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Ray Fittipaldo's Steelers chat: 06.03.19
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Ray Fittipaldo
12:21
Assuming he can play on special teams I think Sutton Smith makes the 53-man roster. And we won't know that until the preseason games. He appears to have the makeup to be good on special teams.
BlackJack BIll
12:22
What did you make of Boswell's comments that he wasnt changing anything? Something was awry during the past year, so why didnt he admit that perhaps his mechanics or his head were messed up last year?
Ray Fittipaldo
12:23
I just don't think Boswell likes answering questions from the media. He didn't like to do it when things were going well for him, and he certainly doesn't like to do it now. I just think that was him trying to get an interview over as soon as possible.
weirox
12:23
Building on the Rosie Nix question: How seriously should we take the idea of Sutton Smith at fullback? Do the Steelers see him as someone who can someday log serious snaps as a pass-rusher, or more as a special teams/fullback/utility guy? (And yes, I know it's absurdly early for such judgments)
Ray Fittipaldo
12:24
Right now they're trying to figure out where he fits. We'll see more of what they might be thinking once training camp starts.
eric carr
12:25
Good Morning Ray. Seems like only 2 spots available for the quartet of Switzer, Rogers, Holton, and Spencer. Been hearing good things about Spencer so far and he and Holton have big speed advantage while other 2 have experience. It will mostly come down to ST/returning but Johnson can also return. Care to offer a prediction on your preference for which 2 make it?
Ray Fittipaldo
12:26
I'm not sure two of those four make it. As I said before I see either Rogers or Switzer on the roster. Probably not both. Spencer or Holton would have to distinguish themselves on special teams for them to even consider it.
eric carr
12:27
Ray, are there any concerns at all in your mind that the finale vs Cincy was possibly a harbinger of things to come for JuJu without 84?
Ray Fittipaldo
12:29
That was such an odd situation. Some players were so bothered by how that unfolded that they didn't feel like playing a game. I know it's weird, but believe me, the vast majority of the players that matter in that locker room will be glad they don't have to deal with 84. And no, we shouldn't judge Smith-Schuster performance off one game.
Duke
12:29
Enjoy your chats Ray.  Would you please expound upon Ryan Shazier’s role(s) with the the players and the organization?  Thank you
Ray Fittipaldo
12:30
He helps as a scout, still watches film with players, etc. It's not a defined role. He's around the team a lot during the season and helps as best he can. The coaches and front office like having him around. I think it's good for his mental well-being. It's important to feel wanted after going through something so traumatic.
Professor Flush
12:30
Who has a Breakout year Jaylen Samuels or James Washington?
Ray Fittipaldo
12:31
My money is on James Washington because he'll have more opportunities although I think Samuels has the potetnial to be really good too.
Kiwi Jimmy
12:31
Do you see Marcus Allen getting more playing time this year, perhaps as a safety?
Ray Fittipaldo
12:31
Maybe as a backup at dime linebacker. He won't supplant Edmunds or Davis as a starter that's for sure.
Kiwi Jimmy
12:32
97 days until the Patriots game. Are you ready for some football?????
Ray Fittipaldo
12:32
I am ready for vacation!!!!!!!!
BlackJack Bill
12:32
How will the NFL deal with legalized sports betting on games? The genie is out of the bottle and it aint going back in.
Ray Fittipaldo
12:32
They've been dealing with illegal betting for as long as there has been an NFL. Secretly, they love it. It's what makes the sport as popular as it is.
Professor Flush
12:33
Bigger improvement area this year-more turnovers or more accurate field goal kicking?
Ray Fittipaldo
12:33
Both, but if I had to pick one I'd say creating more turnovers.
Linebacker Lounge - 3Rivers, MI
12:33
I’ve always thought Moncrief was a good Pro.. Solid 3.. What’s the vibe on him in OTA’s? Thanks
Ray Fittipaldo
12:34
He received a rave review from Vance McDonald the other day. He called him a smooth route runner. I had never heard that about him. The book on him was he was a deep threat. So we'll see how it goes, but others seem to think he'll be a solid addition, too.
DaveinCincy
12:34
Ray, do you think Brian Allen will make a leap this year and stay healkthy to be a nice addition to dime linebacker/safety?
Ray Fittipaldo
12:34
I'm not counting on that. I'm not even sure he'll make the roster. He was on the practice squad last year.
Ryno
12:35
Maybe keep Eli and Switzer by using them both for slot/special teams?  I really like both guys.
Ray Fittipaldo
12:35
What special teams does Eli Rogers play other than punt returner?
Dax
12:35
Is Cam Sutton competing at corner only or does he have a shit at playing some safety as well?
Ray Fittipaldo
12:36
Corner. I think he and Hilton as keeping up on safety in case of an emergency. I don't think they plan on either moving there permanently.
DaveinCincy
12:37
Back to the Rosie/Sutton question, if the defense can get off the field when they have a lead, I can see using either as a FB with Conner/Snell to run out the clock as the opposing D gets winded. They know it's coming but can't stop it. Your thoughts?
Ray Fittipaldo
12:38
Then why didn't the Steelers do it more last year. If they're going to use a FB more and if they're going to utilize Snell in that manner then they better have a change of philosophy as a coaching staff. As far as I could tell from the weekly chats with Ficthner last year was there wasn't an issue on how they were attempting to finish games. He liked having the ball in Ben's hands.
eric carr
12:38
Ray, what's your opinion of Ben's request of Gentry? Over the line?
Ray Fittipaldo
12:39
I don't have any issue with it. Why would a rookie want that burden anyway? Maybe it was an oversight by the equipment staff to begin with. Either way, it's not a big deal. Gentry might not even make the 53-man roster.
DaveinCincy
12:39
Ray, with the O-line so experienced, will Hawkins make the team from his injury plagued first two years?
Ray Fittipaldo
12:40
Hawkins has to play well in camp and the preseason games to earn a spot I think.
DaveinCincy
12:40
Your thoughts on Hardgrave getting extended.
Ray Fittipaldo
12:40
I think they'll try to do that.
Linebacker Lounge - 3Rivers, MI
12:41
Ray, On an even field, and if healthy, Eli is better than Switzer.. Eli needs to ditch the hat in practice and hard hat for that matter and be a pro.. Switz buys a new home in the Burgh - Planning on staying? Thoughts?
Ray Fittipaldo
12:41
I'm not sure I agree with you. I think they're very similar as players. Switzer also returns kickoffs, which isn't as important as it used to be but it's something Rogers does not do.
Brody 43MD Iowa
12:42
How are the linemen responding to the new offensive line coach?
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