COVID Ready
Narduzzi said they are preparing for multiple scenarios for the impact of coronavirus on their team. Not only are they going through health precautions, the offense is working through emergency scenarios, like what if the starting quarterback is quarantined?
“You have to be ready with three of them to be honest with you,” Narduzzi said of the back-up QB battle between Joey Yellen, Nick Patti and Davis Beville. “You never know what is going to happen with COVID and you don’t know when it’s going to strike out.”
What about the unlikely scenario that all of the quarterbacks would get infected?
“We actually worked more Wildcat (during recent practice) where a tailback is back there period. Just knowing that at any time you could be without a quarterback.”
Big-Time Comparison
Narduzzi asked during his Zoom call with reporters, who highly touted, 6’0”, freshman wide receiver Jordan Addison reminded him of?
After thinking for a little bit, Narduzzi flashed back to his days as defensive coordinator at Michigan State.
“There is one guy who kicked our butt one year from Central Michigan, Antonio Brown.”
“He’s kind of built like him at little bit,” Narduzzi said. “He’s slippery like him. And I did play against him in college and couldn’t stop him.”
No AP Votes
Narduzzi said he wasn’t aware that his team didn’t receive any votes for the AP Top 25. Then the Pitt head coach found out it was Trib beat writer Jerry DiPaola that is the Pittsburgh area rep for the Associated Press poll.
“I would hope they play with a chip,” Narduzzi said of his team reaction. “It’s typical when you have guys like Jerry voting, a bunch of clowns that don’t know what they are doing.”
Narduzzi did say it with a smile, but did add.
“For the USA Today Coaches Poll, I’m voting us in the top 25. I can tell you that right now. I don’t know exactly where, but I will take our quarterback every single day. I like the football team we got, but what the hell do I know.”
Along with an improved defense, Narduzzi said they are way ahead mentally of recent teams.
“I feel good that we are going to put a good product out there that is fun to watch,” Narduzzi said. “I really do. It will be too bad if there are no fans in the stands. But put your TVs (and radios) on, get your popcorn with a little extra butter and salt and get ready to go.”