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Ray Fittipaldo's Steelers chat: 05.10.22
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Ray Fittipaldo
1:53
Good afternoon. Let's talk Steelers.
Jerry
1:54
Who do you think our first opponent will be?
Ray Fittipaldo
1:55
I think it would be cool if it was with the Eagles. The Steelers have had plenty of openers against the Browns over the years. Wouldn't be surprised if they were the choice again, but I kind of like what the NFL has done by putting many of the divisional matchups later in the season.
Cole Beasely
1:55
The Steelers need a 5th WR.  Should I expect a call?
Ray Fittipaldo
1:55
I don't know if you have a shot.
Jud
1:55
Would you say that Colbert leaves the Steelers in better shape than when he took over in 2000?
Ray Fittipaldo
1:59
Interesting question. The team he took over had missed the previous two postseason and missed again in 2000, his first year. But he quickly got things back on track. It's so hard to say with the QB situation as it is. Colbert was so fortunate to have Roethlisberger for most of his tenure. I think he leaves behind a good defensive roster and some good pieces on offense, but it's hard to deny the struggles this offense has faced the past few years. The running game has been in shambles since 2018. He waited too long to fix the O-line, and the receivers room is now young and in flux. That side of the ball is not perfect by any means. I guess we'll have to wait and see how Kenny Pickett performs. If he turns out to be a franchise QB then Colbert undoubtedly would have left the team in good hands.
sreleets
1:59
Do you think they will sign defensive line help?
Ray Fittipaldo
2:00
I don't get the sense they'll do that before training camp begins, but they could if they're unhappy with the group in August or September.
Ed in Carrick
2:00
Given that Austin is WR4 how do they plan to use him and get him on the field. If it is just jet sweeps and the like then wouldn’t that tip their hand?  If they go four wide all the time doesn’t that hurt the run game?
Ray Fittipaldo
2:02
I think Austin will be more than just a jet sweep gadget type of player. He's actually an accomplished route runner. He's small, so yes the running game will be less dangerous when he's on the field, but they can find ways to run the ball effectively with him on the field.
Ed in Carrick
2:02
Is Colbert still consulting or is his time up and he doesn’t show up on the Southside anymore?
Ray Fittipaldo
2:03
Colbert remains in an advisory role for now. He said he may or may not be involved depending on who the new GM is.
Tom M.
2:03
Minkah is very good and I assume he’ll get a new contract. But, is he worth being the top paid safety? Or, how about in the top 5?
Ray Fittipaldo
2:03
I think he's a top-5 safety so yes.
JG
2:03
Hi Ray - at what point does the patient approach to Tuitt end?  Will that money be needed for Minka?  Others?  Thanks
Ray Fittipaldo
2:04
They won't save that much money on the cap by cutting Tuitt. Some but not a lot.
AK
2:04
What is your assessment of Devin Bush’s play and chance of improvement over last year.  Some Steelers fans think he’s a huge bust, while others view him as merely a disappointment from where he was drafted.
Ray Fittipaldo
2:05
I am sure the knee was an issue for him. The Steelers believe that. But I think his struggles go well beyond coming back from an ACL injury. He struggles against the pass, and his skills as a run defender seem to have diminished.
ev
2:05
Hi Ray, If they were set on drafting a QB, why sign Trubisky in the first place?
Ray Fittipaldo
2:07
I think they wanted a veteran with starting experience in place. They obviously didn't feel like Rudolph was good enough. So we'll see if Trubisky can hold Pickett or off or whether Pickett can force his way onto the field as a rookie. I can tell you this: the fan base will be screaming for Pickett if Trubisky struggles early. For better or worse, that's the dynamic they created.
Mercury
2:08
When I look at the Steelers as they are constructed right now I see question marks with just about every position group. What areas do you think have the greatest risk of hurting the team?
Ray Fittipaldo
2:09
I like the overall talent in the defensive line room, but they're old. If they have injuries again I have my doubts as to whether they can hold up against the run. They didn't last season. I also have questions about the receivers room. Diontae Johnson is the clear-cut No. 1, but who will be No. 2? Will Pickens and Austin be rushed into action because the depth is so thin.
Sherry
2:09
Joe Haden was shown on Instagram with his boxes all packed up and ready to move out. Are the Steelers making a mistake by not making an offer to Haden?
Ray Fittipaldo
2:10
I think they wanted to trend younger at CB. They re-signed Witherspoon and signed Levi Wallace.
Paul
2:11
What do you think would be considered success this year outside of a super bowl win?  Playoff win?  Run defense getting fixed?  offensive line coming together?  Pickett or Trubisky taking hold of the QB spot?
Ray Fittipaldo
2:11
Playoff win. This is Pittsburgh. The fans don't settle for progress unless it's directly related to a playoff win.
Mercury
2:11
Do you think the Steelers coaches believe Highsmith is capable of making a major leap in his game or is he pretty much going to be who we’ve seen thus far?
Ray Fittipaldo
2:12
They believe there is more potential to tap there. Time for him to step up in his third year.
Superawesome Adam
2:12
Have the Steelers not put any blame on the offensive struggles on Canada at all? Most expected him to be fired after the play calling last year.
Ray Fittipaldo
2:13
Mike Tomlin is a Matt Canada backer. Has been since he hired him. He'll get a chance this year with a new QB and some different weapons. Time to put a better product on the field.
GM
2:14
If Bush has a "make" year, does he actually resign in Pit? Seems to me like this is the last year for 55.
Ray Fittipaldo
2:14
He could, but if he has a good year he could easily price himself out of the Steelers' range.
DR
2:15
Do you think the OL is much improved? Do you think the DL is much improved?
Ray Fittipaldo
2:15
They dumped a lot of $ into the O-line so it had better be. The D-line will be much improved if Tuitt is back to his normal level and if Alualu is healthy.
Ryan
2:16
Good afternoon with rookie camp coming up soon who will you be watching i think Pickett and the other quarterback and Austin and Pickens
Ray Fittipaldo
2:16
QBs and WRs. Three of their first four picks.
Steeler fan in Ohio
2:16
Hi Ray, I love your answer when you said this is Pittsburgh fans don't settle for progress unless it's directly related to a playoff win. With that said and our struggles in the playoff has the organization settled for progress? Inquiring minds want to know
Ray Fittipaldo
2:17
I don't think so. This team is changing in a lot of different ways, but the goal remains the same.
Raul R. Raulington
2:18
Ray, I watched some highlights on the Ok State UDFA RB Jaylen Warren,,, Power, Cut backs, Jump cuts... Avg 9.0 Yds per catch on 25 catches in 2021...made an impression on me. Did your "Ok State source (care to name?) say anything about his pass blocking/protection?
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