JotCast | Ray Fittipaldo's Steelers chat: 08.19.25

Ray Fittipaldo's Steelers chat: 08.19.25

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Ray Fittipaldo

9:59

Welcome and let's get started.

Jersey Danno

9:59

Hey Ray. I'm a big fan of your work (I'm an old left tackle). What exactly is the long snapper's responsibility on punt returns? Is he supposed to hang back and stop a TD or is he downfield with the rest of the linemen?

Ray Fittipaldo

10:00

He runs down to cover like anyone else, but he's typically the second-to-last line of defense because snappers usually aren't the athletes the other guys are. Punters, of course, are the last line of defense. Kuntz isn't a bad athlete. He played linebacker at Duquesne, and he's made his fair share of tackles over the years.

Jersey Danno

10:00

Scotty Miller and Ben Skowronek have "fan favorite" written all over them. Have they both done enough to stick?

Ray Fittipaldo

10:01

I definitely think Scotty Miller has, especially with Calvin Austin's injury situation. Skowronek was injured in the joint practice so we'll have to keep an eye on that over the next week. If he's healthy he's on the 53-man because he's one of their top special teams players.

Big_Bri

10:02

So, after watching the first 2 preseason games it seems our worst fears about the regression of B Jones has subdued. What is your opinion of his play and the rest of the O-Line, do you think they could be elite?

Ray Fittipaldo

10:03

Jones has been OK. I see these "analysts" tweeting these clips from the Bucs game. About half of them were OK and the other half meh. Is he better than he was last year? Yes. Is he playing great? No. As for the entire offensive line, let's hope they're above average before we start any discussion about them being elite. That would be a step forward.

Guest

10:03

If they sign Gabe Davis is he going to be the No. 2 receiver? And why has no one signed him yet? He's still young but seems to be somewhat of a gamble.

Ray Fittipaldo

10:05

Not sure he is signing today. Our Gerry Dulac tweeted earlier today he's coming in for another medical checkup on his knee. If he is signed he'd be a depth guy. He can run deep and make some big plays. That's what his role would likely be. Kind of like Mike Williams last year with the hope he'd be better than Williams, who ended up retiring.

Bob G

10:06

Finally getting to see Roman Wilson play and he looks like he might be a solid WR2. Since blocking is a key part of a WR2's duties, how ha she looked blocking on running plays. Don't expect him to be another Hines Ward but at least an improvement over Diontae Dropson.

Ray Fittipaldo

10:06

He has a thin frame, but he's a willing blocker. And no, he won't be the next Hines Ward.

Farmtastic

10:07

Good morning Ray. We haven't heard much about Malik Harrison except that he had a rough outing I believe against the Jags in preseason. Do you think he'll be dependable or are we going to miss Elandon Roberts?

Ray Fittipaldo

10:07

They better hope he's dependable. They're paying him $10 million over two years. That's not cheap. And his role will be as a run-stopper against teams such as the Ravens, who are committed to running. He's a big, downhill ILB.

Gina

10:08

Hi Ray, as far as the linebacking corps is concerned, can you break down which linebackers you expect to be playing on first, second and third downs, obvious passing downs and goal line situations? Thanks.

Ray Fittipaldo

10:10

Queen and Wilson start the season as three-down ILBs, but Holcomb and Harrison will be used against run-heavy teams. The reason you want to see if Wilson can handle run-down duties is you don't want teams to be able to take advantage of Holcomb or Harrison in the passing game if they started in base.

Brian H.

10:11

Ray, I’ve heard numerous people say the Steelers need to get off to a strong start based on their schedule. Should we be concerned that many starters have not played much during the preseason which may negatively affect the first few regular season games? Thanks.

Ray Fittipaldo

10:12

Yes I think it's a concern. But I understand why they're being held out. When you're paying your stars those large sums of money it's irresponsible to play them in meaningless game. Did anyone catch the Bengals last night and how their O-line almost got Joe Burrow killed?

Tommy from Florida

10:12

Good Morning, Ray. Thanks for the chats. Any truth that Gabe Davis is signing on Tuesday with us?

Ray Fittipaldo

10:12

Coming in for a medical checkup. If he's healthy they could certainly sign him, but we won't know that until later.

Angela

10:12

Good morning Ray. Are there any developments on Cam’s contract situation? Thank you.

Ray Fittipaldo

10:13

Not as of yesterday. Cam worked out with team trainers before yesterday's practice at their indoor facility. I'd imagine that's the plan for the remainder of camp or until he comes to terms on a sweetener in his deal.

Grayson

10:14

Hi Ray, enjoy your chats. Will you be doing another prediction about the 53 man roster before Thursday’s game?

Ray Fittipaldo

10:14

I will have one published Friday morning after the Carolina game. They make final cuts next Tuesday, but they start to leak out over the weekend in a lot of cases so I want to get it out there ASAP.

Steeler Nut

10:15

Yahya Black might be the steal of this year's draft. He is a large human who moves (laterally) really well. Lots of reasons to feel really good about our defense. On the other side of the ball, do you feel like Cook, Anderson (s), et al are capable depth pieces on the OL? I feel like the WR #2 issue is a little overblown, whereas the OL depth might be more relevant. Your thoughts?

Ray Fittipaldo

10:16

OL depth is a concern. They added Andrus Peat, a solid vet who could end up being a swing backup. Calvin Anderson is injured so it looks like he might start the season on IR. Can Dylan Cook beat out Peat as swing tackle? That's probably the biggest question for the OL.

Butcher

10:16

Ray, news popped that Gabe Davis is coming in for a second visit. But I haven't seen him going anywhere else for looks. Talk me off the ledge... Does he have any more in the tank than cooper or the other vets that are sitting around waiting? Wouldn't you rather they took a swing at a younger player like the Metchie deal, ala Philly?

Ray Fittipaldo

10:18

That's the decision the Steelers are going to have to make. He's not young, but Brandon Johnson has been solid all camp. He's been making plays. He's 27 and has experience. Then you have guys like Max Hurleman and Ke-Shawn Williams. Probably practice squad more than candidates for the 53, but they're taking long looks at them. When is the right time for a youth movement? Hard to say, but Arthur Smith loves having his guys in the fold. And he's worked with Scotty Miller and Ben Skowronek before. He likes to have guys he can trust. Don't know if he can trust those rookies yet. Maybe Johnson though.

Jersey Danno

10:19

How did Beanie grade out last year? I got the impression the coaches were satisfied with his play, but this whole camp it sounds as if he's playing for his life

Ray Fittipaldo

10:20

He was OK. Had four INTs. But Cam Sutton played more than he did down the stretch. He's somewhat limited with his size, but he's a scrapper.

10:20

So why didn't the Steelers trade Roc Taylor. Shouldn't some team have been willing to give up a 3rd or 4th round pick even though he's an undrafted free agent (mocking Steeler fan logic)

Ray Fittipaldo

10:20

Ha ha. He actually got in Tomlin's doghouse at the joint practice. Not sure if that's the sole reason he was cut but maybe part of it.

TVC15

10:21

Hi Ray, Assuming both teams could get the requested contracts worked out would you trade Cam Heyward for Trey Hendrickson? What else would the Steelers have to give the Bengals besides Scam?

Ray Fittipaldo

10:21

Where in the world would Hendrickson fit into the Steelers defense? Great player, but they already have Alex Highsmith and Nick Herbig to go alongside TJ Watt.

10:22

And Hendrickson wants twice as much as Cam does on his next contract. He probably wants $35 million a year.

10:22

Do you think some team will be willing to trade a 7th rounder for one of the punters, or will they just wait until one is cut?

Ray Fittipaldo

10:22

They once got a seventh-rounder for Brad Wing, so you never know.

10:23

I read another panic article online about Jones being a bust. Though he's played LT in college, he hasn't played it much in the NFL. Do people just need to relax and see how he develops?

Ray Fittipaldo

10:23

Yeah let it play out. Like I said, he's better than last year, but I need to see him play in real games before I'm ready to say he's a quality LT.

10:24

I assume Skyler Thompson will only make the roster if Howard is in the PUP list to start the season?

Ray Fittipaldo

10:24

Correct. IR, not PUP. PUP is only preseason designation.

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