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Ray Fittipaldo's Steelers chat: 7.31.17
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Ray Fittipaldo
2:07
Let's put it this way: I don't think this will make Tomlin reconsider anything. Nor should it. He is paid to win football games and if that means riding Bell, Tomlin will do it.
Rick Gagliardo
2:08
Thanks for your great work, Ray.
Ray, hearing where there's  lotsconcern about depth at ILB.
Ray Fittipaldo
2:09
Well, Tyler Matakevich subbed for Vince Williams yesterday in practice when Williams was out. I like Matakevich, but I think opposing offensive coordinators would find ways to exploit his weaknesses. He's not big and he's not particularly fast.
Sergio From Mexico
2:09
Hello from Steeler´s Nation South Ray. Love the chats. Do you think we´ll get to see our beloved steelers in Mexico next year? Also, I have a great feeling about this upcoming season. I think we have a chance to go all the way. Thanks and here we go steelers, here we go¡¡¡
Ray Fittipaldo
2:09
The Mexico game will happen soon, but I am not sure about the year.
Steeler Guy
2:10
Bryant not being allowed in camp yet - is that a matter of the NFL making sure he gets the message, or has he actually not done everything he was supposed to do be reinstated?  (If it's the latter, what steps has he not taken?)
Ray Fittipaldo
2:11
No one really knows what the "procedural" steps are. That's how Tomlin worded it. I think some in the Steelers organization were caught off guard by this.
Ju Ju Bean
2:11
Did you see or hear anyone looking especially good so far?  And what does TJ look like? Im worried he will get overpowered by the big OT's in the NFL.
Ray Fittipaldo
2:12
Watt looked great yesterday. His hand usage was really good. He dominated some drills. Every reason for optimism there.
Jay
2:12
I am not just saying this because I am a fan...God knows I would never had said what I'm about to say about the 2012-2014 Steelers teams...BUT, ON PAPER, I don't see a better team in the AFC (including New England)...But that's on paper. If it is the case indeed (meaning you agree with me)...Isn't it largely up to the coaches to put these guys in the proper positions and then subsequently on the players to execute? If that happens, in my humble opinion, I don't see them doing worse than 12-4. Thoughts?
Ray Fittipaldo
2:12
I hear you, but until No. 26 and No. 10 get back let's hold our horses.
SteelerJunky
2:13
Hi Ray, thanks for the chats. I thought Martavis Bryant was already re-instated. Did I miss something?
Ray Fittipaldo
2:13
He was conditionally reinstated.
Steeler Guy
2:13
Do you have any very-early assessments of what you've seen from the secondary?
Ray Fittipaldo
2:15
Artie Burns vs. Antonio Brown has been an early camp matchup to watch. Brown is an All-Pro and is winning a lot of those battles, but Burns is willing and seems to be closing the gap somewhat.
Dave in Cincy
2:15
Ray, it seems that in early camp these days the guys don't hydrate and pull soft tissue. The pro's pro usually doesn't but wouldn't you think the trainers ingrain it in their heads to hydrate?
Ray Fittipaldo
2:16
There is no substitute for putting the helmets and an extra 10-15 pounds on your body. You can condition all you want, but it's different when it's hot and you have pads on.
Dave in Cincy
2:16
Ray, great story by Ed on Jason Taylor. Hard to believe the Steelers passed on Marino and missed on Taylor, both HOF's. Western PA is still king of HOF's in the NFL.
Ray, now that the pads are on, any new suprises of dark horses at camp?
Ray Fittipaldo
2:17
It was only one padded practice. They're about to get started with another in about a half hour. Ask me next week and I might have a different answer.
SteelersFaninMD
2:17
Should we be concerned about the injuries rob James Connor and JuJu Smith-Schuster and some of the other guys? It seems like a lot of guys have taken a beating and we're only a couple days into camp. Are all these injuries normal?
Ray Fittipaldo
2:17
It's football. As the players like to say: "There is a 100 percent injury risk."
Nj Steeler
2:18
Hi Ray, so lets say Ben is done after this year. What, in your opinion, are the plans? Suffer with what we have or go after an established QB in free agency or a trade? Thank you
Ray Fittipaldo
2:18
Trade up and get who you want if it's feasible.
BAH
2:18
if Bell were to hold out this year and the Steelers don't tag him next year, wouldn't he become a free agent and rake in 30 million or so in guaranteed money instead of the paltry 12 million on the table?
Ray Fittipaldo
2:19
And he'd be a year older without having $12 million in his bank account. No, that's bad advice.
Jeff
2:19
Do you think Bell missing this time will hurt his productivity on the field.
Ray Fittipaldo
2:19
No.
Nick
2:19
Which Steelers defender would be hardest to replace if injured?
Ray Fittipaldo
2:20
Given the depth, or lack thereof, probably Shazier though they've managed to win without him in the past.
TheFlaccoUnibrow
2:21
Level of responsibility for Colbert regarding Bryant & Bell situations? Both seem like they could have been avoidable.
Ray Fittipaldo
2:21
Please tell me how Kevin Colbert is responsible for Bryant's situation...
Adam
2:21
How worried should we be about James Conner's shoulder injury?
Ray Fittipaldo
2:22
Until we know more there is reason for concern. He was in a sling last night and went back to Pittsburgh to get examined by team doctors.
TheFlaccoUnibrow
2:22
WRs, LBs, RBs, DBs, DL all getting love from press row. How about the fat boys (OL)? Anything good going on?
Ray Fittipaldo
2:22
Ed had a good story on Pouncey today. Check it out at post-gazette.com
Mike
2:22
Hi Ray - Any more updates on Golson's injury? I've read some varying reports.
Ray Fittipaldo
2:23
Tomlin might give an update after practice today.
Brian of Roach
2:23
Hi Ray - what is your take on how Bud Dupree looks after the off season work he did?
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