You are viewing the chat in desktop mode. Click here to switch to mobile view.
X
Ray Fittipaldo's Steelers chat: 7.30.18
powered byJotCast
Ray Fittipaldo
2:02
Let's get the chat started. Please post your questions.
Bubby I do not mop up for nobody
2:02
Ray,  No mention of Rudolph or Washington so far.  How are they looking at this point?  Thank you.
Ray Fittipaldo
2:04
Washington hasn't stood out. He hasn't been terrible, but he hasn't opened my eyes either. He did have two consecutive drops in the seven shots drill a few days ago. That wasn't good. But it's early. He has plenty of time to make an impression. Same goes for Rudolph. He's been OK, but hasn't wowed me.
Brian
2:04
If both are healthy, do you see Bostic or Matakevich starting this year?
Ray Fittipaldo
2:04
Good question. It appears they're giving Matakevich every opportunity to win that job. Not sure if he will win it, but they haven't been interested in working Bostic with the first-team defense all that much.
Itistime
2:05
Any update on Watt?
Ray Fittipaldo
2:06
We might get an update from Tomlin after practice today. My guess is any of the guys who were hurt yesterday won't practice today. There is a scheduled off day tomorrow so a lot of those are going to be getting two days to rest their injuries.
Lazarus Link, Secret Bishop
2:06
O-line questions Ray: Who is getting bulk of reps at LG behind Finney? Any early guesses on how many O-linemen Steelers will carry into season, and who is on your current list?
Ray Fittipaldo
2:07
Good question. I'll be posting a story on the offensive line after the chat ends. Matt Feiler, who was on the 53-man roster, is next in line at guard. Mike Munchak likes him. People on the outside might be concerned about the interior depth, but Munchak is not. Now the depth at tackle might be a concern, but when it comes to guard they're not.
Chuck in D.C.
2:07
Over / Under on the number of LeVeon Bell questions... LOL.  ;-)
Ray Fittipaldo
2:07
None yet...
Joe
2:07
Hi Ray. Has Davis looked comfortable at FS?
Ray Fittipaldo
2:08
He was injured yesterday so I only have three practices to judge him on. Ask me in a few weeks. he says he's more comfortable so I guess that counts for something.
steelmann58
2:08
Hi Ray quick Question pick 1-2 guys to watch on the Offense and defense to watch as surprise guys.
Ray Fittipaldo
2:10
I guess Vance McDonald would be my choice on offense assuming his foot injury is not serious. On defense, I look for the corners to be stronger this season. Joe Haden will have an entire year under his belt so I think he'll be really good and Artie Burns appears to be taking a step in his development so he could have a big year, too.
Giuseppe
2:10
On a scale of 1-10, how has Brian Allen looked so far?
Ray Fittipaldo
2:10
He hasn't stood out one way or the other.
kordell
2:10
How many practices have there been so far and how do the rookie QB & WR look?
Ray Fittipaldo
2:11
Today is the fifth practice. Roethlisberger and Brown are making their typical plays although Roethlisberger has already been intercepted twice. He wasn't intercepted at all last camp.
Giuseppe
2:11
Which rookie has been most impressive?...Most disappointing?
Ray Fittipaldo
2:12
Terrell Edmunds has worked with the starters the past few days because of Morgan Burnett's injury. He's made some plays, including a pick vs. Roethlisberger. I'm not really disappointed in any rookies.
Billy
2:12
Do you think JuJu’s injury yesterday could be related to the knee surgery?
Ray Fittipaldo
2:13
Could be. He had ice on the knee. Tomlin said they might just be exercising caution with some of these guys so we'll have to wait and see.
Too Hot in Md...
2:13
Ray, with Finney, Chuks and Fieler likely locks to make the roster who do you see as the favorite to win the ninth O lineman Lymanposition?
Ray Fittipaldo
2:13
If they carry nine -- and that's not a given -- I'd say Jake Rodgers. He was on the practice squad for part of last season. He's been doing well. He's a tackle.
steelmann58
2:14
HI Ray  been think about what postions to look out for during cuts from other teams? thinking OLB/ILB/Vet T  what yout opinion
Ray Fittipaldo
2:15
Could be all three, but honestly it depends upon how guys like Chuks Okorafor and Keion Adams and Tyler Matakevich play. I think the most likely add could be an offensive tackle just because Okorafor is 20 and it would be hard to ask a rookie to take on that role. If he is ready then you know you have someone who is special and who likely will be a starter soon.
mtsteel
2:15
Hi Ray, two quick ones. Are any of theses injuries this far considered serious? and do you think Rudolph starts season as #2 or does Jones keep his job? Thank you
Ray Fittipaldo
2:16
We don't have any updates on the injuries right now. As for Rudolph-Jones, I think Jones is likely the backup, but Rudolph will get a long look during the preseason games.
Giuseppe
2:16
who's the early front runner for 'camp phenom'?
Ray Fittipaldo
2:16
I don't know about a pehnom, but Matt Galombos has looked pretty good.
Jake
2:16
Heading to Latrobe today, do you know if they’ll be in pads and hitting?
Ray Fittipaldo
2:17
They will be in pads. But not sure if they'll be on the grass fields or the artificial surface at the adjacent field.
FoolBack
2:17
Ray, do the futures contract or practice squad players have much interaction with Steelers facilities and coaches prior to training camp?  Or does their off-season really happen on their own?
Ray Fittipaldo
2:18
They're training with the other players. They're not excluded in any way.
Alan
2:18
Have you noticed anything about Matthew Thomas? Has he shown anything?
Ray Fittipaldo
2:18
Thomas did pretty well in the backs on backers drill. But then again, Tomlin admits that's a drill that's slanted toward the defenders.
Billy
2:18
Does the wr depth worry you? One injury and they’re toast!
Ray Fittipaldo
2:19
A little bit. They did re-sign Eli Rogers. He wasn't great last season, but at least he has experience. By the way, he hasn't practiced yet due to his knee injury.
Blue Collar Jeff
2:20
Ray--Thanks for the great chats. The Steelers seem to have a lot of bodies competing for spots along the D-line. Excluding starters, has anyone stood out during the early practices?
Load More Messages
Connecting…