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Ray Fittipaldo's Steelers chat: 07.27.21
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Ray Fittipaldo
12:20
All right. Let's get the chat started a little early.
Guest
12:20
do you find it interesting after 17 years ben is talking about being in shape? why now? wasn't being in shape important to him before? sounds to me he's looking for excuses already for a poor season coming, look for a 7 win season, what do you think
Ray Fittipaldo
12:22
Well, Ben said no one in his "camp" is talking about his diet or being in shape. He said his camp is comprised of his wife, agent and trainer and none of them spoke to the person who had this report about him. Ben was asked about the report on the first day of camp. He kind of laughed it off, but he also said he knows as he grows older that being in good physical condition is important. In my opinion, Ben looks the same as he always does.
MrCJJr
12:23
Ray, I read today that Trai Turner isn't living up to expectations. Have you heard anything like this about him or is this just more media perspective/opinion? I'm not sure how anyone can say this seeing that there have been zero games played....but then again, what do I know? I'm just a fan. Thanks
Ray Fittipaldo
12:24
Turner has been here for a week. He's gone through four unpadded practices. I don't know how he can be judged at all. They put the pads on tomorrow. We'll get a better idea going forward, but he's new to the system and coming off an injury-riddled season with the Chargers. I'll take a few weeks before forming any opinions about his play.
Darnell
12:24
Hey Ray…have any of the rookies or new players made an impression on you and/or the Steelers?   Thank you.
Ray Fittipaldo
12:25
Pat Freiermuth has been very good. I'm looking forward to seeing him in some live drills. Same goes for rookie center Kendrick Green. And of course, Najee Harris.
ASIANGOLFERMAN
12:25
Why is Derek Watt on this team?  Will Canada utilize him?
Ray Fittipaldo
12:27
He's a core special teams player. And I wouldn't hold my breath about Canada using a fullback more than Randy Fichtner. It's possible, but they have a very talented group of receivers and a nice group of tight ends. Unless it's a short-yardage situation I'm not sure it's wise to use Watt before any of those other skill position guys.
Nate from Fort Wayne
12:27
As of right now. Do you have more faith in the Steelers Defense or the Offense?
Ray Fittipaldo
12:27
Defense hands down. So many questions surrounding the offense especially the offensive line.
Scuba Steve
12:28
In two seasons as a Pittsburgh Steeler I have a hard time remembering on memorable play from Steven Nelson. Am I wrong, or was that money better left unspent by Pittsburgh?
Ray Fittipaldo
12:29
I thought Nelson was good in 2019. His play fell off in 2020, and they decided to move on. The fact that he only got $2.5 million guaranteed in his deal with the Eagles likely signals what other teams thought of his play last season as well.
Bernard
12:29
How has Bush looked?
Ray Fittipaldo
12:30
Good so far. He didn't start camp on the PUP list, which was great news for the team.
Yankton Ern
12:30
Good afternoon, Ray,                      With as poor as the offensive line played last year, why won’t this line be better just because you have talented healthy athletic bodies lining up?
Ray Fittipaldo
12:32
Because of the unknown. Many of the players who are stepping as starters don't have an NFL resume. Whether it's Kendrick Green or JC Hassenauer the starting center will be inexperienced. Same goes for Kevin Dotson at guard and to a lesser extent Zach Banner at right tackle. They might be OK, but how can anyone say they'll be better simply because they're not named Pouncey, Villanueva or DeCastro?
Seferg
12:33
I know you guys get a lot of who is the best questions so let me ask one differently: who are the top 3 steelers tight ends all time?  I was thinking Heath Miller is probably there but I am not sure who else is there, Grossman?
Ray Fittipaldo
12:34
Good question. Miller tops my list for sure. You had some guys like Grossman and Benny Cunningham during the 1970s dynasty. Mark Bruenner was a first-round pick and a good blocker. Eric Green was another first-round pick who was a talented pass-catcher, but his stay was short. I'm probably leaving a few out, but all of them would fall in behind Miller.
Chris Dolbow
12:35
RayRay- let’s talk about everyone’s favorite topic: the secondary. How are the younger players looking so far?
Ray Fittipaldo
12:37
Teryl Austin likes the competition between Arthur Maulet and Antoine Brooks. We'll see if either of those guys are good enough to fill Mike Hilton's shoes in the slot. If not, Cam Sutton can always play in the slot in sub-packages and James Pierre or Justin Layne would be the outside CB in sub-packages. I don't think we'll know for a while. Austin sounded like he was going to take his time making a decision.
Matt P Venice FL
12:37
I read Dan Moore got into two fights yesterday, with Carlos Davis then Heyward. Good sign of Adrian Klemm’s mentality? Note: remember the fight between Willie Colon and Cam Heyward in 2011, Cam’s rookie year when he took exception to carrying the OL’s pads off the field....
Ray Fittipaldo
12:38
That was last week. Yes Klemm would like a nastier disposition from his line, but Mike Tomlin also made clear he'd rather see his players play football rather than be MMA fighters. And no, I don't remember the Heyward-Colon fight. That must have been a good one.
David
12:38
Do you think Okafor can handle LT position? I do think he is the biggest question mark other than center position.
Eric Carr
12:40
I know they're waiting to see what they have for right now but do you think they may eventually want to give Williamson a call?
Ray Fittipaldo
12:41
He better be able to handle it. If he's not the answer they'd turn to Joe Haeg, who was signed to be a swing tackle. They'd like for Okorafor to be the guy, and I think he will be barring an injury.
12:42
Keith Butler was asked about the ILB depth when he met with the media last week. He seemed to be OK with it for now. There are guys like Ulysees GIlbert, Marcus Allen and Buddy Johnson behind Devin Bush and Robert Spillane. I think they're probably in wait-and-see mode. If they're not happy in late August they can always made a trade or pick someone off the waiver wire after final cutdowns.
VaSteelersFan
12:42
Hi Ray, do you think Dan Moore heard too much talk about how nice he is and decided starting two fights right off the bat was the best way to combat that notion?
Ray Fittipaldo
12:43
I'm not sure about that. He hasn't been made available to the media yet this camp. He's an offensive lineman. I am sure he has a mean streak in there somewhere.
MrCJJr
12:43
Hi Ray, thanks for the chat. It's been roughly a week since Vince Williams abruptly retired, have you heard any more details/info as to why he did? I was very surprised because he seemed glad to be back and ready to resume his career. Thanks.
Ray Fittipaldo
12:44
Williams has not done an interview since retiring. I have seen a few comments on Twitter. And sometimes players know when it's time. And apparently Williams knew this was his time to step away.
Mark
12:44
What's your opinion on NFL player vaccinations - a) players should get a shot for their own safety which translates into a "Team First" impression, or b) players have a right to decide not to and that decision should be respected in & out of the Locker Room?  With the Stillers and other teams - e.g. Beasley and Bills - do you have any feel for how this is going to play out?  Be a divisive factor for a few / some / many teams?
Ray Fittipaldo
12:47
It will only become a divisive factor if an unvaccinated player puts the team into jeopardy somehow whether it be by missing a game due to a positive test or infecting others. What we don't know about the yellow wrist band crew is why they remain unvaccinated. Are there medical issues? That's why I hate to judge people without knowing the entire story. But yes, if a player chooses to go unvaccinated for no other reason than they don't believe in it then they are being a selfish teammate as I said a week or so ago in this forum.
Matt P Venice FL
12:48
Hi Ray, any thoughts on Antoine Brooks having a future at SS next year if we don’t re sign Edmunds? Seems like 3/4 of our future secondary is on board (Sutton, Fitzpatrick and Brooks).
Ray Fittipaldo
12:49
Right now he is working at slot corner so we'll see how it plays out. The Steelers like versatility in their defensive backs, and if Brooks is on the roster he's going to have to play more than one position.
G McLain Illinois
12:49
What is OC Canada philosophy on offense play calling? Pass/Run %
Ray Fittipaldo
12:50
Like all coordinators, whatever produces a winning result.
Daniel
12:50
I think the Steelers have enough playmakers on offense, but defense is what worries me. My worries are 1) can TJ be dominant without Bud 2) secondary overall experience and speed 3) can Bush regain his form. What are your thoughts?
Ray Fittipaldo
12:53
1) I think that's why they signed Ingram. 2) No. 3 CB is a concern, but they're pretty solid everywhere else. 3) If Bush can be a force at ILB the Steelers defense will be much better off, but he is coming off a major injury. He's got the skill set to thrive in this defense. That's why they traded up to get him. So hopefully, the knee is healthy and he can assert himself in Year 3.
ZO
12:53
Good afternoon Ray.  Any news as to why Vince Williams left and if DeCastro will play elsewhere or retire?
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