JotCast | Ray Fittipaldo's Steelers chat: 08.22.23

Ray Fittipaldo's Steelers chat: 08.22.23

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Ray Fittipaldo

2:35

Sometimes, not all the time. We tend to stay closer to airports because we fly commercial and aren't on the team charter.

Mark

2:35

Do you really see the steelers going with 4 TEs? Granted Heyward is potentially in a hybrid role...I just dont see them hanging on to everyone. Is Gentry the odd man out?

Ray Fittipaldo

2:36

I think they'll keep four. I don't think Gentry is the odd man out, but you never know. If they decided they could only keep three he would be the guy who gets cut.

J$Money

2:36

Do you see the Steelers keeping 5 ILB, Holcomb, Roberts, Alexander, Robinson and Muse?

Ray Fittipaldo

2:36

I do and it's either Muse or Kwiatkoski.

2:37

I haven't been able to actually watch the games cause I'm in TX, but beyond 51 anyone from our 2nd team Offense or Defense standing out?

Ray Fittipaldo

2:38

Calvin Austin has been good at receiver. I'd say Warren and McFarland have been good at RB behind Harris. Spencer Anderson on the OL. On defense, Kwon Alexander has been noticeable although the way they mix and match at ILB some might consider him a starter.

SteelChuck

2:38

What do you think of our OLine coach?

Ray Fittipaldo

2:39

I think Pat Meyer is doing a good job, but we'll see how good once the regular season gets here.

Sam

2:41

Will mason rudolph suit up on sundays as the emergency quarterback?

Ray Fittipaldo

2:41

They have a new rule that allows three QBs to dress.

Guest

2:41

I think the Steelers are playing the long game with Warren and Harris. Run the wheels off Harris and decide not to sign him to a second contract and sign Warren to a second contract for a team friendly deal. Limit Warren's carries so he'll still have something in the tank

Ray Fittipaldo

2:42

They don't want to run the wheels off Harris. That's why they took touches away from him last season. They want to keep him healthy so he can be effective late in the season.

J$Money

2:43

Where do you put the odds of Rodney Williams going to the practice squad and not getting picked up by another team? He seems to be an intriguing prospect but in a very deep tight end position.

Ray Fittipaldo

2:44

Williams has had a good camp. Not sure what the depth is like for other teams. But Williams was on the practice squad last season, so they might think they can sneak him on there again this year.

2:45

Hi Ray, I've been reading that 22 is trending towards bust based off his production/ypc. I disagree. Jerome Bettis had similar numbers and made it to Canton. What am I missing? What more could people want?!

Ray Fittipaldo

2:45

I wouldn't say Harris is trending toward being a bust. I also wouldn't say he's in Bettis' class, either.

Soggy

2:46

Which rookies do you see getting significant snap counts week 1?? Porter &Herbig. Washington maybe?

Ray Fittipaldo

2:47

Not sure what you'd say significant is. Porter could if he plays well Thursday night. Herbig won't play more than 10-15 snaps unless there is an injury. Not sure what Washington's role will be, but I don't think he'll play more than 10-15, either.

2:48

Some fans seem to think that the Steelers will sign Morgan to the practice squad. I don’t. What do you think?

Ray Fittipaldo

2:49

Better chance now that practice squads have been expanded to 16. But the issue is getting him work in practice. The No. 3 QB runs the scout team. Not sure what Morgan would do unless they really want to develop him and don't want anyone else to sign him to their practice squad.

Infantryman

2:49

Ray, who do we keep? Adams or Fehoko. Fehoko is a run stuffer, Adams gets pushed around. Fehoko makes us a stronger D Line with depth, no so much with Adams. What say you?

Ray Fittipaldo

2:50

Fehoko = better run stopper. Adams = more versatile. We'll see what they value more. Traditionally, they've valued versatility, but Fehoko fits the mold of the strong and physical player assistant GM Andy Weidl covets.

jeff

2:52

Thanks for the chats Ray. If everything goes our way i do see a 10-11 win season. Which of the following would have the greatest impact to my predicion:

oops, hit send to early. 1) KP is just average, no major injuries. 2) Injuries to someone like Watt or Minkah or 3) Canada offensive plan continues to look vanilla

Ray Fittipaldo

2:52

Soggy

2:52

What do you make of Pickett's progress the back half of last season & this preseason being the #1. He has looked decisive & in control. Does he crack the top 10 QB list this season?

Ray Fittipaldo

2:53

Top 10 is a bit ambitious, but he can lead the Steelers to the playoffs if he plays well.

Jps in de

2:53

Fehoko ideal to counter the qb scrums? They need the big boys to stop those 4th down plays.

Ray Fittipaldo

2:54

Unless it's fourth-and-more than 1 the rugby scrum is hard to stop. Don't care who your nose tackle is.

Guest

2:55

Who do you see as being WR1 by end of year

Ray Fittipaldo

2:55

Pickens

Soggy

2:55

Is there anything in particular that you will be focusing on Thursday night

Ray Fittipaldo

2:57

The starters will play until Tomlin has a good feeling about pulling them. This third game is like the old third game with 17 days between the end of the preseason and the start of the regular season. The starters can't go a month without live reps against another team. 17 days isn't ideal either, but that's how the schedule falls.

Hersh M

2:57

what record do you see us finishing with at the end of the year

Ray Fittipaldo

2:58

9-8 or 10-7. Nail me down on a prediction closer to the start of the season.

Hersh M

2:58

Do we make or miss the playoffs

Ray Fittipaldo

2:59

I'll say make if they get to 10 wins or more.