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Ray Fittipaldo's Steelers chat: 09.01.20
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Guest
2:20
Ray, I don't understand why some folks want the Steelers to keep kickers on their Practice Squad. If your kicker goes down and you are then looking for someone to add to your 53 man roostyer you have full access to every teams PS
Ray Fittipaldo
2:20
The only time to keep a kicker or punter on the practice squad is if there is an injury and they might need to promote the guy at the end of the week.
Henry
2:20
shazier's status going foreword with Pitt?
Ray Fittipaldo
2:22
It would appear, based on Tomlin's comments yesterday, that Shazier is no longer with the team while he tries to figure out his future. The Steelers have said he'll have a job with them. But he might be thinking he can make more $ doing something else.
Andy
2:22
Have you heard how and what Pitt will pump into Heinz this season? How loud is it? Does it make a difference?
Ray Fittipaldo
2:23
I heard it Friday night for the scrimmage. I heard it, but it wasn't like the QBs had a hard time making calls at the LOS.
Eric
2:23
With the added playoff spot this year, how likely do you think the Steelers are to get in?
Ray Fittipaldo
2:23
98%
Stiller Fan stuck in Buffalo
2:23
Two weeks into the hitting part of camp, do you and/or the other pool reporters collectively have any observations on how this camp compares to a normal camp? About the same, notably more intense due to the condensed timeframe to evalute/train, slower and more measured because of the Covid precautions, etc.?
Ray Fittipaldo
2:24
I think it is designed to be less intense. Practices are shorter for one thing. And even though the Steelers have some physical periods, including tackling periods they're usually no longer than 5 or 10 minutes long.
D S Fischer
2:24
Hi Ray love the chats. With the Covid uncertianty do you think fans will be allowed into Heinz field this year
Ray Fittipaldo
2:25
Not in September. That was announced last week by the team. They're holding out hope for October, November and December, but I don't expect much to change between now and then.
overdue_question_guy
2:25
I like Jaylen Samuels versatility. Any chance he could provide some inside linebacker depth to allow the Steelers to move TJ Watt or Bud Dupree into a 4-3 d-end alignment?
Ray Fittipaldo
2:26
This is better than the Ryan Shazier to safety questions from five years ago! Thank you for this!!!
Stingbee
2:26
Who was the last pre-season star to make a significant impact? Meaning I know there are always players on the bubble that make the team in large part because of the pre season, but how many have actually been instrumental to the team's success?
Ray Fittipaldo
2:27
Lots of guys. Ramon Foster, Al Villanueva to name a few. Now they didn't earn starting jobs their first year. But they flashed their potential, earned jobs on the roster or practice squad and developed. There are lots of others like that too.
TP Ranger
2:27
Ray, what is your opinion of the Steelers' tackle situation? Our left tackle is starting to show his age, and you have two inexperienced guys fighting for the right tackle job.
Ray Fittipaldo
2:28
Yeah it's not great. That's why I thought they might take a tackle in the draft. There have been hints this is the last year for Villanueva. I think they'll definitely draft a tackle next year and probably high.
Stingbee
2:28
It would seem Justin Layne is behind a very deep secondary, is he worth something in a trade for a position of need (middle LB)?
Ray Fittipaldo
2:29
He is probably your top reserve at outside corner. Cam Sutton can play outside too, but he's also the backup in the slot and there are plans to play him at dime LB too. They need to develop corners because Haden is getting older and they're going to need some younger bodies there in a few years.
TP Ranger
2:29
Ray, why didn't the Washington NFL Team call itself the "Hogs" this season? Would have been perfect.
Ray Fittipaldo
2:29
If it was 1982.
DaquidoBazzini
2:29
Hi Ray- How has Tuzar Skipper been doing in camp? Does he make this team?
Ray Fittipaldo
2:31
That's going to be a tough call. It looks like Alex Highsmith is going to dress and get snaps. Ola Adeniyi plays special teams. Skipper does not. At least he didn't last year, which is why he was cut at the end of camp. Maybe he's convinced Danny Smith he can play special teams, but without any preseason games it's not likely. I say no and only keep four OLBs to start the season.
Stingbee
2:32
What's more likely in the next 2-3 years, a NE or Tampa Bay SB? Who (TB / BB) needs it more for legitimacy?
Ray Fittipaldo
2:32
neither but if I had to pick the Patriots.
Mercury
2:32
Ray, the Steelers have someone for most positions who could be expected to play at least reasonably well should the starter go down, but who could possibly come close to filling Bush’s shoes should he be out long term?
Ray Fittipaldo
2:33
That's the problem. I suppose it's Gilbert, but as I stated earlier he has never taken an defensive snap in the NFL. Not sure how many guys will be cut that would be an upgrade, but I think the Steelers will be on the lookout.
Michael Scarn
2:33
What kind of impact can we expect Marcus Allen to have on the defense this season in that dime linebacker role? Upgrade from Barron?
Ray Fittipaldo
2:34
Keith Butler said last week Cam Sutton is the likely dime LB to open the season. I know they just moved Allen to ILB, but I'm not sure tat means he'll be taking over the dime LB role anytime soon.
Waxman
2:34
Tomlin was a bit cryptic on DeCastro’s status... not a warm fuzzy for sure... any intelligence on the severity?
Ray Fittipaldo
2:35
Trying to find out. They're off today so it's been quiet.
AWB Tennessee
2:35
What impact do you think Marshal Yanda's retirement will have on the Ravens offense? Ravens are loaded with talent, but seems like a big loss.
Ray Fittipaldo
2:35
For sure, but they've been pretty good at developing linemen down there.
KN
2:35
Hi Ray. Thank you for the chat as always. A 2 part question: 1) I heard that Marcus Allen worked as ILB last week. How did he look and do you think he is the first reserve to replace Vince William in case of an injury  , although he seems lighter for the role ? 2) Any camp news regarding Nose tackle position and do you see a role for Carlos Davis in that position, based on the training camp ?  Thank you very much.
Ray Fittipaldo
2:37
I don't know what to make of the Marcus Allen move to be honest. Jerry O seems to like him, but there is a reason the move was made. It means they didn;t really have big plans for him as a safety. So now he pretty much has to sink or swim as a LB.
TruSteel
2:37
Hello Ray, love the chats... thanks for doing them. Do you think that the majority of fans really care what a players stance is with regards to political concerns etc.? I love our Steelers, always have and always will but I could care less what their opinions are... I just want them to... as the late Al Davis used to say.... “just win baby!!” Since when did professional athletes feel that they are also political “leaders” for lack of better words. Thanks
Ray Fittipaldo
2:40
No, but it goes both ways. I think most Steelers fans ignore the political or social views of the players and just enjoy the game for what it is. I know I'm not trying to complicate my viewing of the NFL with any politics.
Paul VB
2:40
Ray-Ray, thanks for the chat. Ben is usually bad (timing, accuracy, etc) when he comes back from injury. Given the lack of preseason games, do you anticipate a more heavy run offense in the first few games?
Ray Fittipaldo
2:40
I would love that, but I'm not holding my breath.
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