JotCast | Ray Fittipaldo's Steelers chat: 8.27.18

Ray Fittipaldo's Steelers chat: 8.27.18

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Ray Fittipaldo

1:18

Seems that way. Matakevich and Fort are good special teams players, but I don't know that they trust them as ILBs.

SteelCity

1:18

Think the hybrid def with Edmunds will end up being base def?

Ray Fittipaldo

1:19

Not the base, no. But he should play in subpackages.

Kurtis

1:20

Matthew Thomas showed ability to make some plays defensively and on ST. Do you think we can cut loose Matekavich

Ray Fittipaldo

1:20

Possibly but Danny Smith likes him on teams too. I had them keeping five ILBs in my roster projection. But I could see Matakevich or Fort being cut to be honest with you if they don't want to keep five ILBs.

Jimmy G

1:21

I know it’s probably difficult to call it at this point, but in your estimation, how does Randy Fichtner’s play calling differ from Haley’s?

Ray Fittipaldo

1:21

Way too early to tell. He's not calling games now like he will during the regular season.

1:21

With the speed we have added defensively, will we be able to play more man to man, and if so, will we ?

Ray Fittipaldo

1:21

I think that is in their plans, yes. But we'll see if it happens.

1:22

What are the odds that the Steelers put Bell on roster-exempt status for the first two weeks of the season, or pull the tag entirely?

Ray Fittipaldo

1:22

Not good.

Ernie jamison

1:22

Hi ray, is there a chance on God’s green earth that we could sign and trade bell for Mack in the emergence of Conner. And is it true we could cut Dupree and save his 9m if that were to happen?

Ray Fittipaldo

1:22

Dupree isn't making $9 million this season. That's next season (if they keep him and if they don't do a long-term deal with him.

Larry "The Mooch" Howard

1:23

Could we see the Steelers line up with both Bell and Samuel splitting out in a short yardage situation?

Ray Fittipaldo

1:23

That would be intriguing. Lots of possibilities for Ficthner to consider.

Solidsteeler84

1:23

Did Thomas improve his stock enough to start at ILB?

Ray Fittipaldo

1:23

I don't know about starting just yet, but I have him making the team.

Kool-Aid

1:24

Hi Ray, Do you think McCullers ability to make the 53 man roster is attributed to Coach Dunbar or is Frazier just not that good?

Ray Fittipaldo

1:25

Can't say at this point, but there hasn't really been a big push by any fringe DL in camp, including Frazier.

1:25

think Edmunds will be the starter before Burnett’s 3 year contract is up?

Ray Fittipaldo

1:25

Yes, of course. He'd be a failed first-round pick if that did not happen.

rob

1:25

what's your best guess on the status of mcdonald for week 1. and james

Ray Fittipaldo

1:25

They are practicing now. I'll have a better idea after today or tomorrow. They need to get some of these guys healthy.

Jonathan

1:26

Have you seen enough of Sean Davis at FS to think he will be good for the job?

Ray Fittipaldo

1:26

Not but the coaches have said he'll be better there. I guess I'll take their word for it until I see him play there during the regular season.

Ryno

1:26

The interception and returned by Edmunds on Saturday looked amazing. To me it looked like he showed ridiculous athleticism and amazing speed. Has he been making plays like that on a regular basis during training camp? If so, this guy could be the real deal.

Ray Fittipaldo

1:27

Yes, he's been making plays most of camp. And he's had a lot of opportunities because Morgan Burnett has dealt with injuries.

Jimmy G

1:27

Based on your roster projections, you don’t seem to trust Chuks to man the swing tackle role. Is there something specific you’ve noticed lacking in his game? Or could just use a little time to grow and develop?

Ray Fittipaldo

1:28

They didn't draft him thinking he'd be ready for that role. Jerald Hawkins was going to be the swing tackle until he got hurt. So I just think they'll bring a veteran in and let the young guy develop without rushing him into a situation he might not be ready for.

Larry "The Mooch" Howard

1:28

I like Chickillo and Matekevich, but don't feel like either has earned a roster spot. While both are solid on STs, they're not productive position players. Your thoughts?

Ray Fittipaldo

1:29

Chickillo is the only experienced reserve among the OLBs. That's why he's on my 53. And I have Matakevich on their because of his special-teams ability. But as I stated before, I would not be surprised if Matakevich is cut.

J from Akron

1:29

Do you see any scenario where Bostic gets cut? I know they just signed him this offseason, but he does not look impressive at all.

Ray Fittipaldo

1:29

Cut? Probably not. But lose his starting job? Yes at some point.

MauiMike

1:30

Are the no huddle rumors true ? Do we know if that’s per Ben’s request? I’ve always thought they operated better giving him the ropes

Ray Fittipaldo

1:30

Not rumor at all. Ben Roethlisberger told Ed Bouchette about it. Whether they follow through or not is anyone's guess, but I wouldn't categorize it as a rumor.

Jonathan

1:31

Potentially 3 draft picks are in danger of not making the 53, would that be considered a bad draft or does it not matter if 2 or 3 guys hit?

Ray Fittipaldo

1:31

I wouldn't say that. Maybe some of those guys get on the practice squad and develop there. This is a pretty good roster. When you have quality rosters it's supposed to be hard for draft picks to make it.

Jud

1:32

Do you think Bell will come back earlier than Thursday?

Ray Fittipaldo

1:32

In don't think he will. I think he'll do something similar to last year. Show up on Labor Day and practice and get ready to play in the opener.

Lambert Lunatic

1:32

Ray, do you believe the Steelers will approach trades the next few weeks based on the fact they will likely get a second or third rounder for Bell?

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