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Ray Fittipaldo's Steelers chat: 08.26.19
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Ray Fittipaldo
12:29
Depends on the matchup every week.
Professor Flush
12:29
Any interest in the Colts looking at Dobbs or even Rudolph as a backup now that Luck has retired?
Ray Fittipaldo
12:30
I just brought that up a few questions back. I haven't studied every roster to know if another backup would make more sense to the Colts, but I'm sure they're looking at their options this week.
Winning
12:30
Hi Ray, I don't give too much credence to to Preseason victories and such, but against the Titans, the team looked really good. This defense is really coming on.  Short of depth, when you line up the starters, where is the weakness?
Ray Fittipaldo
12:31
The weakness would be not creating turnovers. Good defenses do that and the Steelers didn't do that nearly enough last season. I like the starting D-line. I like the revamped linebacker group, and I think the defensive backfield has potential to be better. I don't think the secondary is great by any means, but I do think it's better than last season.
AK
12:31
I was sure before that Grimble is not a #2 TE and he has done nothing to show that he is.  What are your thoughts?
Ray Fittipaldo
12:32
I'm skeptical as well. But honestly, it will depend on who is available in a trade or after final cut-downs. If there isn't anyone better than Grimble then you just have to roll with him.
The Lamplighter
12:32
Ray, we now have fast but undersized ILBs and do not have the big NT (Hampton, Steed, etc) to eat up space in middle.  How vulnerable will we be to a team that is committed to a power running game (such as Jaguars)?
Ray Fittipaldo
12:34
That's always a concern. And good offensive coordinators will test the Steelers when they do line up with Hargrave and Barron on the field at the same time. But sometimes it's better to defend the pass than the run and force teams to have that run-first attitude. The way the NFL is trending a lot of teams are built to pass. If you invite them to run and they're not very good at it, then you're winning as a defense.
Professor Flush
12:34
What is the status of Sean Davis's injury? Is it an ankle or an upper thigh bruise? How did you evaluate the safety play last evening? I thought Edmunds showed major improvement from last season.  He seemed more comfortable back in the secondary.
Ray Fittipaldo
12:35
Davis was seen walking off without much of a limp. He even stopped to give some fans his wristbands. So it didn't seem like a major injury. And I agree with you on Edmunds. He looked like he was playing fast last night. I don't think he played fast as a rookie. I think he was just trying to survive.
UT Rocket
12:35
What about Ola?  Is he headed for an IR designation?
Ray Fittipaldo
12:36
Gerry Dulac described it as a 2-4 week injury. He had surgery the day before the Chiefs game so he's still got another week or two or three to go before being ready. But I don't know if they use an IR designated for return spot on him if he's only going to miss a game or two.
UT Rocket
12:37
Has Chickillo done enough to warrant a roster spot?
Ray Fittipaldo
12:37
He signed a two-year, $8 million contract to be a backup OLB. They like him. He just has to stay healthy.
BlackJack Bill
12:37
Will the final preseason game showcase rookies, free agents and second team players exclusively or will some starters play a few series?
Ray Fittipaldo
12:38
I don't think any of the starters will play. There is no reason to play them.
UT Rocket
12:38
Seems like the coaching staff is pretty down on Diontae Johnson right now.  Is that the case?
Ray Fittipaldo
12:38
Only because he's been injured. And I wouldn't say they're disappointed with him. Just the fact that he's been banged up, which likely means he won't have a big role on the team in the early going.
Sean Dennis
12:40
Hi Ray, Defense looked FAST last night! Excited to watch them this season....but other than JuJu and Washington, did any receivers or tight ends stand out?? Should Steeler Nation be concerned or will that group be okay?
Ray Fittipaldo
12:41
I think the WR corps will be OK. Honestly, I'd like to see Washington catch some calls from Ben before I feel really good about it. That's the only thing I didn't see from the offense this summer.
Eric Carr
12:45
Ray, I think it's a huge mistake to not extend Hargrave now. I think he'll be gone and really break out elsewhere next year. Is it a money issue with trying to extend both him and Haden now?
Ray Fittipaldo
12:46
They like Hargrave and there isn't much young depth behind him. I wouldn't close the door on an extension just yet. It might not come before the season, but he's been a really good player. It's also possible he wants to test the open market, which could be a reason they didn't talk much this summer.
Sean Dennis
12:46
Ray, does the defense have the makings of a top 5 unit this year? They look fast, are playing tighter coverage, getting sacks and creating turnovers.
Ray Fittipaldo
12:48
I just want to see more turnovers. I don't really care about that stats. They were a top-10 defense last season in almost every statistical category -- total yard, passing yard, rushing yards. What did it all mean? Nothing really because they wouldn't create turnovers or get off the field when they had to.
RealityMan
12:48
I really think T. Edmonds will have a much bigger impact this year and like Kelly so safety looks good but I am worried that Cam Sutton has been unable to parlay his great camp to game action which means Hilton keeps slot role? This proved to be a weakness last year. Hilton is a good tackler and Blitzer but not great in coverage. He looks better as a safety, especially if Davis is injured. Thoughts?
Ray Fittipaldo
12:49
I think you're onto something. And I couldn't close the door on Sutton earning more playing time in the slot. It might not happen for the opener, but I could see him having a role this season.
Gracie
12:49
Switzer does not flash on kick returns. Gotta find a way to keep Spencer. Dulac thinks Switzer a lock. What u say?
Ray Fittipaldo
12:49
Not sure I'd say lock, but he's close to it.
Justin
12:49
Ray, what was your take on the camera angle last night?
Ray Fittipaldo
12:50
Didn't like it. I got used to it as the game went on, but I like the traditional angle. Maybe sprinkle that in every once in a while, but not the whole game.
Nate
12:51
Hi Ray, JuJu, Moncrief, Washington, Switzer and Johnson are pretty much locks.  If the Steelers stick with 6 WRs, who would you keep - Spencer, Rogers or Holton?  Thanks!
Ray Fittipaldo
12:52
I'm leaning toward Holton because he closely resembles Darrius Heyward-Bey. But I'm not feeling really good about that prediction. That's the toughest group to predict.
KamKelly4ever
12:52
Yo, checking in for this week's Kam Kelly question. Is the vibe that he's a lock for the 53 at this point?
Ray Fittipaldo
12:52
Looking that way, yes. They like him as their third safety in their big nickel package.
Pbrit
12:52
Do you think Belichick will key off of our ILB configuration to rip into our defense (i.e. pass when Williams is in and run when Barron is in)?
Ray Fittipaldo
12:53
Good call. Brady is a master at that. Find the mismatch and then exploit it.
Eric Carr
12:53
Ray, with Kelly's emergence I don't feel a move for a safety is necessary. How about you? And do you think they will make a move for a TE or any other player before the season?
Ray Fittipaldo
12:54
I agree safety is less an issue now than it was three weeks ago because Kelly has played well. I think if they can upgrade at TE they will. They like to use two TEs. And Grimble seems a bit shaky to me as a No. 2.
Kiwi Jimmy
12:55
If the Steelers pick up a #2 TE after all the cutdowns, do they cut Zach Gentry and try to sneak him onto the practice squad?
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