JotCast | Ray Fittipaldo's Steelers chat: 8.27.18

Ray Fittipaldo's Steelers chat: 8.27.18

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Ray Fittipaldo

1:02

Welcome to my Steelers chat. Let's get started.

Jonathan

1:02

The WR room gets even more crowded with Switzer. Has Tonkin finally found his return specialist?

Ray Fittipaldo

1:03

Could be a strong possibility he returns punts. Cam Sutton has worked there in practice and preseason games. he fumbled on Saturday against the Titans. I'm assuming he's also the fifth or sixth WR instead of someone like Griffey, Tucker or Patterson. Reading into the trade, I guess they just weren't all that excited about any of those three.

Larry "The Mooch" Howard

1:03

Hey y'all! Does this rumored trade for Switzer mean Henderson, Toussaint, and anyone else looking to specialize in returning kicks is gone? What about Marcus Tucker?

Ray Fittipaldo

1:05

Not good news for Tucker, that's for sure. I have to look into Switzer's background more and find out if he returns kicks too and if he does it well. I do know he averaged 20.9 yards per punt return in college. He was a fourth-round pick of the Cowboys last year and was dealt to the Raiders in the spring.

Bill

1:05

i love the idea of a Le’Veon Bell trade for Khalil Mack. Mack would have a greater impact on the entire defense than Bell has on the offense. Mack would fit with the Steelers’ history of defense and pass rush. What are your thoughts? Is it feasible?

Ray Fittipaldo

1:06

I would do it if Mack could be signed to a long-term deal. Actually, both sides would have to know long-term deals could be done before that happened.

CoalportKid

1:06

So Ryan Switzer a Steeler. Who is out?

Ray Fittipaldo

1:07

As I mentioned previously, not good news for Tucker, Griffey or Patterson. If Switzher impresses it might not be good news for Eli Rogers. But if he doesn't impress, Rogers just takes his places when he comes off IR.

jumbo

1:07

hey Ray love the chats, what's your take on this year defense? are we going to be pleasantly surprised with this group or will we have growing pains this year?

Ray Fittipaldo

1:08

I think the secondary will be better, but I am concerned about the inside linebacker position. So I think some aspects of the defense could be better, but I don't think the defense will be among the best in the league or anything like that.

Kurtis

1:08

Ryan Switzer!?!? Has to be end of Tucker, Henderson, Griffey and Rogers?

Ray Fittipaldo

1:08

Rogers is going to start the year on IR. Can be activated after six weeks... But for the rest you mentioned? Yes, not good news for them.

Craig B

1:08

Z Banner looked dominant and nasty to me. What say you?

Ray Fittipaldo

1:08

Practice squad material if you ask me, if that.

CoalportKid

1:09

Can we assume after Saturday's second half that Samuels has the team made?

Ray Fittipaldo

1:09

I have him on my 53-man roster projection. Close competition with Ridley and Toussaint. But Samuels did play well against the Titans and Ridley has been injured so I went with Samuels.

jumbo

1:10

any chance boz is cut to save money?

Ray Fittipaldo

1:10

Huh? They just signed him to a new contract. He's one of the best kickers in the league.

JoeB

1:10

Any idea what they are giving up for Switzer? What did Oakland give Dallas for him?

Ray Fittipaldo

1:11

Can't imagine it would be anything more than a seventh-round pick. But I haven't seen the compensation yet.

Larry "The Mooch" Howard

1:11

What's next in terms of a trade? OT? TE? OLB? ILB?

Ray Fittipaldo

1:12

All of the above? Seriously, there are some depth concerns at all of those positions. You just can't address them all with trades. Maybe with roster additions after other teams make cuts.

Ryno

1:12

Odds Wile ends up making the team?

Ray Fittipaldo

1:12

30-70. I wouldn't be all that surprised, but I still give a slight edge to Berry.

Cole

1:12

Do you think James Conner will get playing time and meaningful carries once LBell is back?

Ray Fittipaldo

1:13

Maybe 1 or 2 more a game than last year but they are paying Bell $14.5 million. He's going to get touches galore.

Ryno

1:13

Was there a specific reason Dobbs didn't play even one series Saturday?

Ray Fittipaldo

1:13

He will play plenty Thursday. Likely the majority of the game.

The Binnzer

1:13

Has number 46 done enough to be kept on the 53? He sure has speed and can move out there.

Ray Fittipaldo

1:14

I have him on my 53-man roster. Based on the way the Steelers coaches used him Saturday it seems like they are looking for ways to get him on the field, or at the very least, find out for sure if they want to keep him. He has speed and athletic ability. He looked very comfortable out there with the starters.

Rico

1:14

My weekly Ola question...has he done enough to make the roster?

Ray Fittipaldo

1:15

I have Ola on my 53-man roster over Adams and Huguenin. Wouldn't be surprised if they kept Adams or Huguenin and got Ola onto the practice squad. I just think he's been the more consistent performer this summer. I do understand, however, that he is 20 and is a good candidate to learn on the practice squad.

Steelmann58

1:15

why trade for a WR is Washington injury Serious

Ray Fittipaldo

1:16

As of right now, I don't get that sense. Washington told me his injury was not serious Saturday after the game.

Larry "The Mooch" Howard

1:16

Which rook will crack (earn) the starting lineup first: Matthew Thomas, Edmunds, Washington (does 3rd WR count as a starter?), or Wile?

Ray Fittipaldo

1:17

That's a really good question. I say Washington but I would not be surprised if Thomas over Bostic happens at some point during the season. And Edmunds has a shot to start at some point too.

Steelmann58

1:17

Ray what are the final spots you think the Steelers can search outside on cut down date to add

Ray Fittipaldo

1:17

OLB, ILB, TE, OT

Jonathan

1:18

Is Matthew Thomas the No. 3 inside linebacker now?

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