RAY FITTIPALDO’S STEELERS CHAT

HIGHLIGHTS

Highlights from Ray Fittipaldo’s Tuesday Steelers chat, which you can join weekly at post-gazette.com. Questions and answers have been edited for clarity:

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Buzzard Bill: It appears that different states may open gym facilities at different times based on the virus situation. Does this include the NFL facilities?

Ray Fittipaldo: Yes it does seem inevitable that some team facilities will open before others. For example, I would anticipate the Jets and the Giants to be among the last to open because they are based in New Jersey. It might make for some competitive advantages for teams that do open earlier than others, but coaches will be champing at the bit to get some work with their rookies later this summer.

Puddintain: What will it take for the Steelers to go smash-mouth FB-RB up the middle more often?

Ray Fittipaldo: As much as I’d like to see that infused into their offense I’m not quite sure they’re built for that despite the additions of Derek Watt, Stefen Wisniewski and Kevin Dotson. This line was built to pass protect for Ben Roethlisberger. It wasn’t built to be a smashmouth type of offense.

Doyle37: Any chance the Steelers look into Malik Hooker as a FA next year ?

Ray Fittipaldo: That would depend upon the development of Terrell Edmunds first and foremost. If Edmunds doesn’t play well in 2020 the Steelers will have a big decision ahead of them. It also would depend upon the play of Hooker and perhaps more importantly his health. He hasn’t played a full season yet in his short time in the league.

Florida Steeler: Don’t you think it’s time to get a QB that can run and pass? That’s what the league is now.

Ray Fittipaldo: That’s the flavor now. Until some of those guys get hurt. Then it’ll be back to the pro-style QB. Honestly, it’s just a matter of what the college game is providing from year to year. Sometimes the choices teams make are based on what’s available and not necessarily how they would prefer to build their team.

Guest: Could you see Chase Claypool lining up at the tight end spot in 2 or 3 tight end sets?

Ray Fittipaldo: In time perhaps, but offensive coordinator Randy Fichtner seemed to indicate that Claypool will start off as an outside WR because that’s where he is most comfortable. Once he learns the offense I am quite sure they will take advantage of his size and move him around. But I wouldn’t get too hung up on him being a TE. He’s not a TE.

Jud: Do you feel we will have a lesser product in the fall due to coronavirus?

Ray Fittipaldo: Impossible to say, but I know the coaches hate not being able to instruct players on the field. There is no substitute for onfield work. My best guess is the teams with veteran QBs and continuity will do very well while others with firstyear QBs or new head coaches will struggle.

Gene: How many primetime games do you think are on the schedule this year?

Ray Fittipaldo: I believe the max is five per team. So I’ll guess four for the Steelers.

Justin: The NFL schedule release date (Thursday) is usually an exciting time so I can plan a trip back to Pittsburgh for a game. This year seems different. Why post a schedule at this point when it seems odds are the schedule will get pushed back or be played with little to no fans in attendance?

Ray Fittipaldo: I think they are selling hope. That’s why they kept the draft on the original date. They want to have a full 16-game season and they’d like to do it with fans. And since the NFL is not considering neutral site games, they have to have a schedule in place whether fans travel or not.