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Ray Fittipaldo's Steelers chat: 6.18.18
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Ray Fittipaldo
11:58
Welcome to my Steelers chat. Let's get started.
Rob
12:00
Hows that big Rugby player doing?
Ray Fittipaldo
12:01
He looks like someone who has never played American football before. He's big, but he doesn't run well or catch well. Other than that...
jim
12:01
Is there any indication the Steelers knew that Bryant may get a suspension or did it come as a surprise to everyone? Can Oak come back on us to recoup anything, i.e. a pick next year if he gets a year suspension?
Ray Fittipaldo
12:02
No, the trade has been consummated. There is no going back now. And the Steelers did not know about any additional problems with Bryant.
jim
12:02
Any idea why there have been no talks with Bell, did they give him a take it or leave it offer that we don't know about?
Ray Fittipaldo
12:03
There is still a month to go before the deadline for a long-term deal. That's plenty of time to get talks started and for something positive to happen. They tried hard in the past. Not sure if things will be any different this time. I suspect not.
jim
12:03
Starting to like this draft class, odds better than 50/50 Rudolph is the backup to Ben?
Ray Fittipaldo
12:03
The team is not shutting to the door on the idea so I'd say 50/50 are good odds right now.
Utah Jim
12:03
Ray, which of the following is most likely to happen?
A) Dobbs is released and signed by another team
B) Dobbs is released and signed to the practice squad
C) Dobbs is traded
D) Jones is traded
E) Jones is released
Ray Fittipaldo
12:04
F.) Dobbs comes down with an injury in the final preseason game and is placed on IR. If not F then probably A or B.
Rob Rogers
12:04
Some speculation of Mason Rudolph earning the #2 role being bandied about lately. Offseason clickbait or earnest reporting?
Ray Fittipaldo
12:04
Earnest reporting. Ed Bouchette wrote the story.
Rob Rogers
12:05
Reports of Big Red getting work with the first team during pre-training camp practices. Case of new guy [Bostic] still getting acclimated or is the starting ILB position up for grabs?
Ray Fittipaldo
12:05
I'm starting to think job up for grabs. I too thought Bostic would be the starter, but the fact that Matakevich held that job for a month during OTAs and minicamp suggests they'll have a similar approach in training camp.
KN
12:06
Hello. Thank you for awesome chats. Based on the OTAs and minicamp, can you name couple of rookies on the defense and couple of rookies on the offense that look impressive and have a chance to become a  contributor this season?
Ray Fittipaldo
12:08
Definitely second-round WR James Washington. They are counting on him to come in and be a contributor right away. Because of the injury to Jerald Hawkins they might have to count on rookie third-round OT Chuks Okorafor to be their swing tackle. That's a competition to monitor in camp. Of course, Rudolph will compete for the backup job... As for first-round safety Terrell Edmunds I think it's assumed he'll have a role in subpackages, but the Steelers did not unveil any of those packages during OTAs or minicamp. So that's another story line that will develop in camp.
Retire 21
12:08
Wow, if it turns out that Martavis  gets suspended again, the Raiders would have traded a 3rd rounder for nothing. Steelers probably didn't know but they may have had a hunch?
Ray Fittipaldo
12:09
If you paid close attention during the offseason Kevin Colbert was on record saying he was not making the calls to trade Bryant. He was fielding them. And up until draft day, the return was not good enough to make a deal. When the Raiders offered a third-rounder they jumped at the chnace because they believed that was the best return they could get for a player entering the final year of his contract. Not to mention he was one failed test away from another suspension.
Rob Rogers
12:09
The Steelers' defensive secondary seems brimming with experience and potential, but it also now seems crowded. Might we see a shocking cut? Who's the odd man (men?) out this year?
Ray Fittipaldo
12:10
Don't know if it would be shocking, but you might see someone like Coty Sensabaugh cut as long as Cameron Sutton and Brian Allen play well in camp and the preseason games. Those guys have to play well though.
Larry in KY
12:10
The Steelers have been using a 4-3 defense for a while now.  What percentage of other teams play the 4-3, and how is this trending?
Ray Fittipaldo
12:11
Most teams are in 4-3 the majority of the team now because most teams are playing subpackage football for 70 percent of the snaps or more.
Rob Rogers
12:11
D Coordinator admits to moving Dupree to other side because he might be better if QB can't seem him. Not really a ringing endorsement of a player, right?
Ray Fittipaldo
12:12
Correct. At least they told us the truth behind the move though. It's clear they are doing everything they can to make him successful. Now it's up to Bud to take advantage.
Moose
12:12
Do you like the new kickoff procedure?  I have played and watched football all my life and I must admit, I am very confused about the changes.
Ray Fittipaldo
12:13
Yes me too. I don't think I'll have an opinion until I see a preseason game or two. I know JuJu Smith-Schuster is concerned about the new rule because he thinks it will have an adverse affect on his blockers. We shall see. Yet another story line to follow in camp.
Moose
12:13
I just wanted to thank you for your chats.  I admire the way you answer most of the questions and you do it without sarcasm and talking down to people.
Ray Fittipaldo
12:13
Thanks Moose.
mtsteel
12:14
Hi Ray and Thank you. Is the FA market for ILB's that bad? Doesn't it make sense that the Steelers bring in  another body at that spot now so they can be here for camp.  The fresh body can provide competition and be with the team.  Its not like they have a lot of depth there. Thanks
Ray Fittipaldo
12:14
They might be waiting until final cuts in September. There will be better players available then. Now you're getting someone who isn't even on an offseason 90-man roster.
Rob Rogers
12:14
Any tips for attending training camp? Good places for lunch/dinner in that area? Any can't-miss roadside attractions?
Ray Fittipaldo
12:16
Bring plenty of water because it can get unbearably hot there. Arrive early to get in good position for autographs if that's your thing... Sharky's and Dino's are two good bar/restaurant establishments. Plenty of others too.
mtsteel
12:16
Hi Ray and thanks. Whats your assessment of our defense going into a new season? I felt last year is was bad, grade of D.   So many games the offense won for us, with only seconds to spare.  Very frustrating to watch.  Then of course that Jags playoff game. Do you feel we are in for the same thing this year or otherwise? Thank you
Ray Fittipaldo
12:17
They certainly have to prove they'll be better because they didn't make many big moves over the offseason to improve the unit. Maybe Terrell Edmunds will have a big impact, but who knows? He's only a rookie and they didn't immediately insert him as a starter this spring. Maybe the new assistant coaches will make a difference. Lot s of unanswered questions on that side of the ball.
Steeler Bred
12:17
Ray, What do you think will be a top priority for the defense? 1. Stopping the Run, 2. Tackling or Three pass defense? Do you think the new OC will be more efficient in the Red Zone
Ray Fittipaldo
12:19
According to Keith Butler it's stopping the run. According to Mike Tomlin, Butler just said that for kicks. Really, they have to do everything better on defense. They have to tackle better, cover better, communicate better. All of the above. As for the red-zone offense, I think Randy Fichtner will have some new ideas and play calls in that area. But we'll have to wait and see if he's effective.
Ryno
12:19
If Jones shows he is clearly the #2 QB, what can Dobbs do to stay on the team?  It doesn't seem like there is any scenario where Rudolph will not also make the team.
Ray Fittipaldo
12:19
Dobbs can come down with a mysterious injury in the final preseason game and get placed on IR if he really wants to remain with the Steelers.
Jonny quest
12:20
Ray - Did you see anything during mini-camp that makes you feel any better about the middle linebacker void?  Can the Steelers make it work with who they have and the safeties?  Or, will it be a heavy diet of run packages until the Steelers prove they can stop the run?  Thanks.
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