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Ray Fittipaldo's Steelers chat: 08.08.23
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Andrew
12:17
Do the Steelers intend on using Pickett as a runner such as RPOs and QB draws (see Jalen Hurts)?
Ray Fittipaldo
12:18
I don't think they'll be afraid to use Pickett's athleticism whether that's by design or whether it's encouraging him to run when the opportunities arise. But I don't view him as the same type of athlete as Jalen Hurts.
Guest
12:19
Hi Ray, who are your top 5 QBs in the NFL today? I say Mahomes, Burrow, Allen, Herbert, and 5th between Lawrence/Hurts
Ray Fittipaldo
12:20
That's a pretty good list. I know some would still have Rodgers in there, but I guess he's with a new team. I do want to see Hurts do it for a second year in a row before I put him in that group. Same with Lawrence.
Guest
12:20
How do you feel about stars being limited in practices and preseason games?  I feel all players should participate every practice and every preseason game, but slowly ramp up every day.  Asking them to go from not working hard to giving it all week 1 leads to injuries like TJ had last year.  It seems to happen every year.  Do you agree that this fear of getting players hurt actually leads to more injuries?
Ray Fittipaldo
12:21
I think it's smart to limit the exposure of older star players in practices and games. Guys like TJ Watt and are getting work in practices and then some scheduled days off. Same with Cam Heyward and others. No one really cares if TJ Watt plays in the preseason games. They just want to see him healthy for the opener against the 49ers.
AZ Steeler
12:21
Do you think Masons role as #3 QB is at risk?
Ray Fittipaldo
12:23
I will say Tanner Morgan has played well in his very limited reps in camp. Maybe if there is a desperate team in need of QB depth they could trade Rudolph and keep Morgan as No. 3, but I think that's a long shot. If some team wanted Rudolph they would have signed him in free agency.
steve
12:23
Hi Ray, has there been any indication of how much Pickett will play in preseason games? More than Ben did I hope.
Ray Fittipaldo
12:23
We should get that answer tomorrow from Tomlin.
STEEL72
12:24
Ray, in the event that the offense comes out sputtering and it appears that the offensive play calling is ineffective, is there any scenario in which you see an early course correction?
Ray Fittipaldo
12:24
If you mean a change at coordinator the answer is no.
SC Steeler
12:24
Pickens is obviously a super-gifted WR but appears, from reports, to be one who is inclined to pout when he isn’t thrown the ball and to taunt the defender (leading to potential penalties) when he makes a catch.  Sound familiar?  Can HCMT and staff prevent him from becoming AB Version 2.0?
Ray Fittipaldo
12:25
I don't think they believe he's going to turn into AB 2.0, but there was a reason Allen Robinson was signed. That WR room need a veteran mentor. Robinson is rooming with Pickens this summer, and I think the hope is some of Robinson's experience and professionalism will help Pickens grow.
Andrew
12:26
From camp reports, it does not sound as if Broderick Jones has come in and established himself as ready to start.  What is your assessment of Broderick's camp and the competition to start at LT with Moore?
Ray Fittipaldo
12:27
Jones has seen a few snaps with the first-team offense, but Moore has taken the vast majority of snaps. At this point it's Moore's job to lose, but I write that knowing there are still three preseason games. Let's see how those play out before any assumptions are made about the competition.
Jud
12:27
What's more likely to you, sophomore slump or Kenny taking big steps forward?
Ray Fittipaldo
12:27
Kenny taking a big step forward.
Yogi
12:27
Ray, I'm intrigued by Jordan Byrd. If you watch his tape from SDS on kick returns, he reminds you of Randle-El. He could be a big time weapon on a scoring-challenged team. How has he looked to you so far?
Ray Fittipaldo
12:28
He's been fine but they're are other guys like him on the roster, so he'll have to outshine them in the preseason games to earn a spot.
TDtoledo
12:29
hello, which (if any) ILB seems to have the best pass coverage skills?(aka. remains on the field during passing situations to 'try' and cover travis kelce etc..)
Ray Fittipaldo
12:29
Holcomb and Alexander.
Yogi
12:29
Patrick Peterson seems like a really quality person. In the mold of Joe Haden. Is that an accurate perception?
Ray Fittipaldo
12:29
Good call on your part.
Jay_In_Indy
12:30
I believe that Darnell Washington will eventually be the #1 TE.  He is currently way too low on the Steelers depth chart. The coaches should give him more opportunities.  Why not move Conner Heyward to FB and at least let Darnell and Zach battle it out for the #2 TE spot?
Ray Fittipaldo
12:30
Pat Freiermuth is and will be the No. 1 TE for years to come, but Washington is definitely looking like he'll have a role on game days. He's been impressive in camp.
George Plimpton
12:31
Does having a TE such as Washington limit the number of OL and/or TE players being kept?
Ray Fittipaldo
12:31
I don't think it does. The swing tackle is usually the extra blocker in jumbo packages, but if Washington is used in that tole it wouldn't really affect anything because you still need to have a No. 3 tackle.
12:32
OK thanks for all the great questions this week. We'll do it again next Tuesday.
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