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Ray Fittipaldo's Steelers chat: 5.17.21
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Ray Fittipaldo
2:19
They deemed him well enough to play last July. He's not injured, but sometimes it takes time for players with ACL injuries to feel comfortable. And no, they won't release him before the season for any on-field reasons.
Jeff
2:20
Thanks for the chats Ray.  I don't have a problem with the first few pics and if Pinkett does well no one will have a problem.  I do have a problem with the last two.  I dont understand the making future family reunions easier.  Heyward would have likely gone undrafted and why a second QB?  I know late round picks are a crap shoot but who knows if we just missed the next Keisel or AB.  2 picks we didn't need
Ray Fittipaldo
2:23
People scream nepotism with Derek Watt and Connor Heyward, but I keep telling people the Steelers like to know intimate details about the players they draft or sign. They knew TJ Watt's makeup and work ethic so they knew Derek would be a good teammate. They know what Cam Heyward is all about. He is a great leader and person in the community on top of being a productive player on the field. They think Connor is cut from the same cloth. I'm not saying it's right or wrong. I'm just telling you how the Steelers come upon these decisions. They don't do it for the story.
Steelersfan1987
2:23
Hi Ray when and do you think a long-term extension will be reached with Minkah Fitzpatrick
Ray Fittipaldo
2:24
The Steelers typically negotiate these contracts during training camp and they can happen any time from late July until early September. The only time I can remember them signing a star earlier was Maurkice Pouncey. They got that done in June right around minicamp in 2014.
Guest
2:26
Besides the quarterback competition it seems as if the starting lineup is set, barring injury.  What position group lacks depth in your opinion?
Ray Fittipaldo
2:27
Joe Haeg is the swing tackle. They might be able to upgrade there. RB isn't what I would consider deep and WR is not deep either unless Anthony Miller or someone else from the practice squad last year steps up into the No. 5 role.
Guest
2:27
Hello Ray. With the AFC as loaded as it is with high power offenses did the steelers do enough to address the Defense? Seems the defense gets a bit of a pass but theyve given up huge numbers in some games not to mention the playoff games last few years as well.
Ray Fittipaldo
2:28
Yeah the past four playoff games have been horrendous. They gave up 36, 45, 48 and 42. That's not nearly good enough. But they finds ways to get it done during the regular season and has kept the team in contention the past few years while the offense was less than stellar. I think the defense will be OK. Just have to improve the run defense. That killed them last season.
Alex
2:29
How different will Matt Canada offense look this year with either Trubisky or Pickett under center it was just a mess last season.
Ray Fittipaldo
2:30
More play-action, boots, designed rolling pockets and things of that nature. And I think we'll see the pre-snap motion return and remain throughout the season.
Scott
2:30
It seems as though nobody is giving Rudolph a punchers chance to win the job. Has the coaching staff written him off or just the fans and writers?
Ray Fittipaldo
2:30
I would say the writing is on the wall, no? They went out and paid Trubisky more money and then they doubled down and used their first-round pick on Pickett.
Jason
2:31
Over/Under how many fights Pickens gets into his first year?
Ray Fittipaldo
2:31
In camp? Hmmm. Vets tend to want to put rookies in their place up there. We shall see.
Alan
2:31
Do you think Green starts at guard this year?
Ray Fittipaldo
2:32
I think he'll be in a camp battle with Kevin Dotson.
Paul
2:32
Is Zach Banner trying out with any team?
Ray Fittipaldo
2:32
Not that I've heard of.
Rudy T
2:32
Hi Ray You are the best!!!  When do the Steelers place a deadline on the Tuitt situation and tell Tuitt to definitively tell us one way or the other if he will rejoin the team for the upcoming season?
Ray Fittipaldo
2:34
I think we'll know in the next few weeks.
JKSteeler
2:34
Hi Ray, What percentage chance would you say K. Greene has to be the starting center again this year?  Any, at all?
Ray Fittipaldo
2:34
I don't think that's the plan unless Cole is injured.
Guest
2:35
Hi Ray. Do you think there is a chance Heyward could become Harris' backup?
Ray Fittipaldo
2:35
No.
Alex
2:35
The Steelers drafted a defensive end but how about the nose tackle position Tyson Alualu is coming off a tough injury who else will get reps at that position
Ray Fittipaldo
2:35
Montravius Adams
Buzz Nutter
2:36
Is the center spot decided or does Green still an option ?  Thanks as always
Ray Fittipaldo
2:36
I think they're going to see what Cole is all about.
Guest
2:36
Hello Ray.  Thank you for the coverage,  always enjoy your podcast with Brian.  Any cheap vet pick up you think might/should happen?  I'm still hoping for a Jericho crotchery or estabblished offensive vet leadership.
Ray Fittipaldo
2:37
I think they'll see what happens in camp, evaluate some guys and then go from there. They're never shy about upgrading weak positions in August and September.
Jim
2:37
Buzz out there that we should sign Eric Fisher, good move or not? He is kind of old.
Ray Fittipaldo
2:38
To replace Dan Moore? That would be very un-Steelers like. They like to let their young guys grow. They would be stunting Moore's development if they brought Fisher in to start. Could Fisher be a swing tackle? Sure. But not sure he'd want to do that.
Rudy T
2:39
Ray, I have read recently that Leal has gained 15 or so pounds.  If so is he at 300 pounds and is this what you have heard or witnessed at minicamp.
Ray Fittipaldo
2:40
He told us the night he was drafted he's comfortable at his playing weight, which in college I think was in the mid-280s. I highly doubt he added 15 pounds in the two weeks between the draft and rookie minicamp.
Jeff
2:40
What is the obsession with pre snap motion?  Arent most defenses coached to deal with this?  Just seems like a lot of people make a big deal about when how much does it really throw off the D?
Ray Fittipaldo
2:41
It's not just the motion, it's the personnel on the field. Shift a TE out wide to get a matchup on a small slot CB. Flex a RB out to get a matchup on a run-stopping LB on early downs. You get the idea.
Alex
2:41
Do you think George Pickens has a shot to overtake Claypool or Dionte Johnson as a Starter.
Ray Fittipaldo
2:41
Not as a rookie but certainly they drafted him to be a starter at some point.
Ohio Steeler fan
2:41
Hello Ray. —I have always wondered why teams use a roster spot for a long snapper, but use other players to hold for field goals and extra points. What do you think ?
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