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Ray Fittipaldo's Steelers chat: 09.08.20
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Ray Fittipaldo
2:18
Lots of teams are keeping four QBs. Lots of uncertainty with COVID, preparing for an outbreak in the QB room, etc.
Melanie
2:18
Is Dobbs the number 2 or Rudolph?
Ray Fittipaldo
2:19
Rudolph is the backup. Tomlin said Dobbs was the No. 3 today in his zoom call.
Cathy
2:19
Thoughts on Ray-Ray? Will he return kicks and play wr?
Ray Fittipaldo
2:19
Looks like it will be McCloud or Anthony McFarland. McCloud has more experience so I would imagine they'd go with him in the opener, but who knows? Maybe McFarland will convince them otherwise this week.
Novak
2:20
Novak smashed a linesman with the ball. Ever seen a player hit an official like that with the ball?
Ray Fittipaldo
2:20
Yes in 8u baseball last summer. Well, it almost happened.
D S Fischer
2:20
Bringing back Josh Dobbs seems to show the Steelers are not too confident in Mason Rudolph or Duck Hodges going forward. What do you think
Ray Fittipaldo
2:21
Nah. I just think they improved their depth. Dobbs is a better option, more experience and has better mobility than Duck. That's all there is to it.
D. LeBeau
2:21
Ray, will Sean Davis be an upgrade over Dangerfield? Joshua Dobbs or Duck Hodges?
Ray Fittipaldo
2:22
Yes, that's why they signed them. Dangerfield is a solid special teams guy. But he's never really played much in the defense. Davis gives them an experienced backup.
David
2:22
What kind of season numbers wise would JuJu need to have to get a decent offer from the Steelers but not a crazy offer from another team?
Ray Fittipaldo
2:22
75 catches for 1,000 yards.
Jeff
2:22
Hey Ray, thank you for the chats.  I like the idea of moving Feiler to guard as we saw what he did against one of the best.  and whereas Banner became a folk hero because they called his name 100 times a game, our run game still stunk.  I am sure someone has the stats for this but thought I would ask if you know if we truly ran the ball better with him in?  tough to tell unless you just watch him every play
Ray Fittipaldo
2:23
I don't have those stats handy. You'd almost have to chart every play he was in and do it yourself. I did lot of film study during COVID but I didn't do that one! Sorry.
Gary
2:23
Do you see anyone else on the Steelers signing an extension before the season?
Ray Fittipaldo
2:24
My gut tells me if there is one it will be Feiler, but that's just my educated guess.
NC_Yinzer
2:24
How much usage do you think Claypool will get Monday night?
Ray Fittipaldo
2:25
I think he'll play. How many touches? Too many variables. I think they want to get him involved though.
Jana
2:25
Do you see Claypool giving Washington meaningful competition for the deep ball early in the season?
Ray Fittipaldo
2:26
Both guys will have roles. Not sure they are competing for playing time as much as Fichtner and Canada are trying to figure out packages and how each fits best into the game plan week to week.
AK
2:26
Although Hodges was a nice story last year and did well considering his limitations, I’m glad the Steelers picked Dobbs up.  He’s a definite upgrade over Hodges.  Do you expect Dobbs to be #3 all year?
Ray Fittipaldo
2:27
Never know. Look at what happened last year. WOuld anyone have predicted an undrafted free agent would supplant Rudolph? The NFL is unpredictable. That's why it's so fun to watch.
Macdaddymac
2:27
Once the season starts, how many reps does a 3rd string QB (Josh Dobbs) usually get in a week?
Ray Fittipaldo
2:27
Not many. Most of the work they get is running the scout team.
Big Ed
2:27
Hey Ray, & thanks as always! Do you know if Dionte Johnson is being considered as the kick or punt returner?
Ray Fittipaldo
2:28
Yes he made All-Pro last year as a punt returner. They'd be crazy not to use him. He's a game breaker.
Gene
2:28
Hi Ray How much fo you think the Steelers use Derek Watt as a traditional FB this year, or he is on the team mostly for special teams?
Ray Fittipaldo
2:28
Mostly for special teams, but Watt will be very useful in short-yardage situations.
donnie s
2:28
Since most Stadiums will not have any fans, can we expect some different camera angles that will be sown on television.
Ray Fittipaldo
2:29
Not sure on that. Access will be restricted. You might see some different long-angle shots as a changeup.
Scrub
2:29
Hi Ray,  why is MT so stubborn with the bell-cow running back. There is a lot of depth now at running back. Why not change it up.  He has only had limited success with the beer-cow method
Ray Fittipaldo
2:31
Tomlin hasn't had luck with injuries to guys like Conner and Le'Veon Bell, but he likes three-down backs because they're multiple players. They can run, catch and protect. Gives you lots of different options as a play-caller. When a guy like McFarland is in the game you pretty much know he's not going to be in protection.
AkronSteeler
2:31
Must win week 1? Even under the weird circumstances, would feel like a bad loss.
Ray Fittipaldo
2:31
I agree. This is a game, on paper, they should win.
BB
2:31
Ray - Does Switzer get another gig somewhere?
Ray Fittipaldo
2:32
Might be tough for him early on. Was on IR last year with a back injury, no preseason games this year, no film. Tough situation for him.
Nitro
2:32
Hi Ray -  What is the plan for media attendance at the Giants game and willl each venue have their own protocools?
Ray Fittipaldo
2:33
I know the Post-Gazette will have two reporters and a photographer there. Gerry Dulac, Pete Diana and I will be driving up Sunday afternoon. I think we'll be limited to that number for a while unless things improve. Looking forward to getting back in the saddle and covering games.
Jg
2:34
Hi Ray, love the chats, thanks for doing them!  Connor is by far the best back they have yet it seems we are all reserved to him being elsewhere next season.  If he stays healthy and has a season like 2018 (big IF I know), what are chances he gets a decent second contract offer from the Steelers?
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