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Ray Fittipaldo's Steelers chat: 08.22.23
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Ray Fittipaldo
1:56
Welcome to my Steelers chat. Let's get started.
Tom
1:57
Basically the Steelers ran their "new offense's" best 3 plays (Pickens inside deep slant, Friermuth deep middle, and Austin deep outside) in the preaseaon. Why would Canada put that on tape for the 49er's?
Ray Fittipaldo
2:00
Teams work on all kinds of things in preseason games. That's how they know if they'll use something in regular season games or not. They don't care if the 49ers now know which plays they will run. The 49ers also have to devote time in their practice plan to defend against specific plays. It works both ways.
Nick
2:01
Hi Ray, Do you think Tomlin would go for 70%/30% split of carrys between Najee Harris and Jaylen Warren when the season starts?
Ray Fittipaldo
2:03
That's what they did last season. I don't think it will change all that much. They wanted to take touches away from Harris last season to keep him fresh. They did that. Warren might get more of a split if Harris struggles early in the season again, but the coaches are 100% behind Harris being the workhorse. OC Matt Canada stressed that Monday when he spoke with reporters.
Tom
2:04
Has the Steelers offense peaked too soon?
Ray Fittipaldo
2:05
Who knows, but I'm sure that will be said if the 49ers hold the Steelers to 17 points in the opener.
Nick
2:16
Is Kedrik Green going to be on 53 man roster?
Ray Fittipaldo
2:17
I don't think so. He had a chance in the first two preseason games and did not play well. Two holding penalties and two  bad snaps. Can't have that from a center.
Paul
2:18
Hi Ray, what happens to Jones if Dan Moore plays like a legitimate LT this year?
Ray Fittipaldo
2:19
As long as Jones is progressing and proving to be an NFL-caliber left tackle it won't be an issue in the long term. Moore can move to right tackle when Jones is ready.
Eric
2:19
Do you see the Steelers adding one more veteran CB after cut downs?  Seems pretty thin at the position if one of our top 3 go down.
Ray Fittipaldo
2:20
I would agree. But it all depends upon whether they can pick up a player who is better than James Pierre. That's what it will come down to.
Nick
2:21
With the new rule, if the helmet of a defensive player touches the body of any offensive player, is it a penalty?
Ray Fittipaldo
2:21
It might seem that way, but only if the defender shows the crown of the helmet to the official. In other words, if the defender strikes with the top of his helmet.
SteelChuck
2:21
Hey Ray will Keanu Benton be available this week?  I don't see Montraveus Adams bringing much.  Is he safe to make the 53?
Ray Fittipaldo
2:22
Tomlin left the light on for a few players. We'll see if Benton is one of those players. Tomlin has had his rookies play a lot of snaps when they're healthy so I would imagine Benton would get the same treatment is he can go.
Guest
2:22
hello Ray.  Is the hype maybe a too high?  They look great against TB and Buffalo, but not many national media respected KP and the offense. Lets wait and see counter punching from the league before we book the superbowl trip.
Ray Fittipaldo
2:23
Too late. Already bought my Super Bowl tix.
Mark
2:23
Cut day is August 29th. Do you see the Steelers adding a backup center then? Or will they stick with what they have in camp.
Ray Fittipaldo
2:24
I think Nate Herbig is their backup center. He is currently dealing with a shoulder injury, but when he's healthy I think he can fill the role as top backup at guard and center.
SteelChuck
2:25
What are your thoughts on Spencer Anderson?  He looks like a large athletic guy who has upside
Ray Fittipaldo
2:25
I agree, and most importantly, he's versatile. He has played center, guard and tackle in the first two preseason games.
Mike from DC
2:25
Can Riley and Sullivan both make the team?
Ray Fittipaldo
2:26
I think so as long as the loser of the competition is strong on special teams.
Mike from DC
2:26
Who will be the Steelers WR1 statistically by the end of the season?
Ray Fittipaldo
2:26
Catches? Probably Johnson. Yards? Probably Pickens. Honestly, we'll know how the No. 1 WR is based on how they're being played by opposing defensive coordinators.
James Ryan
2:27
Hey Ray. Thanks for the chats. Who is the guy you didnt expect to make the roster at the beginning of training camp, but now has sealed his role? I personally see E. Riley as a guy who can be a contributor in the slot.
Ray Fittipaldo
2:28
I agree with that pick. Spencer Anderson too. I thought they'd develop him on the practice squad, but he's been impressive and might force his way onto the 53-man roster.
Mike from DC
2:28
Lots of positives this preseason, but one player who I haven’t noticed is Markus Golden. Has he stood out at all?
Ray Fittipaldo
2:29
I think you're probably comparing his play to Herbig's. He hasn't stood out as much as the rookie, but I don't think he's played bad. The coaches like their depth at OLB.
Mike from DC
2:29
Ray, I did not read reports of any fights at camp. Did I miss something, or is this the first time you can recall this happening?
Ray Fittipaldo
2:30
First time I can recall there were no fights. Tomlin doesn't want them. His go-to response is: "We're not fielding an MMA team."
Mike from DC
2:30
Who makes the 53 man roster on the DL?
Ray Fittipaldo
2:31
Heyward, Ogunjobi, Leal, Benton are locks. I think three of the following four make it: Loudermilk, Watts, Adams and Fehoko.
J$Money
2:31
It looks like Green, Norwood and Adams are returning players who may not make the 53. Do you agree and what positions do you see them possibly adding after cutdown day? CB, WR, C or RB?
Ray Fittipaldo
2:32
I agree on Green. Norwood's injury makes it tough for him to make the roster, but I think he still has a chance. Adams is an interesting guy. He's been with the 1s all camp, but I'm like you. I'm not sure he has a spot locked up.
Capt Obvious
2:32
What were the Steelers thinking in starting Kendrick Green in Ben's last year? Green's non factor last year and horrible play in preseason really causes you to wonder about talent assessment.
Ray Fittipaldo
2:34
That was coming off the COVID year. The cap was decreased. They didn't have cap space to add in free agency the way they would have liked. Not an excuse. Just reminding you what the circumstances were when he was a rookie. The talent evaluation was off no matter what. His arms are too short to play center or guard in the NFL, but he started because they didn't have any other good options due to the cap flow issues.
Nick
2:34
On the away games, do the reporters stay at the same hotel as the team?
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