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Ray Fittipaldo's Steelers chat: 06.03.19
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Ray Fittipaldo
11:54
Welcome to my Steelers chat. Post your questions and we'll get started soon.
Guest
11:56
Hi Ray, I’m baffled by the contract Rosie Nix signed, then the lack of use.. Do you anticipate 45 being more involved this season or more concern with Sutton taking snaps at FB? Thanks
Ray Fittipaldo
11:59
Very good question. He's making about $1.8 million a year. That's a lot of money for a little-used fullback and special teams player. Sutton Smith obviously would be on a rookie contract and would be making about half as much for the next four years. I don't know the answer to your question right now. I assume they still value Nix. It wasn't all that long ago that he signed the contract. But the fact that Sutton is working at fullback is at the very least an interesting development.
Ryno
11:59
Dupree gets knocked for his lack of sacks, and for getting pushed far out of the play, but how would you rate his abilities when he drops into coverage?
Ray Fittipaldo
11:59
Dupree, for the most part, is excellent when he drops into coverage.
12:00
I actually think that's the best part of Dupree's game.
Retire21
12:01
Who do the newer WRs remind you of? Washington-Ward, Montcrief-Sanders, Deontaie-Randel el.....hopefully not Dri Archer?
Ray Fittipaldo
12:02
Way too early to tell, but I don't really get a Hines feel when I watch Washington. Maybe in body type but not in play.
KN
12:02
Good morning. Thank you for your chats as always. I know OTA have gigantic limitations as far as player evaluation is concerned , but if you have to pick one players among each of the following groups where arrow is pointing up for a backup role, who would that be in each group: 1) safety  including kameron Kelly, askew Henry, Locke;  2) tight End  including Zach Gentry and Trevor Wood 3)  Rudolph and Dobbs.  Thank you very much.
Ray Fittipaldo
12:03
1. I suppose Kelly but only because I'm reading into him getting reps with the first-team defense last week. It was Dangerfield the week before. Maybe will be Locke or Henry this week. 2. I need to see the TEs on camp when they have pads on. 3. Same thing with the backup QBs. Need to see them in camp and preseason games.
CourtneyWest
12:03
Ray, do you think if the front seven players play up to their pedigree and Steven Nelson holds down the other CB position opposite Joe Haden, then the defense can finish the season as a top five unit??
Ray Fittipaldo
12:03
I don't know about top five. That's a big ask. But definitely much-improved if Steven Nelson can be a solid addition.
Truth
12:04
Here's an interesting thought:  if for some reason the Steelers do not make the playoffs this year, they would be eligible to appear on Hard Knocks!  Do you think anyone in the locker room will mention this?  Not that they need it, but a little extra incentive never hurt.
Ray Fittipaldo
12:04
In a word, no.
Trevor
12:04
What factors do you think will determine the success of the Steelers defense this year? They ranked ok last year but could not seem to finish out a lot of games.
Ray Fittipaldo
12:05
Create more turnovers. That's the No. 1 thing. If that happens they won't be in so many close games.
Bill
12:06
Do you think Tomlin should refrain from using the phrase " I'll use the running backs until their wheels fall off."  That seems to show no regard for their health and ability to last long enough to secure the big contract.  I wouldn't doubt that did not help when Bell was negotiating his contract.
Ray Fittipaldo
12:06
To be fair, I don't think he's mentioned that phrase in a year or more. Probably not the wisest choice of words when he did say it.
Steeler Joe
12:06
Two guys who seem on the bubble this year: Mike Hilton and Eli Rogers. Do you think they make the final 53? Hilton seems likely to still be the slot CB--but he's got more competition now than ever before, seems like.
Ray Fittipaldo
12:07
Hilton is the starting slot CB. Unless he holds out he'll be on the 53-man roster. As for Rogers, I see that as a two-man competition with Switzer. I don't see how why both would make the roster.
Steeler Joe
12:08
Randy Fichtner--going into a second season as offensive coordinator, how significant a difference might that make? I would think having a year under your belt is a big deal. And it feels like AB's departure might give him and Ben a chance to make the offense what they really want it to be, rather than "as close as we can get and still keep AB happy."
Ray Fittipaldo
12:11
I think Randy did a good job in Year 1. Obviously, the pass-run ratio must improve. At least that's my opinion. Randy didn't seem to think so when he was asked about it last year, but honestly some of that might be due to being behind in so many games. If they're ahead they're running more. They have to learn how to hang onto leads.
Steeler Joe
12:11
Sutton Smith seems like he must be a pretty special athlete if the team is looking for creative ways to use him?
Ray Fittipaldo
12:12
I agree. They like his skill set. I agree. I think it's a matter of him being able to play on special teams. If he can do that I think they'll find a way to use him on offense or defense if need be.
Steeler Joe
12:12
Do you think the money is what messed up Chris Boswell? Seems like as soon as he signed a contract with a boost in salary, the pressure started to get to him ...
Ray Fittipaldo
12:12
That
12:13
That's a good question. I don't have the answer. When Boswell has been asked about his struggles he hasn't been very open about what he was dealing with.
Steeler Joe
12:13
If you had to bet, who do you think will win the No. 2 spot this year at QB? I think it's potentially an important question, with every year added to Ben's age...
Ray Fittipaldo
12:14
My guess right now is Mason Rudolph will ascend to the backup job. He has to prove it in preseason games, but I think he'll do much better this summer.
Rod Ross
12:15
With little cap room available and our class of Watt, JJSS, Conner due contracts next year, will all the cap relief come from AB's dead money coming off the books?
Ray Fittipaldo
12:15
They'll be just fine next year to take care of all those guys I think.
Frank NJ Steelers Nation
12:15
How much better in your estimation will the defense be with the additions made in the draft and free agency?
Ray Fittipaldo
12:16
If they're not better they won't be making the playoffs or contending in the AFC North.
Devin
12:16
Is Maurkice Pouncey a hall of famer?
Ray Fittipaldo
12:18
That's a good question and one I haven't really pondered. He's been an All-Pro a couple of times. Lots of Pro Bowls. I think if he makes first-team All-Pro a couple of more times he'd be a shoe-in. I think the voters would factor in the injuries that all but wiped out two of his seasons. But I do think there is still work to do before he is a sure-fire HOFer.
dianandave
12:19
With the drop off of Bostic last year do you know if the steelers  are looking at new long snappers or holders to see if that will help?
Ray Fittipaldo
12:19
I assume you mean Boswell, and the holder and long snapper were not the problem on the majority of those misses.
Jason in Slippery Rock
12:19
What's with Ken Griffey Jr.'s kid? What is his story?
Ray Fittipaldo
12:20
Under-the-radar player in college at Arizona who has been a pleasant surprise with the Steelers. He spent the entire season on the practice squad last year. Not sure if he'll ever make the 53-man roster, but he's a solid guy to have around.
Professor Flush
12:21
Are the Steelers impressed with rookie Sutton Smith and trying to find a way to "sneak him" onto roster due to his quickness? Having him play special teams, fullback and linebacker seems to indicate the Steelers see something in him.
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