You are viewing the chat in desktop mode. Click here to switch to mobile view.
X
Ray Fittipaldo's Steelers chat: 8.14.17
powered byJotCast
Ray Fittipaldo
1:56
Welcome to my Steelers chat. Let's get started.
Scott in Amsterdam
1:57
I think most people (including myself) considered Cobi Hamilton one of the easier WR cuts, but now I'm not so sure....your thoughts?
Ray Fittipaldo
1:59
Hamilton had a nice game against the Giants and he's played pretty well in camp overall. But for me, I remember the AFC championship game when he didn't play very well. That's who he is. Justin Hunter or Sammie Coates, or even Darrius Heyward-Bey, are better options in my opinion.
Scott in Amsterdam
1:59
Why was Justin Hunter no where to be seen against the Giants? I didn't see any reports on him being injured...
Ray Fittipaldo
2:00
He's been in and out of practice for the past week or so with a knee issue. Doesn't seem like anything major, but obviously was enough to prevent him from playing Friday night.
Scott in Amsterdam
2:00
Who are the lesser known guys that advanced their case the most in that first preseason game?
Ray Fittipaldo
2:01
Mike Hilton, the slot corner who is second-team behind William Gay right now, was very good against the Giants. I thought Terrell Watson, the undrafted RB, was pretty good too. I think Hilton is earning a pot on the 53-man roster. Watson could be ticketed for the practice squad.
Scott in Amsterdam
2:01
Tomlin's post-game comments seem to imply that Arthur Moats is in the doghouse...am I wrong?
Ray Fittipaldo
2:03
I didn't read them that way at all. It was Tomlin trying to say that's what an eight-year veteran should do against mostly backup offensive linemen. Moats was in a unique situation because Joey Porter only had three OLBs at his disposal due to injuries and James Harrison not being active yet.
Dionsteelernation4life
2:03
Hi ray love your chats I read them every Monday 2 questions. One where do u think Brian Allen ultimately winds up on the 53 or ps with the cb injuries not much other than Hilton as comp question 2 are the Steelers real players in trading for Johnson from rams or its more rumor than truth I don't think so but I do think we need another established cb on the roster cockrell can't play man all that well
Ray Fittipaldo
2:05
I think they'll try to get Allen on the practice squad. As for the Trumaine Johnson rumor, Keith Butler was asked about that Sunday when I did an interview with him. He said he's heard the rumor, but he never gets excited because he hears all kinds of rumors every year during camp.
Scott in Amsterdam
2:05
What did you think about the performance of Knile Davis against the Giants? To me, it confirmed my suspicions: he doesn't have the speed or the footwork to break for big gains.
Ray Fittipaldo
2:06
They're looking for a third-string RB. He doesn't have to be Gayle Sayers. I thought he has been OK in camp. If he makes the team it will be because of his ability to return kickoffs, too. I don't think they signed him only to play RB. Their kick return game has been lacking and Davis has a strong track record in that department.
Tom M88
2:07
Hi Ray, What is the likelihood of Terrell Watson making the team?
Ray Fittipaldo
2:09
Better than three weeks ago but still not great. It'll be Bell, Conner and either Davis, Toussaint or Watson. He's at least put himself in the conversation for a roster spot. Could be around on the practice squad too.
Lee
2:09
Hey ray do you really think a deal will get done with bell next year with the amount of money he wants?? Or do you think they will tag him or let him walk??
Ray Fittipaldo
2:10
Tag again or let him walk. I don't think they'll do a long-term deal with him unless he lowers his asking price.
uk AD
2:10
Hi Ray, Do you think that Hilton will make the team?Also Allen what have seen from him so far?
Ray Fittipaldo
2:11
Yes I think Hilton will make the team. The injuries to Sutton and Golson gave him an opportunity and he's made the most of it. Allen has been OK. I think he'll be on the practice squad if he clears waivers.
charles demarr
2:11
Any chance they can keep 6 WRs and 4 RBs?
Ray Fittipaldo
2:12
Doubt it. They'll keep three and Roosevelt Nix.
charles demarr
2:13
Final CB to make the roster?  Seems like a 3 way battle between Allen, Hilton and Senquez.
Ray Fittipaldo
2:13
I think Hilton has a decided edge.
charles demarr
2:13
Jerald Hawkins looked slow and sluggish Friday.  Has he showed any better in camp?
Ray Fittipaldo
2:14
I thought he was much last summer as a rookie. Probably why Chris Hubbard started in place of Villanueva Friday night. Hawkins maybe isn't ready to the top backup tackle.
Jon
2:14
Ray. personally I think Levy Bell is overrated. Any chance this ends with him being traded in off season? It would have been nice to move him on draft day. I just knew this guy would would be a ME player and not a team player. Just not a fan of his.
Ray Fittipaldo
2:14
No tread. He'll either get tagged again or the Steelers will allow him to become a free agent.
Mike Heil
2:14
Given Bell's exceptional demands for a new contract, and his propensity to miss multiple games each season, are the Steelers going to try and bring in another high quality back, whether off of waivers or through a trade, this year?
Ray Fittipaldo
2:15
No, that's why they used a third-round pick on James Conner.
Jeff
2:15
I think that the Steelers are still vulnerable in 2 areas,one  at a backup QB and CB,do you see the Steelers  possibly taking a flyer on Kap or inviting Reevis to camp?
Ray Fittipaldo
2:16
I don't see either of the moves you mentioned, but CB remains an issue. I wrote about it yesterday. http://www.post-gazette.com/sports/steelers/2017/08/13/Pittsburgh-Stee...
CoSteeler
2:16
We know how TJ Watt looked vs the pass but how did he look against the run?
Ray Fittipaldo
2:16
He looked solid in all facets.
AJ
2:16
Read the article about questions remaining about the secondary. My question is, to play man, do all 3 CBs on the field have to do it? Or is there any defensive scheme where Burns plays man and Gay & Cockrell play zone?
Ray Fittipaldo
2:18
No, they can play matchup zone with one CB playing man and others playing zone. There are all different types of coverages, but Butler would like to play man across the board if he can.
AJ
2:18
Think there's any truth to the rumor the Steelers are interested in a trade for Trumaine Johnson? With Sutton's development so far behind, I can only hope it's true.
Ray Fittipaldo
2:20
Trumaine Johnson makes something like $17 million a year. Don't see it happening, but the rumors are out there for a reason. The Steelers remain in search of a CB who can play in man coverage.
Rose
2:20
Hi Ray, do you think the Steelers will eventually trade for a cornerback yet again?
Ray Fittipaldo
2:20
Sutton is back at practice, at least on a limited basis. So let's see how he does in the next week or so. If he plays well there might not be a need to make a trade.
AJ
2:21
The RBs who played Friday did not look good. All hope rests on Conner doing well & remaining healthy. Do you think if Bell or Conner had a long term injury, they would call D'Angelo Williams? Even at his age and with risk of injury he's got to be considered better than Toussaint & Davis.
Load More Messages
Connecting…