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Ray Fittipaldo's Steelers chat: 08.05.09
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Ray Fittipaldo
12:26
They added Benny Snell so he can be an option in short yardage and goal line. But honestly, it's going to be up to the offensive line to be a little better in that area. I know they didn't run a lot, but you can't have bad games like they did against the Raiders and expect to be one of the top units in the league. The run game definitely has to get better.
Linebacker Lounge
12:27
Hi Ray.. Is Rosie Nix a lick to make the team - is so will they use him?! Thanks
Ray Fittipaldo
12:28
Well, they didn't use him very much at all last year so if he makes it he'll make it because of his abilities on special teams. They don't really use a FB all that much.
KN
12:28
Hello. Thank you for your chat . Have you seen enough from anyone in the camp to be #3 TE behind McDonald and Grimble ? Or do you think it will be an outsider . Thank you
Ray Fittipaldo
12:28
Read my story tomorrow morning.
Steeler Joe
12:28
Do you think Jerald Hawkins gets a roster spot, barring injuries? Or is he the odd man out?
Ray Fittipaldo
12:29
He struggled early in camp, but he'll have plenty of opportunities to show the coaches he belongs in the preseason games. If they keep nine I think Hawkins could make it. If they keep eight then probably not.
Can'tWaitTillSeptember
12:29
I hear lots of reports about Kameron Kelly making noise at S position. Looking at his AAF highlights, he played CB. Looked pretty darn good too. I thought he was tried at S during spring bc Davis was injured. But why is he battling for S when it seems his natural position is CB?
Ray Fittipaldo
12:30
The Steelers believe he projects as a safety in the NFL so that's where he is. And he's been running with the first team with Davis out. Big couple of weeks ahead of him.
Retire21
12:30
Sad to read about the sudden passing of Don Banks. I enjoyed his many years at SI. Did you know him?
Ray Fittipaldo
12:31
A lot of national writers pass through Saint Vincent and the South Side facility every year. I can tell you Don Banks was one of the nicest. Always friendly. So sad to hear about his passing.
Linebacker Lounge
12:32
How many OLB’s make final 53... 3 or 4 ? Thanks
Ray Fittipaldo
12:32
Ola makes four.
manny
12:32
Hey Ray, we know it’s early but based on film and from what you have seen so far at training camp, does Bush could be as good as D. Leonard and Vander Esch in your opinion ? Any comments would be appreciated ..
Ray Fittipaldo
12:33
Way too early to tell. Those guys you mentioned had great rookie seasons. The Steelers are hoping Bush has a similar impact.
Brian Allen
12:33
Will I be kept over Artie Burns as one of the 6 CBs the team will start the season with? How many safeties do you see the Steelers keeping on the final 53 and will Kameron Kelly be one of the them?
Ray Fittipaldo
12:33
I think you have an uphill battle to make the team.
Mike M
12:33
I see the Steelers keeping 9 OL this year - Big Al, Foster, Pouncey, Decastro, Feiler, Finney, Okorafor, D. Gray, Banner? Thoughts?
Ray Fittipaldo
12:34
Wow. This is the first time I've read Gray's name all summer.
Joseph
12:35
I'm excited this year after seeing Bell and AB removed, the FA additions, and what seems to be a pretty good draft. I'm hoping they use Snell to grind it out within the 20 yard line. I'd like to see some power running instead of throwing so much on 5 yard line or on the goal line.                                                                                         What are your thoughts?
Ray Fittipaldo
12:36
I think adding a power running game would be a good thing too. I'm just not sure they'll built for that.
Julio
12:36
How has Banner looked?  Haven't seen much on him.
Ray Fittipaldo
12:37
He dropped a bunch of weight. He's looked OK in the one-on-ones I've seen. They liked his potential enough to carry him on the 53 all last season. So they're definitely going to give him another long look this summer.
Julio
12:37
Do you think they will be watching cuts for a veteran TE?
Ray Fittipaldo
12:37
Or maybe Colbert will make a trade before final cuts.
Julio
12:37
Are the Steelers planning on using Samuels like the Patriots use James White?
Ray Fittipaldo
12:38
That's not a bad model. He is a smooth route runner and very deceptive once he gets the ball in his hands.
Julio
12:38
Your take on Mason Rudolph thus far?
Ray Fittipaldo
12:38
Hot and cold. He has to be more consistent.
Julio
12:38
I've seen some mixed reviews on Diontae Johnson.  What's your take so far?
Ray Fittipaldo
12:39
I like him. He's been a little banged up so his durability will be important on what kind of rookie season he has. But I definitely think they can use his route running and YAC in their offense.
Paul M
12:39
What is the likelihood they sign Hargrove to an extension. I see they are working on Haden’s extension now.
Ray Fittipaldo
12:40
Haden is priority No. 1 and then they'll move on Hargrave.
Larry
12:40
Sutton NFL material?
Ray Fittipaldo
12:40
Cameron Sutton? He's having a good camp. So yes.
Professor Flush
12:41
How is the kicking battle in camp? Does the rookie have a stronger leg? Did Boswell increase leg strength? Will the Steelers go into the season with a punter who knows how to angle his kicks to pin opponents inside the twenty? Special teams seem to be an afterthought on this team for many years.
Ray Fittipaldo
12:41
I wouldn't say Wright has a stronger leg, but he's been very competitive. That's a good battle.
TR from Chicago
12:41
Who is leading the pack between D Johnso, J Washington and D Moncrief for the number 2 receiver?
Ray Fittipaldo
12:41
I think Moncrief has the inside track on the No. 2 job.
Jefferton Ernie
12:42
What do you think is the weakest area of the team this year, and the strongest or most improved, to date?
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