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Ray Fittipaldo's Steelers chat: 07.29.19
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Ray Fittipaldo
1:53
Welcome to my Steelers chat. Post your questions and we will get started in a few minutes.
Doug from Raleigh
2:01
Any early positive vibes on Boz?  I realize he could go 1,000 for 1,000 in practice and still revert back in games, but...........anything to feel good about?
Ray Fittipaldo
2:02
Not really. He and Wright made all of their kicks during a special teams period on Saturday. But those were short field goals of about 30 yards. Mike Tomlin said he would create some competitive periods for them in the coming days with presumably longer attempts. Maybe he'll do that today during this afternoon's practice.
Mr CJ Jr
2:02
Hi Ray, In your opinion, how has the vibe been with the players at camp less all the distractions of years past? Any noticeable sighs of relief to be able to focus solely on football? I know those guys are professionals but they're also human. Thanks!
Ray Fittipaldo
2:04
You could sense that the most on report day. They all came in with a business-like attitude. Cam Heyward called it a "no nonsense approach." For the leaders on this team the message is let's move on.
Sal
2:04
Hey Ray, Thanks for the great job you are doing in the PG.  Keep it up! Quick question: Is Diontae Jhonson for real? Who are your candidates for this 4WR setting MT is working for?
Ray Fittipaldo
2:06
It's only the fourth day of camp so I haven't really taken notice of Johnson just yet. I will tell you he was impressive during the spring. I think he has a chance to be really good. I think for sure you'll have JuJu Smith-Schuster and Donte Moncrief among the four receivers when they go four-wide. After that, it will be up to guys like Johnson and James Washington and Ryan Switzer and Eli Rogers to determine who else is in there.
The Lamplighter
2:06
Ray, Bud Dupree has averaged 5.5 sacks per year in last 3 years. Why should we believe this guy will get any better this year?
Ray Fittipaldo
2:08
I guess you can hope he added a pass rush move or two that will work for him. He was talking yesterday about adding a few moves to his repertoire during the offseason. In my opinion, Dupree has to add the bull rush. When he goes outside he's just too easily blocked by these offensive tackles that can mirror his footwork. The only problem is Dupree has never showed a willingness or the ability to overpower tackles, either.
Stiller Fan in Boston
2:08
Given the Giants are in major receiver trouble, could the Steelers get some value for the odd man out? Potentially, Rogers? Also, what does that potential odd man out need to do at camp and in what timeframe for the Steelers to have a hard decision to make and sell high?
Ray Fittipaldo
2:09
Honestly, I'm not sure how much value a guy like Eli Rogers has on the open market. What did the Steelers give away for Switzer last summer? A fifth-round pick or something like that? Either way, it's not like you'd be able to get a whole lot in return.
BIG TEX
2:09
Does Ola look as dominant as reports out of camp are suggesting?
Ray Fittipaldo
2:10
Dominant? I don't know about that, but he looks good. Then again, he looked good last summer. I'd like to see him get a chance with the first-team defense while TJ Watt is out. But so far, they've only used Anthony Chickillo there.
BIG TEX
2:10
Plenty of time to go, but as of right now, do you think Kam Kelly makes the 53?
Ray Fittipaldo
2:12
You're right. There is plenty of time to go. I am writing about Kelly today. He took the reps with the starters yesterday after Sean Davis exited with an injury. He's an interesting guy. He was in the NFL last fall, played in the AAF and then got signed by the Steelers. They obviously like him, but we'll see if he holds up over an extended period if Davis is out for a while.
Tomas
2:12
Do you see Steelers looking to add another TE? I think it's the weaker  position on offense and it's it is crucial to have a balanced offense.
Ray Fittipaldo
2:13
I agree. It's a big camp for Xavier Grimble and Zach Gentry. If one or both struggle in camp then yes I could see Kevin Colbert making a move. He wasn't shy about doing just that two years ago when he acquired Vance McDonald just before the start of the regular season. He wasn't happy with Jesse James or Grimble, and he pulled the trigger on that trade.
Guest
2:13
I'm not hearing good things about JT Jones so far in camp. Have you noticed anything?
Ray Fittipaldo
2:13
I can't say one way or the other although I thought he had at least one good rep in backs on backers yesterday.
Guest
2:16
Which Diontae has looked better so far, Spencer or Johnson?
Ray Fittipaldo
2:17
Spencer has been good too. He's a vet from the CFL. But as we've discussed in recent weeks I'm not sure how many spots at WR are up for grabs. Will be tough for him to make it unless he distinguishes himself on special teams.
TXSTEELER
2:17
Ray - appreciate the time. Curious as you why you insist that the Steelers will only keep 5 WR, likely eliminating one of Eli or Switz? Almost every other “beat writer/expert” believes there is room to keep them both and that they will. Thank you!
Ray Fittipaldo
2:19
They're basically the same player. What does either do to separate himself from the other? They're both smaller slot receivers and returners. I just see the need to have both on the team. As for keeping five WRs, they've kept six in the past. However, one of those was Darrius Heyward-Bey, and he was on the roster for his ability on special teams. His replacement might be a WR, but it could be a LB or a DB too.
big steelers fan usa
2:19
How has big Zach Gentry looked so far?
Ray Fittipaldo
2:20
He didn't look good in backs on backers I can tell you that. Still early though. Maybe he'll come on.
Jon in Oregon
2:20
Have you seen anything in OTAs or camp so far that would hint of occasional plays that use two running backs?
Ray Fittipaldo
2:21
Yeah they've experimented with some two-backs sets with Conner and Samuels on the field at the same time. I'm sure they'll experiment more in camp. That doesn't mean they'll use it during the season, but it's on their radar.
Jaydog
2:21
Hi Ray. I’ve read a lot about how Bush has shown to be ahead of the curve mentally, but how does he look physically at camp? Does he stand out as fast, athletic, or skilled among the pros?
Ray Fittipaldo
2:22
Hard to say after only one day in pads. I do see him getting swallowed up by the bigger offensive linemen in the run game on occasion. It's going to happen. He's not big. He's just going to have to figure out how to evade them or shoot the gaps. He's still learning.
livinthedream
2:22
Ray, Perhaps one of reasons the Steelers have trouble keeping 4Q leads is the lack of DL depth. After the starting three, what can you tell us about this years crop? Any pleasant surprises? Should  they be looking to improve the depth?
Ray Fittipaldo
2:23
Well, Tyson Alualu was re-signed to be the top reserve. After that it's pretty thin. You have Big Dan McCullers and rookie sixth-round pick Isaiah Buggs. Maybe Lavon Hooks comes on this camp and beats out McCullers, but as you note DL depth is definitely not a strength for this team.
BB
2:24
Ray - What is the magic with a daily camp practice start time of 2:55 PM?  Seems like an odd start time.....thanks for the chats!
Ray Fittipaldo
2:24
No idea. I do know they stretch for about a half an hour so practice really doesn't start until closer to 3:30 or 3:45.
John Strange
2:24
Ar the Ravens crazy for going with Lamar Jackson  at QB? Or was his dismal playoff performance just one bad game?
Ray Fittipaldo
2:25
He was good enough for them during the regular season. I know the Chargers did a nice job against him in the playoff game, but the Chargers have a pretty good defense. Not every defensive coordinator will have the same types of athletes to defend against him. I'm not saying he's a star in the making. In fact, I have my doubts about him. But the bottom line is he won a bunch of games last fall to help the Ravens win the AFC North.
RayG
2:26
What do you predict the Steeler’s record  will be this year?
Ray Fittipaldo
2:26
Between 9 and 11.
Between 9 and 11 wins...
574 Fan
2:26
Ola already has buzz around him after being one of the surprise stars at camp last year.  I don't think he has a shot of replacing Dupree after the Steelers picked up Bud's $9mil option, but could he get some meaningful reps rotating with Bud?
Ray Fittipaldo
2:27
I think first and foremost he has to beat out Anthony Chickillo for the top backup job and then set his sights on more playing time. I, like you, am intrigued by his potential.
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