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Ray Fittipaldo's Steelers chat: 8.6.18
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Ray Fittipaldo
2:21
Ok let's get the chat started. Post your questions.
Alan
2:22
With a strong showing in the preseason games, can you see a scenario where Matthew Thomas ends of starting at some point in the season?
Ray Fittipaldo
2:23
Matthew Thomas has done well at camp, but no, I can't envision a scenario where he starts this year. I'm not even sure he's going to make the 53-man roster. Maybe he will, but I think practice squad is more likely.
T. Lazarus Link, aka, The Bishop
2:24
Joe Haden, Mike Hilton, Artie Burns: Which is most likely to be an all-pro DB this season?
Ray Fittipaldo
2:24
Can we settle for Pro Bowl? I'd say Haden, but Burns has been having a strong camp.
Joe in TX
2:25
How has Keion Adams looked before whatever it was that held him out of practice?
Ray Fittipaldo
2:25
Adams has been OK. I think he needs to develop more pass rush moves, but he's been solid.
Fh3
2:26
Have we waisted picks on QBs two years in a row
Ray Fittipaldo
2:26
If Dobbs is cut this year then I'd say yes to him. But let's wait to see how this all plays out in the preseason.
Charlotte John
2:27
Good afternoon Ray,
Always enjoy your chats and knowledge you bring. I am a long time Steeler fan and grew up in Pittsburgh. Like many other Steeler fans, I grew up watching our defense smother opponents in winning our first (and many super bowls.) Every year, with the NFL changing rules, I get nervous about how the rule changes will impact the fans viewing enjoyment of the game. Have you seen any difference in how the players are practicing due to new rule changes (kickoff, helmet, catch, etc.)? Based on what you witnessed in camp so far, do you anticipate there will be major changes to how the game is going to be played and thus viewed? I hate waiting 10+ seconds after a play, waiting to see if there are any flags, before celebrating!
Ray Fittipaldo
2:29
I haven't noticed any changes in Steelers practice or the practice habits of the players in regards to the new use of helmet rule. And in talking to players about the new rule they said they can't think about it when they play the game. The approach most players are taking is play the game the way they always have while keeping their head up and see what they hit... However, I do think you'll notice officials throwing more flags. There will be controversy.
Fh3
2:29
Is there a chance that Dez Bryant signs with the Steelers
Ray Fittipaldo
2:29
No.
Jack
2:29
Ray,  Over/under.  Vance McDonald plays 2 games healthy.
Ray Fittipaldo
2:30
I would hope over or they're in trouble. They like him and want to use him more. Tomlin said Sunday many of these injured guys are due back Tuesday. We'll if McDonald is among them.
steelmann58
2:30
Ray with the first game upon us what positions do you think the steelers will look at in terms of maybe adding a player from the outside .
Ray Fittipaldo
2:31
There are a few positions. Outside linebacker, swing tackle, maybe inside linebacker.
Guest
2:31
Very concerned about the WR situation. No one has shown anything behind JuJu and AB. Have you heard any updates on AB, and JuJu looks like he might be icing that knee throughout the season?
Ray Fittipaldo
2:34
Brown hasn't been at practice for the past four or five days. Tomlin has termed his injury "minor". Yes, JuJu has been nursing a knee injury. That's one to keep an eye on. I think James Washington will be fine as the No. 3 receiver. He's a playmaker. As long as those three are healthy there isn't a lot to worry about. But if there is an injury during the regular season then yes there would be reason for concern. Maybe Justin Hunter can step up. Maybe Eli Rogers will be healthy enough to assume a role. But I agree with you to a point. Depth will be a problem if there is an injury to the top 3 guys.
T. Lazarus Link, aka, The Bishop
2:34
Ray with all the tinkering on D, is Keith Butler a mad genius or desparate?
Ray Fittipaldo
2:35
He's adjusting to the way the game is being played. If he can stop the run with bigger safeties in the game then he'll have a better pass defense. The big key is whether they can stop the run with lighter personnel in some of those second- and third-and-long situations with the seven DBs will be in the game.
JQ
2:36
Ray - A lot of the players the missing from the short yardage red zone offense yesterday at practice are the ones who presumably will be on the field during the games....as last year....how does their missing the practice equate to better performance?  Are they going to come off the field and be replaced in short yardage by those running the drills yesterday?
Ray Fittipaldo
2:37
What Tomlin said he was this: He knows how David DeCastro and Marcus Gilbert perform in short-yardage situations. And I can only assume he's comfortable with their performance. So he was taking a look at some of the reserves like Matt Feiler at guard and Chuks Okorafor at tackle.
Brad B. Iowa
2:37
Do you think that Okorafor has shown enough thus far that they’re comfortable with him being the #1 backup option at tackle?
Ray Fittipaldo
2:39
I'd like to see him play in preseason games before I make that determination. I spoke with Mike Munchak a week or so ago, and he said he's doing a lot of thinking because he's not quite sure of himself there. The talent is there. The size is there. He just has to get comfortable in the playbook. Not sure when that will happen. Remember, this was supposed to be a redshirt year for Okorafor. Jerald Hawkins was supposed to be the swing tackle before he got hurt. If Okorafor isn't the guy they'll have to go out and sign someone.
EM
2:40
Does the WR from Youngstown ,have a chance to make the team?
Ray Fittipaldo
2:40
The Steelers like Damuon Patterson, but it's going to be tough for him to make the 53-man roster. Practice squad more likely. And he's got a shot at that.
Bob Wallace
2:40
Any word on the Vance McDonald foot injury? Seems like we've heard this so g before
Ray Fittipaldo
2:41
I saw him yesterday. He seemed to be walking OK. I don't think it's anything major.
Tom
2:41
Ray,  How did Dupree get a concussion?  Falling after avoiding  tackling a RB.
Ray Fittipaldo
2:42
It happened in team drills at the night practice on Friday. At least that's what Tomlin said. The team drills came right after backs on backers so it could have happened in that drill, too.
Goldstar
2:42
Any of the injuries (other than Foster) something to worry about?
Ray Fittipaldo
2:43
Not according to Tomlin.
Andrew/Long Island
2:43
Are you in agreement with the 5 new Steeler Ring of honor inductees?
Ray Fittipaldo
2:43
Sure. I thought all those guys were deserving especially Art Rooney, Jr. and Bill Nunn. Nice to see some front office types get in the second time around.
Zavry Goulden
2:44
How has James Conner looked so far? All reports I’ve read say he’s in great shape, looks more natural catching the ball, and better in pass pro. Obviously we all want to see it translate in game action. Just curious of what your thoughts are.
Ray Fittipaldo
2:44
Yeah I think the preseason will be big for him. He's looked good in practice, but the coaches and front office want to see him do it in games.
John Strange
2:44
Lat year the Steelers squeaked out a win against the Browns in the opener. What is your prediction for this year?
Ray Fittipaldo
2:46
I would hope it's not a squeaker. My prediction a month out: Steelers 27, Browns 17.
Goldstar
2:46
From what you've seen in camp, what are the chances Mason passes Landry on the depth charts?
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