Ray Fittipaldo's Steelers chat: 08.26.26
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Sunner in Orlando from Lebo
12:33
Hi Ray thanks for the chats! Gerry does not believe the offensive line performances do not alarm him, and he intimated that everything will be fine. I disagree as I saw Dylan and Troy get beaten several times by the pass rush of the Jets and the run game was nonexistent. Do you share Gerry's belief or are you concerned like I am? I'm sure Rodgers might be a little wary after watching the preseason so far and that might make him a bit skittish in the pocket with DE's and OLB's coming down on him hard and fast.
Ray Fittipaldo
12:33
I guess I'm a little more concerned, but I want to see how they play when the games count.
62 Stack Monster
12:33
Hello Ray, It looks as though Philly did the Steelers a favor by swiping Lemon.  He has bad hamstrings and hasn't participated in camp.  iMax was the better choice, right?
Ray Fittipaldo
12:34
Only time will tell. Iheanachor was impressive when he was healthy. Unfortunately for him (and the Steelers) he missed three weeks with an injury.
Daniel
12:34
All the columnists throughout the offseason seem to agree that eventually the Steelers will get something done with Porter.  Is there any wavering on that at this point or do you still feel pretty confident about it?
Ray Fittipaldo
12:36
I'm beginning to have my doubts. The Steelers place a value on all of the players who are up for contracts. I think Porter and his agent have a much higher value...and thus we have an "impasse" as Mike McCarthy termed it.
Stairway to seventh seed
12:36
Ray: heading into the draft, I found it baffling that many experts thought the Steelers were set with Dylan Cook as a starting tackle.  At this point, would you say that I Max has to start if healthy no matter how much time he has missed?
Ray Fittipaldo
12:36
Three weeks is a lot of time to miss, but I do think the door is open.
Ryan
12:37
Ray will Alex Tecza it Brandon hill play tomorrow night i know Tecza was signed Monday and hill yesterday i would like to see both on the field tomorrow
Ray Fittipaldo
12:37
If they're healthy I expect them to play. There will be lots of guys on the field in the second half who have no shot of making the 53-man roster.
Fan in Maryland
12:38
Notable story from the NY Times yesterday regarding CTE and professional football players.  1 in 4 develop CTE.  Can professional football somehow adjust to making football less physical?
Ray Fittipaldo
12:38
Nearly impossible for the game as we know it.
George T
12:38
Ray, do the Steelers cut Jones this year or let him walk when the season is over and hope a good comp pick in 2028
Ray Fittipaldo
12:39
Well, if he's cut they won't get a comp pick for him. He has to play and play well to get a good comp pick for him.
DetroitSteel
12:39
Hi Ray, thanks for doing the chats. What do you think about the long layoff between the last preseason game and the start of the regular season? Advantage for Steelers? Or Falcons? Why?
Ray Fittipaldo
12:40
As a reporter I hate it. I think the fans hate it too. What was wrong with starting the season around the Labor Day holiday. I thought that was perfect. Now it seems like they want the season to extend into mid-February. Starting a week later is the only way to accomplish that. As for who's advantage? I don't know. Both teams in the same position, right?
George T
12:41
Ray, do you see any of who left from Khan’s first draft class being extended before the season or after the season.  Not counting JPJ.
Ray Fittipaldo
12:41
Not before the season, but I won't rule out Spencer Anderson after the season ends if he plays well. He was a seventh-round pick in that draft and looks to be in line to be the starting right guard.
Rags
12:42
Ray, what’s your thoughts on what JPJ does?   I think its a big mistake for him to sit out the season. He deserves a new contract but it needs to reasonable based on his past play.
Ray Fittipaldo
12:42
He'd be getting some terrible advice if he sits out into the season. That's not a good negotiating ploy.
What it is
12:43
Great job as always Ray. Curious on your opinion with this. If Heidenreich or Tecza went to HS in Florida or Texas or some other WPIAL school you think they even get looked at, let alone signed ? Is this how the Steelers operate now ? Guys who went to the same HS as the Assistant GM and have marginal talent set drafted or signed. Seems to me Colbert never drafted or signed a North Catholic kid. Is winning not a priority with them now, just making good PR move
Ray Fittipaldo
12:44
With Tecza, I just think they wanted bodies for the preseason finale. Heidenreich has a chance to get onto the practice squad. They don't just give those spots away. You have to show you are capable of playing in the NFL. As with any young late-round pick or undrafted free agent, he has to make it as a special teamer first. He's kind of a tweener between a running back and receiver.
Sam
12:46
Seems like the WR running a route incorrectly is the offensive version of the defense's communication excuse.
Ray Fittipaldo
12:47
There has been a lot of debate about those interceptions. In the end, the QB always takes the blame, but there is some nuance to it. QBs are expected their WRs to run routes a certain way or to be in a certain spot at a certain time.
FC
12:47
Hi Ray, curious on your take, but I'd seriously consider trading Porter.  Not sure this is true or not, but I heard he wants to be paid as a top 5 corner? Do you think he should be paid as a top 5? I don't see it.
Ray Fittipaldo
12:48
There was a report from the NFL Network earlier this week he wants to be the NFL's highest-paid CB. That would be...something.
FirstTimeLongTime
12:49
Hey Ray - Do you think the WR2 problem is solved with Pittman or has he raised questions due to the injury and quiet start to camp? Also worried about that #3 position not being dynamic.
Ray Fittipaldo
12:50
Pittman should be a big upgrade from last season, but I'm interested to see how his chemistry is with Rodgers. I can't say they showed great chemistry in camp. As for the No. 3 WR job, yes be worried about it. Bernard will be a good player I think, but he's not there yet.
12:51
OK that's all the time I have this week. We'll do it again next week.
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