Ray Fittipaldo's Steelers chat: 08.05.26
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Ray Fittipaldo
11:02
Welcome to the chat. Let's get started.
Nomadsteeler
11:02
Hey Ray, thanks for the chats. I realize it is still summer and everyone is optimistic this time of year. But I can't help getting a little more excited this year than I have for a while, if only because there is a chance this year could be different than the last 6-8 or so. My question is: if McCarthy is able to come in and coach this team to a more successful year (Dominant defense, creative offense that can score readily, more than 9-10 wins and *god forbid* maybe even a playoff win or two) - all with essentially the same players Tomlin had - how much would that influence how MT is perceived as a coach retrospectively? Would he still be considered Hall of Fame worthy?
Ray Fittipaldo
11:05
People will always compare and contrast. There are still people who say Tomlin won with Cowher's players and refuse to give him credit. Tomlin had a heck of a run early in his career before things stagnated. So I don't think anything that takes place this season will determine Tomlin's perception nationally. I think he's a shoe-in for the Hall of Fame. But yes his perception from the local fan base will be scrutinized if McCarthy can lead them to a playoff win, something he failed to do in his final nine seasons as head coach.
Let’s go Mountaineers
11:06
Hey Ray! Does Broderick Jones have any trade value? He’s clearly not in their long term plans
Ray Fittipaldo
11:07
Jones might have some trade value, but he first has to prove he is healthy again. What the Steelers have to determine is whether he might have more value if he plays well and they get a good comp pick for him.
Let’s go Mountaineers
11:07
Hey Ray! I heard you and Chris talking about the lack of intensity in practices compared to Tomlin era. Is this standard around the league? Or unique to McCarthy?
Ray Fittipaldo
11:08
It's definitely the standard around the league. Tomlin was a dinosaur with how he practiced.
Bob G.
11:09
I know its early in camp but who has impressed you the most so far?
Ray Fittipaldo
11:09
Max Iheanachor for sure. He's been very impressive.
DaquidoBazzini
11:12
I’m not convinced moving Troy Fautanu to LT is a good move. Also, isn’t he lacking some height for LT??
Ray Fittipaldo
11:13
He was their best option and they're committed to it. They moved Mason McCormick to left gurd so I would get used to it.
TVC15
11:13
Hi Ray, Will the Steeler OL actually be a strength this season?   It seems to be stocked with high round picks.
Ray Fittipaldo
11:15
I'm writing about that subject for Sunday. Very few teams over the years have invested in the line like they have. We've seen some of those guys play well on an individual basis, but we haven't see the line as a whole play well or take over games on a consistent basis. I think that's the next step and maybe new OL coach James Campen can get that out of them.
Gene
11:15
Is there any chance they keep all 4 QB this season?
Ray Fittipaldo
11:18
Omar Khan and Mike McCarthy won't dismiss the possibility, but it doesn't happen very often. I can't recall the last time the Steelers did it. It's been a while. But I will acknowledge this is a unique year.
Ryan
11:18
Ray with pre season games starting next Thursday for the Steelers who will be in after Rodgers if he plays Rudolph Howard or allar
Ray Fittipaldo
11:19
McCarthy said Rudolph would be No. 2 in camp, but from what I've seen he's given Howard and All just as many opportunities with the second-team offense. I think it will be Rudolph in after Rodgers, but I don't think any of the QBs have distinguished themselves as the backup just yet.
stlrwaz
11:19
Whose looked better to you so far in camp, Howard or Allar?
Ray Fittipaldo
11:19
I'd say Howard has been more consistent, but Allar flashes more potential.
Happy Gilmore
11:22
Ray, please get out your crystal ball and predict when Max will get his first start at RT.
Ray Fittipaldo
11:25
If he keeps playing at his current level it will be sooner rather than later. But it's only two practices in pads. He'll have to keep playing like this for a while.
TC in Mooresville NC
11:25
Hi Ray, Do you think they look at any remaining free agent safeties? If so, what type, a ballhawk etc?
Ray Fittipaldo
11:27
Seems like they're just being careful with DeShon Elliott for now. Unless they don't think he'll be ready to go for the season I don't think they'll make a trade. Maybe the waiver wire for depth in a few weeks.
Mrs. Watt
11:28
I’ve heard very little about TJ and what I have heard is that he’s not winning many of his one-on-ones.  How does he look to you?
Ray Fittipaldo
11:30
He's not winning a lot of reps in 1-on-1s, but I know from covering TJ in years past he's not exactly going 100 mph in these drills. He has talked in the past about wanting to help the tackles. So yes he's working on their moves, but he's also helping to bring along the tackles as almost a coach on the field.
Wreck
11:30
Has there been any progress made on extension talks with Joey Porter Jr.? I know he's on the PUP list, but if they expect him back soon, he'll probably just hold in once he returns, right?
Ray Fittipaldo
11:31
Yeah he'll come off PUP when he has a contract. That's what that's all about. And I haven't herd that they're close. This one might take a while.
Steel Curtain
11:32
Lots of discussion on OL. Are they looking good because our DL is weak?  Any standouts or surprises good or bad with the DL?
Ray Fittipaldo
11:34
Still early but Heyward looks like his old self. Frazier has handled Benton with relative ease. But McCarthy had some nice things to say about Benton yesterday so I don't think there is an issue there. Same with Harmon. I'm sure the DL will shine in that drill one day soon, but the OL shined the first two days.
BH
11:34
Hi Ray.  Have you noticed any changes to the pre-practice warm-up/stretching routines with the new trainers?
Ray Fittipaldo
11:35
Wow that's pretty specific lol. Of course, it's different. All of these coaches have different ways of getting guys ready to go. I will say McCarthy's staff overall is very much into the science of football. I think you see that in practice if you venture out to Saint Vincent.
Gene
11:35
Who will be the 3rd RB Johnson .Homer or Nichols
Ray Fittipaldo
11:36
I think Homer is here for special teams. Johnson likely the No. 3 if there is an injury but you know the way it works with gameday rosters. Homer might get a helmet before Johnson if everyone is healthy.
RV
11:36
What’s going on w Pittmann?    Seems like his signing was biggest move of the off season, given weakness in the WR last year.  But very little mention of him in camp coverage. Thanks
Ray Fittipaldo
11:37
I think it's taking some time for the chemistry between Pittman and Rodgers to develop. But you are right. Rodgers seems more comfortable right now throwing to Metcalf and Wilson.
Mel Kiper’s Hairstylist
11:37
I noticed reports in the PG about offensive linemen performing well in 1-on-1 matches with D linemen/pass rushers. Some mentions of “wins” against Watt got me wondering - shouldn’t our hope be that Watt wins most reps? I am concerned about his downturn last season and his age. How has he looked? Maybe I’m being glass half empty?
Ray Fittipaldo
11:38
Read above. Don't get too concerned just yet.
Section 206
11:38
Hi Ray, I am Steelers fan first and foremost, but in reading Dulac’s chat this week, it’s clear he disapproved of Rodger’s comments on ESPN recently. I frankly understand Rodgers’ frustration. He was ridiculed for his Covid stance. Sportswriters literally said they wouldn’t vote for mvp for him because of his Covid stance. Rodgers was just having a cathartic moment where in his view he was proven right. The NFL opened the door to politics on the field with BLM end zone type messages and the black national anthem before games. Why is Rodgers’ political views now deemed taboo?
Ray Fittipaldo
11:41
I don't think his views are taboo, but I think McCarthy handled it well yesterday when he was asked about the appearance. He basically said his players are entitled to their opinion and that the locker room doesn't have an issue with it. I just think less and less people care what athletes say about these things. I know I don't care what Rodgers says or believes. That's his deal, not mine.
Happy Gilmore
11:42
Ray, the last time they kept 4 was 1995 and the circumstances were very similar. Neil O'Donnell (Rodgers), Mike Tomszac (Rudolph) Jim Miller (Howard) and Kordell Stewart (Allar). Some people like to re-write history and say they kept 4 because Kordell was a WR. They made the decision to keep 4 long before they started throwing passes to Stewart.
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