JotCast | Ray Fittipaldo's Steelers chat: 09.01.20

Ray Fittipaldo's Steelers chat: 09.01.20

View Full Chat Next Page

Ray Fittipaldo

1:55

Thanks for stopping by. Here we go...

Sean Tischler

1:55

Ray is this the year Tomlin finally abandons the workhorse running back? It just seems like the reports out of training camp are that McFarland and especially Snell look great and let’s face it Conner is very injury prone.

Ray Fittipaldo

1:57

I know that's a popular topic because of the way the Steelers have drafted the position in recent years, but everything GM Kevin Colbert and Mike Tomlin have said this offseason points to the offense running through Conner again. That is, along as he stays healthy. They certainly have some options if they want to divvy up the carries more, but I'll believe it when I see it. Tomlin has always liked having a workhorse in the backfield and Conner fits his mold. He can run, pass block and catch the ball out of the backfield.

Guest

1:57

big bud: How can Ryan Switzer possibly make this team this year?

Ray Fittipaldo

1:59

As the fifth receiver. He won't play much unless there is a game-plan specific thing on certain weeks. And who is he blocking from a roster spot anyway? Deon Cain? Ray-Ray McCloud? I mean, it's not like the next Antonio Brown is beating down the door. I like Cain's potential, but I think he can develop on the practice squad. Same with McCloud if they really like his return abilities. He was on the street up until a week or two ago.

2:00

Ray - Have you seen any evidence of increased pre-snap motion being deployed on offense, or is that topic on the can't talk about it list? Thanks.

Ray Fittipaldo

2:01

It's harder because I'm not at practice every single day due to the NFL's restrictions on media. When I am there I notice some things, but it's not like they're entirely revamping their offense. You'll see things here and there that are different, things to help the run game and the pass game.

JuJu

2:01

Who are the 3 starting wr's night 1 vs the Giants?

Ray Fittipaldo

2:01

JuJu, Diontae and James. But I think Chase Claypool will dress for the Giants game, and I think they'll use him in some packages.

Matt

2:02

What's the severity of DeCastro's lower body injury? It's almost game week.

Ray Fittipaldo

2:04

I know. I was thinking about that this morning. I'm working on my final 53-man roster projection, and it would be nice to know what DeCastro's status is. That's another thing that's bad about this setup for the media. During a normal year we'd be around the team more, talking to team personnel more and getting a feel for such things. A lot of that is out the window now. It would not be a great development if he had to start the year on IR given the line's moving parts as is. I didn't even see it happen during the scrimmage because they started before we could make it to the press box to view it.

Mark

2:04

Any surprise additions to the 53 man roster without preseason games?

Ray Fittipaldo

2:05

Maybe one or two, but not many surprises this year. It will be interesting to see what they do. I have a feeling their pro scouts are busy looking at other teams now because they might need to shore up their depth at a few positions. Not sure if the very back end of their roster is good or experienced enough. But every NFL team has that problem.

Mary

2:05

Any word on Berry losing his job as punter?

Ray Fittipaldo

2:06

We'll find out Saturday, but I expect Berry to win the competition unless they really like a punter on another team that is cut. Or maybe they'd make a trade like they did in 2015 when they dealt Brad Wing to the Giants for a pick in favor of keeping Berry.

Sam

2:06

Chance that Pitt signs Fournette on a 1 yr league minimum deal?

Ray Fittipaldo

2:07

Have you seen where they are up against the cap? Even a league minimum deal would be tough to do.

Sarah

2:08

Any interest in Clooney by Pitt?

Ray Fittipaldo

2:09

Well, if they can't afford league minimum deals then I don't think Jadaveon Clowney is in their plans, either. And where exactly would he play?

Sal

2:09

Any surprise cuts that you expect as of .saturday?

Ray Fittipaldo

2:11

No big names. Running back will be an interesting position to watch. I don't think they'll keep Jaylen Samuels and Kerrith Whyte. And I'm interested to see what they do at ILB and OLB.

Lauren

2:11

Prediction for the Steelers record this season and chance they win the division?

Ray Fittipaldo

2:12

I've been pretty consistent since the schedule came out. I think they're an 11-5 or 10-6 team. And yes they have a chance to win the division. The Ravens are the favorite, but that's why they play the games.

2:13

The steelers seem to have a pretty athletic O line why don't they use more trap blocking schemes to help the running game

Ray Fittipaldo

2:14

I love traps as much as the next guy, but the effectiveness of such plays pretty much died at the end of the 1970s. The size of interior defensive linemen (and offensive linemen) make it more difficult to execute.

Guest

2:14

Do you still think Cam Heyward will get a new contract done before week one?

Ray Fittipaldo

2:15

I think they'll do everything in their power to try to come to terms with him. Doesn't mean it will get done due to the cap mess in the future due to COVID. But he is their top priority.

2:15

Everyone is talking about Claypol, what has Juju looked like this spring

Ray Fittipaldo

2:16

I thought JuJu looked really good in the scrimmage. It was rainy conditions but he was the target a bunch of times for 7 and 2.

Lance

2:16

Do the Steelers start Ebron and McDonald night 1 in a 2 te set?

Ray Fittipaldo

2:16

I have no idea how they'll come out against the Giants, but you should expect to see a lot of two-TE sets.

Mike

2:16

Seems like almost nobody is testing positive for COVID these days. Think the nfl's going to have an outbreak come game time?

Ray Fittipaldo

2:17

They've done a really good job so far. There is no denying that.

Courtney

2:17

Any chance Duck gets cut?

Ray Fittipaldo

2:17

I think they keep Duck over Paxton Lynch.

Hunter

2:17

Any position you think Pitt might look to fulfill after cutdown day Saturday?

Ray Fittipaldo

2:18

ILB remains a position where they might upgrade. I think Spillane and Gilbert can be useful on special teams, but neither has any NFL experience as a linebacker. Curtis Riley seems to have shored up their depth at safety so not sure they'll need to add another safety.

2:19

Watch out for the offensive line too if DeCastro's injury is longer term.

Hunter

2:19

How has Tuitt Looked in training camp after missing almost all of last season?

Ray Fittipaldo

2:20

Tuitt looks like he is 100% back. He says the pec feels stronger than ever.

Connecting…