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Ray Fittipaldo's Steelers chat: 08.16.22
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Ray Fittipaldo
12:08
Good afternoon. Let's chat about the Steelers.
DaquidoBazzini
12:08
Hi Ray- What would be the financial consequences if Devin Bush was cut?
Ray Fittipaldo
12:09
The consequences are the same whether they keep him or cut him. He will make $6.004 million either way. It's guaranteed money from the time he signed his four-year rookie deal in 2019.
Weiden_Ben
12:10
What are the dates of the cuts leading to the final roster?
Ray Fittipaldo
12:10
Down to 85 by 4 p.m. today. Down to 80 by 4 p.m. next Tuesday and then down to 53 by the Tuesday after that.
MKG
12:11
Thumbs up or thumbs down... Benny Snell on the opening day roster?
Ray Fittipaldo
12:11
Before he injured his knee I thought Snell was having a good camp. Not sure of the severity, but he's been on the field watching and moving around a little bit. I think if he can get healthy in the next week or so his chances are good.
Guest
12:11
How differently do you think Pickett would be thought of had he not gotten a second shot to win Saturday's game ?
Ray Fittipaldo
12:13
Right. I think Pickett played well, but what if Mark Robinson didn't create that turnover to give the offense the opportunity? What if the Seahawks drove the ball 10 yards and kicked the game-winning field goal? What if the Seattle corner made a simple tackle in the flat? But that's what you get when you have a QB competition. Overreactions all around. I thought all three QBs played well.
Easley
12:13
I was surprised we didn't see Gunner returning kicks/punts on Saturday. Do you think we will this week?
Ray Fittipaldo
12:15
They have one guy an opportunity at place kicker and punter too. I just think they like to let one guy handle those duties, get in a groove throughout the game and let them show what they can do. I would imagine Gunner will get that chance this week especially with Anthony Miller and Calvin Austin III injured. Austin, by the way, is in a walking boot, so it appears he'll be out for a while. Miller has a shoulder injury that's going to sideline him for quite some time too.
Sunner in Orlando
12:15
Has the Roquan ship sailed for a possible trade? The D was gashed again up the middle by a very weak Seattle team and Bush was one of the main reasons why as he missed/whiffed on many tackles. I say ship Claypool or Johnson and a 3rd to the Bears. Is that enough or do they want a first rounder for him?
Ray Fittipaldo
12:18
I will acknowledge the play of Bush and Spillane was well below the line Saturday night. Mike Tomlin said after yesterday's practice he expects better play from them in pass coverage. Yes they were gashed in the run, but the ILBs gave up plays in coverage too. You can explain away the run defense some because a lot of starters did not play in front of them. But it's hard to ignore the issues in coverage when you see them trailing a back or a WR and not being able to close the gap on them. But I still don't know if they can swing a trade and more importantly fit Roquan Smith into the team's cap structure in the coming years. They're already the highest-paid defense in the NFL.
Sunner in Orlando
12:18
Who makes the team between Gunner and Sims? Both look like solid contributors on offense and special teams. Can they keep both or does Boykin grab the last spot?
Ray Fittipaldo
12:20
I'd say Gunner as the inside track for now, but Sims was impressive against the Seahawks. I don't know that you can keep both. They're basically the same player -- punt returner and slot receiver. If they're going to keep a sixth WR that player has to be able to play special teams the way Darrius Heyward-Bey did. And who knows what's up with Austin's injury. He could end up on the PUP list and be out for the first six weeks of the season. If that's the case, then they can start with five and then make adjustments six weeks into the season. They do have the luxury of depth at the WR position.
Ct art
12:21
Thanks for the coverage Ray. Are there any of the reserve offensive lineman that could win a starting job?  Do you see any of the top 6 guys being pushed in practice?
Ray Fittipaldo
12:22
I don't think for starting jobs, but I like Leglue as a versatile guy who can play anywhere. I like Haeg for the same reason. He can play guard or tackle. Hassenauer too. He can play guard or center. I'm not sure all three of those guys will make it because I think they'll keep the loser of the competition at left guard.
Guest
12:23
Thoughts on outright cutting Bush?  I don’t think he deserves a roster spot if he continues to play as poorly as he did in first preseason game.  I watched every play (focusing on 55) and he is just really really bad. It’s time to cut bait and Steelers own their mistake.  We need to find someone else via FA, final cuts or trade. Enough is enough w/ this guy and cannot keep him just to save face.  Love to see them cut him, admit their mistake and move on for the good of the team.
Ray Fittipaldo
12:25
They didn't outright cut Artie Burns or Jarvis Jones. Now neither of those guys started either in their fourth year. Bush isn't guaranteed to start. Tomlin made that clear yesterday. But he is guaranteed $6 million either way. I think that counts for something. I will say Omar Khan is the GM now and he might not make the same exact moves of Kevin Colbert, but I think he'll be on the roster in a few weeks.
Guest
12:25
can Myles jack carry the middle of the field? Looks like he’s getting little from bush or Spillane.
Ray Fittipaldo
12:26
Jack has looked really good in camp, but he can' play two positions. The Steelers need one of those guys to step up and take charge.
James Ryan
12:26
Hey Ray. Thanks for the chats! Who has better odds of making the roster? Boykin or Sims? I feel like Sims offers more to Canada's offense
Ray Fittipaldo
12:27
I'd lean Boykin because of his abilities to contribute on coverage units plus the fact that Sims is competing with Gunner. Boykin is probably competing against Cody White.
Hi Ray
12:27
Is there a plan C at left gaurs; plan B at left tackle?  We are average - at best.  Thanks
Ray Fittipaldo
12:28
No plan C on the roster now at left guard and no plan B at left tackle. Scott has started games in the league and has played for Pat Meyer, but I don't think they view him as a starter. They like Moore. He just needs some seasoning.
Hi Ray
12:28
I know they like Hayward as a receiver, but let’s be honest, he’s an H-back just like Wyatt.  How do you keep both?  Would the offense not be better served with an extra OL or WR?
Ray Fittipaldo
12:31
They could make that determination, but they're not the exact same player. Watt is a traditional fullback. He's on the roster to be a lead blocker and most importantly to contribute on special teams. Heyward is a pass-catching H-back or tight end, whatever label you want to give him. He can certainly play traditional fullback, but he doesn't have that background. He's in the tight ends room and learning that position. Yes, they're asking him to know fullback, but he's not in their meetings or with them in individual drills. He's almost exclusively with the tight ends.
The GM
12:31
Ray, do you think (WR) S. Sims has a chance of beating out (WR) Olszewski? Do you think Justin Layne is on the outside looking in?
Ray Fittipaldo
12:32
If Layne is on the 53-man roster it will be because of his abilities on special teams.
Boiler G Dog
12:32
Ray: Kind of an offbeat question(s). What do the Steeler equipment managers do with the jerseys of those players that get cut? And why don’t the Heywards and Watts have first initials on their nameplates to differentiate each other? I know most teams do that. Just curious. Thanks for all your work!
Ray Fittipaldo
12:32
In camp, they simply give the number out to the player who is signed to replace them.
Coach15
12:33
Not sure what the game plan is for ILB, but Bush is not the answer, no matter how you word the question--He will continue to be THE WEAK LINK-What say u?
Ray Fittipaldo
12:34
He's not having a great camp. Not a lot of better options on the roster now though.
Coach15
12:34
#45 B Johnson was completely lost on the field, Saturday evening- Several times he was so far outta position, It looks like he was trying to eliminate contact-What is it with ILBs on this team?
Ray Fittipaldo
12:35
I noticed that one the one touchdown the Seahawks scored. Johnson was having a conversation with a safety as they walked off the field. Seemed like a miscommunication.
Coach15
12:35
Where in the world did McFarland's burst of speed & power come from all of a sudden?
Ray Fittipaldo
12:36
That's why they drafted him. He's always had those talents. He's healthier than he has been and it's his third year, so I think he realizes if he's going to be a part of the team this year he has to play well.
Utah Jim
12:37
Pickens made a tremendous catch and showed amazing foot work, but didn’t he push off? I was sure a flag was coming.
Ray Fittipaldo
12:38
Could have gone either way. He has to be careful there. He actually pushed off twice. It happens all the time. Sometimes it's called and sometimes it isn't.
West Coast Steelers
12:39
Hey Ray, now that there are only 3 preseason games, is this next one the one that plays the starters the most, or is that the third game?
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