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Ray Fittipaldo's Steelers chat: 08.05.09
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Ray Fittipaldo
12:43
Depth-wise, tight end and safety aren't great. But obviously, Vance McDonald is a strong starter. I think they are strong on the OL and I like the talent at receiver even though some of it is unproven. I like the talent but not the depth on the DL. They are much more athletic a LB this year, but we'll see if they're better. I think the secondary is better and deeper too.
Gravel
12:43
Ray -  Where would you rank the Steelers OL in the league right now?
Ray Fittipaldo
12:44
Top 10. Have to take on more responsibility for the run game struggles though in my opinion.
Rich
12:44
Thanks for the time and knowledge that you provide us each week.   My question has to do with the changes to our coaching staff.   Can you walk through how Keith Butler spends his time.   Who works with OLB’s the most?    Also, how does Teryl Austin spend his time?    Do thing these changes will lead to positive results?
Ray Fittipaldo
12:46
Austin is on the field with a birds-eye view of the action during practices. Tom Bradley is on the sidelines and coordinates the substitutions. Butler is the only OLBs coach.
Can'tWaitTillSeptember
12:47
Shouldn't CB roster be: Haden, Nelson, Hilton, Sutton, Layne, and someone other than Burns?
Ray Fittipaldo
12:47
Who?
Gravel
12:48
Ray -  Respect your top 10 for OL rank and think many - internal and external - have inflated views based more on potential than performance.  OL has lacked consistency for some time.  I think key to better O performance is more on the OL than the new WRs quite frankly.
Ray Fittipaldo
12:50
The pass protection is really good. I just have some questions about the running game. There is no way, with the talent they have, that they should finish 31st in the NFL in rushing. That's just not good enough. Now they're not a big overpowering line. In fact, I think they're built to protect Ben, which is the way it should be. But developing more consistency in the run game would be nice.
Big B
12:50
I didn't like Edmunds last year.  Very few splash plays with lots of downs played.  Will he change my opinion this season?
Ray Fittipaldo
12:51
They like him. I can tell you that. But I agree that he didn't provide enough splash. He should take a big step in his second season. If not, then they'll have to reevaluate how he fits in the defense. But he has everything they desire in a safety -- size, speed, smarts. He just has to deliver some impact plays this season.
SteelFan Dan
12:51
How's the new O-Line coach doing?
Ray Fittipaldo
12:52
He's taking charge. In fact, it's hard to notice in practice that they ever hired an assistant to help him. It's all Sarrett coaching that group. Adrian Klemm was hired to help, but Sarrett is totally in charge.
Guest
12:53
Hello Ray -- I can't believe that the Steeleers don't have a plan for the tight end situation.  Is it different formations, more wide receivers, a fullback.  Seems like waiting for someone to be available isn't the team's way
Ray Fittipaldo
12:54
I think they're taking a long look at Grimble and Gentry in the next few weeks. If they don't like what they see, Colbert can make a trade. He's done that quite a bit the past few years when he hasn't been happy with other positions, including TE.
DaquidoBazzini
12:54
How concerned should we be about Devon Bush being under sized? I know you've mentioned it quite a few times.
Ray Fittipaldo
12:55
I don't think I've mentioned it a lot other than it the stories right after he was drafted. It could be problematic in the run game, but he'll learn how to compensate at the NFL level. he adjusted just fine in college. I'd expect him to do the same in the NFL.
Robert
12:55
With Andy Russell’s career being interrupted by his military service and overshadowed by Ham and Lambert, what are his chances of making the Hall of Fame?
Ray Fittipaldo
12:57
I don't think his chances are great, but the Pro Football Hall of Fame will add more senior candidates next year as part of the centennial celebration. Guys like Russell will have an opportunity to make it. The only problem he faces is competition with teammates. You hear Donnie Shell and L.C. Greenwood mentioned just as much, if not more, when it comes to Steelers seniors candidates for the HOF.
12:58
Thanks for all the great questions this week. We'll do it again next Monday.
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