heard any rumblings of any Steelers players opting out. Could always happen though. Players have families and situations we might not know about.

Alan in Nashville

2:32

Hi Ray. I never thought I’d say this but if they keep Landry Jones, they’re in the playoffs the past two years. Not SB’s of course but in the playoffs. They literally needed someone to complete one or two short passes against the Raiders two years ago and a couple more in games last year and they’re in both years! Or even just NOT turn it over. Even if Landry was #3 last year, when Mason stumbles you have Landry. With that being said, if I ran the team, I’m bringing Blake Bortles in on a cheap deal as the #3 behind Ben and Mason. Better than Duck, who’s a great kid but can’t throw a football. Am I crazy?

Ray Fittipaldo

2:34

That's a lot to unpack, Alan. If they were going to bring in a backup QB they would have done it in March. For better or worse, they are committed to Mason Rudolph as their backup in 2020. As for Landry Jones, as far as I know, he's not in a camp this year, is he? You're making him out to be Earl Morrall. He's not.

SteelByDesign

2:34

Think the absence of fans will affect the game on-field much? Would we maybe see more no-huddle with this team's depth of receivers? It'd be easier for Ben to communicate from the line of scrimmage.

Ray Fittipaldo

2:36

It's certainly going to be an adjustment for NFL players. So much of football is emotion and players draw off the fans in that sport as much as any. As far as making it easier or harder, teams will have to be more careful with their signals and voice cues, but they've had plenty of time to prepare for that.

Chris

2:36

Three tendons torn off the bone??! Ouch. That must have been an injury that was occurring over time, correct?

Ray Fittipaldo

2:37

Correct. Ben said today he had discomfort years in the elbow but it never got to the point that surgery was an option. As is often the case with elbow injuries or throwing injuries of any kind with QBs, it's wear and tear moreso than one hit that causes the injury.

Ryan

2:37

Good Afternoon Ray how do they decide who speaks to the media on zoom because i would like to hear from Tuitt

Ray Fittipaldo

2:40

It's the Steelers' call. They pick the players. As reporters we can request players for 1-on-1s throughout camp. Hopefully, the request is fulfilled. But it's a different year for the PR department as well as us. They're trying to get through this as much as we are.

Krugerrand

2:40

talk of Batch reminds me that I always thought he'd make a good coach. Do you know if he ever has shown interest in such a path?

Ray Fittipaldo

2:40

In the NFL? He hasn't pursued that avenue to my knowledge. He has his foundation and does some local TV and radio.

Chris

2:41

Earlier you asked which teams would be above the Steelers besides KC and Baltimore. I think the Titans, Patriots, Colts, Chargers and Browns are all right there with the Steelers. The Raiders and Broncos could also be sleepers. I really don’t see the Steelers being head and shoulders above any of these teams, especially the first group. Hopefully I am wrong!

Ray Fittipaldo

2:41

Maybe the Titans. Maybe. The Patriots? Did you see how many of their players opted out?

Dale

2:42

Might teams keep some players isolated during the week, meaning that they don't practice, so that if the team has a cluster of cases they'll be available to play? If they are all at practice together, all three QBs could down at once.

Ray Fittipaldo

2:42

Some teams are separating their QBs. They're in different rooms for meetings and keep their distance on the field, etc. Kind of hard to do that with other positions though.

AWB Tennessee

2:42

Will the media have enough info to report on which rookies are standing out during training camp?

Ray Fittipaldo

2:43

Starting Aug. 17, we'll get to watch practice. That will help. But there are only 14 padded practices. It's not like a normal camp in any way, shape or form.

Chris

2:43

Would Bellicheck actually tank the year? Any legs to that conspiracy theory?

Ray Fittipaldo

2:43

Trevor Lawrence, baby!

Chris

2:45

I agree regarding Bellicheck! If ever there was a year to do it, it would be this one with all its uncertainty anyway.

Danni

2:45

With the receivers the Steelers have, do you think Switzer makes the team?