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Ray Fittipaldo's Steelers chat: 07.01.19
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Ray Fittipaldo
12:21
It's 66, but who's counting?
TJ Watt
12:21
Ray, over/under 13 sacks for me this season?
Ray Fittipaldo
12:22
That's actually a good number. I think you'll see more attention (and respect) from offensive coordinators after last season.
Professor Flush
12:22
Is Big Red (#44)  in trouble for a roster spot?  Will his special teams play be the difference in making the team this year?
Ray Fittipaldo
12:23
The Steelers clearly wanted to get faster at LB. We'll see if any of the new guys can play special teams as well as Matakevich. They have to prove they can do that in the preseason games.
Big Steeler Dog in Miami
12:23
Hi Ray.  I have spent most of the summer hearing from my friends how bad the Steelers are going to be this year.  I think that the Steelers should at a minimum have a better record than last year which should get them in the playoffs.  Crazy?
Ray Fittipaldo
12:24
Not cray at all. All it would take to be better than last year is get to 10-6. That's not out of the question with such a talented roster.
Scl
12:24
Ray, I’ve read the moncrief is now the likely #2 receiver, but what percent chances would you give Diontae and Washington of becoming the number #2?
Ray Fittipaldo
12:25
I honestly don't think the Steelers will have a true No. 2 receiver this year. You might see Moncrief line up as the starter every games, but you'll see plenty of Johnson and Washington when they want to take advantage of matchups. And if Washington ends up being the starter the same holds true. Moncrief and Johnson will still play plenty.
Scl
12:26
What are your realistic expectations for the type of impact Bush makes as a rookie?
Ray Fittipaldo
12:26
If Bush does not play a lot and play well the Steelers won't be much better. I hate to put a lot of pressure on such a young player, but if he's good it will add another dimension that the defense was lacking last season.
Stillerz
12:27
Love the chats Ray! What player on offense and defense do you see taking the biggest leaps this year? I’m hoping with a completely healthy dline and dominant linebacker (watt) opposite, that Dupree can be a 8-9 sack guy
Ray Fittipaldo
12:28
It would be nice if Dupree finally put it all together. That would boost the defense for sure. As for the offense, I think Diontae Johsnon will be more productive than James Washington was as a rookie. I'm not predicting JuJu-type rookie stats, but I think he'll play a signifiant role if he's able to stay healthy.
Stillerz
12:29
What are your thoughts on Chucks so far? Think he has a good chance of becoming a starter at some point this year?
Ray Fittipaldo
12:30
Feiler will enter camp as the player to beat out, but Okorafor has the talent to emerge at some point. When that will be is still anyone's guess. He won't turn 22 until August, and he's still relatively new to the game. This is only his sixth or seventh year playing the game.
BlackJack Bill
12:30
Is the Washington State safety Jalen Thompson worth a midround selection in the supplemental draft, perhaps a third or fourth rounder?
Ray Fittipaldo
12:32
The supplemental draft has been around sine 1977, and the Steelers have never taken part.
Steely Dan
12:32
Is there any reason to think Sean Davis could be a breakout player this season? A very underwhelming start to his career but I get he has been moved all over
Ray Fittipaldo
12:33
He says he's most comfortable at free safety. This will be his second season there so it's fair to expect improvement. I don't know about a breakout year, but I think they expect more than one INT from their starting FS.
Steely Dan
12:33
Do you think Ola can unseat Chick as the #3 OLb?
Ray Fittipaldo
12:33
I do.
Cowherpower
12:33
Hi ray. From Canada. Steelers fan from 84’.  Why do the Steelers always grind out games. Noll 80s cowher 90s used to blow out teams. Not Tomlin and Big Ben.
Ray Fittipaldo
12:34
I don't have the stats in front of me, but Keith Butler mentioned this spring how the rules of the game today make it so games are close late in the fourth quarter. Sure there will be a few blowouts every year, but the way the game is officiated and the way teams throw the ball it's easier to make up points.
Silly in PHILLY
12:35
what are your thoughts on WR Spencer?  Looks shifty and can fly- seems like he could be a difference maker working the slot since he covets the skills required for that position, eh?
Ray Fittipaldo
12:35
He stood out in the spring, but I don't really know how he fits in that receiving corps. Maybe if there is an injury, but they have quality depth there.
stlrfan70
12:36
Am I wearing black and gold glasses or can this defense be top 5?
Ray Fittipaldo
12:36
My magic 8-ball says they're black and gold glasses, but I do think they can be better than last year.
Kiwi Jimmy
12:37
Is this a must "show me" year for Tuitt? Is his potential getting into the way of his performance? If he had a killer year, that would make Cam so much better, in my humble opinion.
Ray Fittipaldo
12:38
I wrote about Tuitt last month. He hasn't lived up to his contract. He's the highest-paid defender on the team. He has to start being more productive. I know he's played through injuries, but that's part of the deal.
Summer heat sucks
12:38
Do you think the Steelers will extend Hargrave if he has a big year? I just don’t see them paying top dollar to a third defensive lineman after paying Tuitt and Cam.  Seems like A lot of that Antonio Brown money freed up next year will go to lock down JuJu.
Ray Fittipaldo
12:40
You make a good point about tying up big $ money in a DL that plays about 50 percent of the snaps. I suppose you can go out and get another guy like him in the draft, but it's going to cost you a second- or third-rounder. Guys like Hargrave don't grow on trees. He's been effective as a pass rusher in limited opportunities, and while not big, he's been OK as a run defender. I'd extend him for the right price, but I agree you can't pay big $ to a nose that isn't on the field all the time.
Dana
12:41
I'm not so sure Cleveland is gonna be too much of a factor later in the season. Too many big egos to feed. The potential for drama and infighting is great! Think AB x 5 or 6.
Ray Fittipaldo
12:42
You might be right, but the talent on paper is undeniable. They went out and acquired one of the top 2 receivers in the NFL. I know questions remain about their defense, but I'll be shocked if they finish under .500.
12:43
Backup safety, backup tight end. Ola vs. Chickillo for No. 3 OLB. Those are a few.
BlackJack BIll
12:44
Love the chats. Are you concerned  how quickly Devin Bush grasps the defense? i am not, since he grew up with a father in the NFL.
Ray Fittipaldo
12:45
That's always a concern for a rookie, but they weren't shy about exposing him to a lot of different things in the spring. He lined up with the starters from Day 1. He called the signals. They clearly want him to be the QB of the defense. We'll see how he handles it this summer, but he seems like he's equipped to handle it.
12:46
Thanks for another great chat. My next one will be Monday July 22, a few days in advance of players reporting to Latrobe. In the meantime, enjoy the summer!
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