You are viewing the chat in desktop mode. Click here to switch to mobile view.
X
Ray Fittipaldo's Steelers chat: 8.28.17
powered byJotCast
Prev Page View Full Chat Next Page
Jerry
12:27
How many years has this secondary been struggling under Tomlin.I don't think it's the players I think his scheme is terrible.Your thoughts?
Ray Fittipaldo
12:28
They want to change the scheme and play more man and matchup zone. Cana't do it though until players like Cam Sutton can get on the field.
SeanInIowa
12:28
The first-team secondary has looked so bad in these last two games. Is there some way you can talk me down off the ledge? Or is it as bad as it seems?
Ray Fittipaldo
12:29
It might be as bad as it seems, but let's not make any judgments until after at least the first game. If Deshone Kizer throws for 250 yards and the Browns beat the Steelers then I'll come up to the ledge to talk you down.
JerseySteel
12:29
Hi Ray - the last two years - Cockrell looked steady if unspectacular. This preseason and camp he has really struggled. Any insight into why he is suddenly getting beat so often in camp and preseason games? Is it the the focus on man coverage and he is best suited to zone?
Ray Fittipaldo
12:29
He is a zone corner being asked to do more. He looks like he could be the odd man out.
Steeler Bred
12:30
Once again the Steelers first string CB looked suspect. Pass rush wasnt that great either. Are these major concerns even though we have Cleveland week 1?
Ray Fittipaldo
12:30
Deshone Kizer will be playing his first NFL game. If they lose to him their problems are so much worse than we all think.
JerseySteel
12:30
Who wins the last OL backup spot - Feiler or Hawkins?
Ray Fittipaldo
12:31
Feiler deserves the spot, but Hawkins might get it because he is a fourth-round pick and has more potential. In other words, they might be able to get Feiler onto the practice squad while another team could sign Hawkins. Unfortunately for Feiler, that's how the NFL works sometimes. Feiler has been really good though.
Medicine man
12:31
If the steelers would pick up a Cb of waivers could they realistically have him ready to pby game 2 or 3?
Ray Fittipaldo
12:32
Maybe. Cockrell picked things up pretty well in 2017 when he started half the season. Then again, he's a Duke grad. Not everyone can do what he did.
JerseySteel
12:32
Any update on the Touissant injury?
Ray Fittipaldo
12:33
Saw him in the locker room yesterday and he seemed to be walking OK. They're off today so we might get an update from Tomlin tomorrow.
gjs51
12:34
hey Ray!  I'm I the only one getting nervous about the JUJU pick being able to stay healthy?  It seams this kid can't go thru a game or practice without some sort of injury occuring.  What is the pulse inside the organization?
Ray Fittipaldo
12:35
He has had some bad luck, but the one from Saturday just seemed to be getting hit on the bone bruise. He came back into the game. Hopefully for the Steelers, he got all the injuries out of the way because they need him.
AZ
12:35
Comment: The Schuster kid looks so similar to Hinesy when he lines up; has to me a mixture of an Anquan Boldin look as well. Let's hope he brings the Hinesy toughness to the team this year and more moving forward! Black n Gold in AZ!!
Ray Fittipaldo
12:36
Agreed. I see that in him too. That third down conversion where he bounced off a tackler and got the first down was vintage Hines.
gjs51
12:36
The defensive backs on this team will determine how far the Steelers go in the season and playoffs.  I personally feel the organization should fo used their 2nd and 3rd round picks (JuJu and Conner) of Defensive picks.  Everyone knew the biggest need on this team was corner.  Do you think they have realized they should of used higher picks to address their corner back situation?
Ray Fittipaldo
12:37
They used their first two picks in 2016 on DBs. They obviously felt like they had bigger needs this year.
gjs51
12:37
Will the steelers pursue other defensive backs as the other teams make cuts or will they ride with the crew they have?  What are your thoughts?  I don't believe they have the right guys in that lockerroom to go where they want to do in the post season.
Ray Fittipaldo
12:37
They'll search the waiver wire for quality players like they do every year. And yes, the defensive backfield could get an upgrade. They've done that in the past.
12:39
My take: Brown, Bryant, Roger and Smith-Schuster are locks. I'd go with Hunter and Coates even though I acknowledge Hunter's health could be an issue. But I think they'll keep Heyward-Bey over one of them because they like him and he can play special teams.
Martin
12:39
What receivers will make the final cut?
Ray Fittipaldo
12:39
Question to previous answer.
John in Florida
12:39
What's the status of Mike Mitchell? It seems awfully quiet considering a starter hasn't practiced and it's already a thin position. Thanks.
Ray Fittipaldo
12:40
Yes it's starting to be a concern. They haven't acknowledged the injury, but all signs point to it being a hamstring. Those can be tricky.
Martin
12:40
Will Senquez Golden finally play this year?
Ray Fittipaldo
12:40
Maybe on the scout team as a member of the practice squad.
JerseySteel
12:40
Hi Ray - How did Cam Sutton look in his first preseason game action?
Ray Fittipaldo
12:40
Made some plays. Limited action but I thought he showed well for his first outing.
Stiller Guy
12:40
When do you anticipate cuts beginning?
Ray Fittipaldo
12:41
They might do some early this week then the rest Friday or more likely Saturday.
Scott in Amsterdam
12:41
Knile Davis post game comments imply that he believes he will be on this team for the season opener, but didn't Watson have a much better game? Seems like the competition at RB has become a lot more interesting...
Ray Fittipaldo
12:42
Yes Watson has played very well. Davis can return kicks, and they signed him because they believe he can help in that area. Watson has practice squad eligibility so he could end up there. But I think he's worthy of a spot on the 53-man roster as long as he can play special teams.
grumpy EDB
12:42
Hi Ray Thank you for taking my questions every week. I was wondering with the Steelers taking and trading DB's just about off the scrap heap from other teams {Redskins etc} that they cannot afford to cut Golson yet this year its just a hamstring right so he will heal and could possibly be a better help by mid season what do you think? and ids he back to practice this week?
Ray Fittipaldo
12:43
Maybe, but there's really only one practice before they play in Carolina Thursday. They just might hold him out, come to an injury settlement with him and then sign him to the practice squad when he is healthy.
Nick
12:43
Did you see the play when the Colts player tried to hurt Bryant's leg?
Ray Fittipaldo
12:44
Yes. Probably should have been a penalty, but apparently the whistle hadn't blown yet. If that's the case I blame the official more than the Colts player. His knee was down and the play should have been blown dead.
GjSteel
12:44
Hi Ray, after the performance of the cb's and safeties..could we see both Will Gay and Cockrell get cut?
Connecting…