Ray Fittipaldo's Steelers chat: 05.19.26
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Ray Fittipaldo
11:59
Good afternoon. Let's get started.
Rooney
11:59
What are your thoughts on the offensive line shuffle? I like it, when the rookies settle in on the right side you will have a big, highly drafted O-line. Also, which QB goes after camp? Ty!
Ray Fittipaldo
12:02
The coaches and players are saying some of these moves might not be permanent. But I think Fautanu goes to left tackle for sure given the uncertainty surrounding Broderick Jones. And I like the Cook-Iheanachor pairing at right tackle. Cook can hold that down until Iheanachor is ready. The guard switching is interesting. We haven't had a chance to talk to them about it, but McCormick played the left side in college and Anderson played every spot on the line at Maryland. They might be getting these guys back in spots where they're most comfortable. Fautanu said yestrday he was a little rusty when he first went back to a left-handed stance, but he's gotten used to it over the past few weeks.
12:03
As for the QB pecking order, sometimes these things have ways of working themselves out with injuries.
Bucco71
12:03
Any reason why the Steelers refuse to retire #12?  Is the relationship so complicated that it will never happen?
Ray Fittipaldo
12:06
Other than 75, 70 and 32, there are no other numbers that are retired. I agree Bradshaw should be next, but you can make a strong argument for Lambert too. The Steelers do a nice job of not issuing 12 or 58 and some others so I like that they have respect for those guys without an official "number retirement."
Steeler Fan in Ga
12:06
Ray what is your overall thought on the schedule?  I know things can change but it looks like a tough slate to me.
Ray Fittipaldo
12:07
Only one playoff team in the first nine games. To me, you have to take advantage of that and be at least 6-3 at the midway point of the season because the second half is incredibly difficult.
BUCS21
12:07
If we truly believe the Steelers can make the playoffs, I can't really see anyone being QB2 other than Mason. Unless one of the other QB's showing that much in the pre-season.
Ray Fittipaldo
12:08
I've heard other say this too. Why? If Will Howard has more potential and shows the coaches he can handle the backup duties the Steelers would be doing the team a disservice if Howard wasn't named the backup. He has to earn it, but based on the first OTA it certainly seems like they're going to give him a chance to earn it.
chuck Mac
12:09
Is Broderick Jones being considered a legitimate option this year at LT?  Seems like we need to move on or just have him as a swing alternative this year rather than part of our future... what would you do Ray?
Ray Fittipaldo
12:10
Right now he's not cleared for contact so it's not a decision they have to make. The vibe I get from his teammates is they don't know his prognosis or timeline either. I think at this point they all just want him to get a clean bill of health first. Once he is cleared then I think we can go over the various scenarios.
Daniel
12:11
I kind of feel like the bad chemistry between Rodgers and Wilson from last year is being overblown.  I'm sure if Wilson shows he can produce that Rodgers will embrace him.  Do you think he'll be given a legit shot to contribute this year?
Ray Fittipaldo
12:12
Yes I do, but Wilson has to prove it to Rodgers. What happened last year was not "overblown." Rodgers is on record saying Wilson has to be more of a professional, or similar words to that effect. Wilson can take steps this spring and summer to ensure he has a better relationship with Rodgers, and that starts by him knowing his assignments.
J D
12:12
Ray, what's the status of Kaleb Johnson?  Is he progressing at all, will he be given a chance to play, or is he a bust?
Ray Fittipaldo
12:13
Yeah he was out there with the first-team offense some on Monday. Don't read anything into that. Some of the other RBs might have been excused, but they haven't forgotten about him.
J D
12:13
Ray, just ordered the NFL Sunday Ticket and can't wait to see the Steelers have a great year and eclipse all those negative fans throughout the NFL.  Their roster looks solid BUT with better coordinators, assistants, and especially a better head coach will put them over the top!  Your thoughts.
Ray Fittipaldo
12:15
I like the optimism. I do think you make a good point. This roster is talented. It might be getting older, but there are some really good players on this defense. Could a new DC, a new voice, a new way of doing things help them get back to being the defense they want to be? I think it's possible. That being said, Mike Tomlin had a knack for winning. His teams were resilient. We'll see if Mike McCarthy can develop a similar vibe.
martian
12:15
Are Will Howard and Drue Allar getting many reps with AR in the door finally? If so - how have they looked, specifically Will compared to what you saw early last year before injury?
Ray Fittipaldo
12:16
They've only had one practice, and reporters were only allowed to view about 30 minutes of it. However, OC Brian Angelichio said today they have a plan for getting enough reps for all four QBs.
Carl in Carrick
12:16
Hi Ray, do you think the Steelers might be interested in bringing Deebo Samuel in to serve as a mentor to Germie Bernard and Roman Wilson?  Thanks.
Ray Fittipaldo
12:17
Maybe a few years ago, but injuries seem to hae robbed him of some of his game.
Matt
12:17
Ray, I like the idea of moving Fautanu to LT, Dunker at LG and Iheanachor at RT.  This puts veterans on both sides of the ball next to rookies.  This could be a formidable offensive line for a long time.  Your thoughts?
Ray Fittipaldo
12:18
Yes Fautanu at left makes total sense. I understand why they're doing that. All the other stuff might just be experimentation. These coaches want to see which players have versatility and which might just be able to play one position.
TC in Mooresville, NC
12:18
Hi Ray, Have you noticed if they have been moving the DL around like they have the OL? Wondering if they are trying Benton more on the outside instead of at nose. Thanks!
Ray Fittipaldo
12:20
I'll watch the defense a little more tomorrow. There was no practice today and like I said we only got to watch about 30 minutes on Monday. I spent my time watching the offense because there were more newsy items taking place there with the QBs and the switching of the offensive linemen.
Douglas
12:20
Unless the Steelers are going to have the best Oline in football I don’t see ARII succeeding. The result will be a high level of throwaways, sacks, short pass dump offs and excessive three and outs. Age and lack of mobility are major factors. Can you see point?
Ray Fittipaldo
12:22
I definitely see your point. It was a big issue in the playoff game against the Texans. That being said, the offensive line can do a better job of protecting him. It's a tough league. These edge rushers are super athletes, but you can't just rely on an athletic QB to make up for poor blocking by taking off with the ball. Look at the Super Bowl champs. Sam Darnold isn't some super athlete running for 50 yards a game. They had a great running game and did a very nice job of protecting him. That, along with a terrific defense, produced a Super Bowl title.
12:26
Communicating is a big thing for Graham. He reiterated that today. Anyone who has been paying attention knows communication issues were at the forefront of the defense's problems the past several years. Payton Wilson and Alex Highsmith talked yesterday about how detailed and demanding Graham is when it comes to communicating. I'm starting to get a picture that Tomlin was very lax when it came to communication because he had so many veterans who had been around. Many of those veterans are still on the team, but they now have to speak the same language as everyone else on the defense Graham appears to be a task master when it comes to communication.
rR
12:26
Hi Ray! Considering that this year's defensive front is basically the same as the unit that had a difficult time stopping the run last year, what can Patrick Graham realistically do to help them stop the run this season?
Ray Fittipaldo
12:26
Question to previous answer.
Irish Mike
12:27
Do you anticipate the Steelers having any interest in Brendan Sorsby if he enters the Supplemental draft?
Ray Fittipaldo
12:27
I don't anticipate that at all.
Sunner in Orlando from Lebo
12:27
With the Watt, Highsmith and Herbig situation, do the Steelers try to trade any of them or will they ride out this year and most likely let Herbig walk? Personally, I would trade Highsmith as you can't take the cap hit if you trade Watt. What would you do?
Ray Fittipaldo
12:28
I'd try to create a bigger role for Herbig and let him know his time is coming. Maybe he'd sign a second contract if he had some assurances about his future role.
Sunner in Orlando from Lebo
12:29
What should the Steelers do with Mason? He's good enough to be a solid number 2 QB but if they keep him around, will he block the progress of Howard and Allar or will he be needed if and when Rodgers gets hurt and you have a vet to save a sinking ship?
Ray Fittipaldo
12:30
I don't think the Steelers have to do anything with him. Just let the QB situation play out. There is a reason he's playing on the contract he is.
Henry Hill
12:31
Greetings Ray; I know it’s early, but do you notice any difference in how A-Rod interacts with Coach M. vs. how he was with Coach T.?
Ray Fittipaldo
12:32
It's too early, but Rodgers had a very good relationship with Tomlin. And after a bad ending in Green Bay, it appears Rodgers and McCarthy are getting along just fine eight years later.
Buckeye Fan
12:33
Is there a realistic path to Howard remaining on the game day roster given AR is back and Allar was drafted?
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