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Ray Fittipaldo's Steelers chat: 08.26.19
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Ray Fittipaldo
11:52
Welcome to my Steelers chat. Post you questions, and we will get started soon.
KJ from CA
11:56
What were your thoughts on Donte Moncrief's 1st game experience as a Steeler last night?  Does he have the inside track for #2, or is the job closer to being Washington's?
Ray Fittipaldo
11:58
Moncrief actually made his debut against the Chiefs although he played just a few snaps in that game. He saw more extended action last night. He caught two passes for 11 yards. He played 20 snaps. It's interesting. He seems to have a nice rapport with Ben Roethlisberger, but James Washington by far has posted the best stats of any WR this preseason. However, most of Washington's production has come with Rudolph or Dobbs at QB. So there is still the matter of chemistry between Washington and Roethlisberger. I think they'll have a good connection. We just haven't seen the production in games yet.
KJ from CA
11:59
Just when it appeared that Bud Dupree was making tangible progress and improvements, along comes this hand injury from last night's game.  Do you have any idea how serious this injury is?
Ray Fittipaldo
12:00
I have not heard any news about the injury being serious. I saw Dupree laughing and joking on the sidelines at one point when his pads were off. I assume it's minor for that reason, but we should learn more tomorrow when Mike Tomlin addresses the media.
KJ from CA
12:00
I really haven't been overly impressed with Benny Snell the RB ( I was excited about him after watching him dismantle Penn State in his final collegiate game, but he seems to lack the burst of speed to get outside and his power running thus far is leaving something to be desired), but he has caught my eye on special teams.  Is this where you believe he will make his mark this season?
Ray Fittipaldo
12:01
I'm kind of in your boat with Snell. I think Trey Edmunds has been better this summer, but I just don't see the Steelers cutting a fourth-round pick. Plus, Edmunds has practice squad eligibility left so you could stash him there and bring him up as needed. Snell did not play last night due to an injury. I certainly have to see more from him before I pencil him in for any kind of role this season.
Manny
12:02
Ray, We have seen enough from Dobbs if coaches don’t see it I don’t know who will, Hodges has higher ceiling no doubt an will have more NFL success, really hoping Steelers don’t screw this decision which seems pretty obvious who to carry on 53.. can you say who would you chose as 3rd QB? Thanks
Ray Fittipaldo
12:04
Dobbs continues to struggle with his short and intermediate throws. That has been the biggest disappointment for me. He obviously runs better than any QB they have. That's important, but not as important as throwing with accuracy, especially in an offense that has trended toward the short and intermediate passing game. However, Dobbs remains on a rookie contract. He's smart and is a good team player. Unless you can trade him for a fifth-round pick or higher I'd keep him on the roster. It won;t cost much and there might be some benefit to it. As for Hodges, he's been good, but I can't sit here and say for sure he has better upside than Dobbs. Based on what? A few preseason snaps?
KJ from CA
12:05
I was impressed, especially with Tuitt's play.  I also like the way Bush always seems to be near the ball! How do you feel about the 1st defensive unit's play last night?
Ray Fittipaldo
12:07
I thought the first-team defense did very well. Granted, Tennessee's offensive line is a mess, but they did exactly what they're supposed to do in that situation -- dominate. If they can pressure QBs they should be able to force more turnovers this season because they upgraded their speed and they're able to play man-to-man more than they have. Good QBs can find the soft spots in zones even when there is pressure. It's much harder to fit the ball into tight man-to-man windows in those situations.
Buckeye Phil
12:07
Is Barron going to be the everydown ILB with William and Bush alternating based on offense personnel / down & distance?
Ray Fittipaldo
12:08
All three ILBs will have big roles. It might even be a week-to-week thing in terms of their playing time. When they play a team that likes to run then of course Williams could play more snaps. When they play teams that pass more often then Barron likely is more involved.
Daniel
12:08
Could you see a scenario on which Bud plays great, has a 10-12 sack season and the Steelers manage to keep him?
Ray Fittipaldo
12:08
When you say "great" I think of an All-Pro or Pro Bowl type season. In that case, it's going to be very hard to keep him because edge defenders that produce in that manner make big $, especially on the open market.
Southside Johnny
12:09
Ray...do you think Benny Snell may be assigned to the practice squad based on his injuries and lackluster running in the preseason?  Thank you.
Ray Fittipaldo
12:10
I think some team out there might claim him if he was cut. That's why I think he makes the roster, not because he's necessarily earned it with his play.
Alan
12:10
I know it’s only preseason but the defense looked very fast to me against the Titans. Particularly bush and edmunds. Has that been your observation as well or am I reading too much into a preseason game?
Ray Fittipaldo
12:11
Good observation. It's night and day difference between this year and last year when it comes to speed on defense. Plus, Edmunds is playing faster because he's more comfortable and knows what to do. Players usually improve a lot from year 1 to year 2.
obxandy
12:11
What do you see as hardest cut decisions for Steelers at end of this week? Thanks. Enjoy your chats.
Ray Fittipaldo
12:15
I'm doing a 53-man roster projection that will publish later on today or tomorrow morning, and I'm having a hard time figuring out which direction they want to go with the sixth WR, if they keep six. To me, it's down to Rogers, Switzer, Spencer and Holton for the fifth and sixth spots. Spencer has made a nice case for himself. Holton is a good special teams player. And then there is Rogers/Switzer. Do you really need both of them? I suppose you could carry them both, but it doesn't really make sense from a roster-building perspective because they're very similar in their skill sets.
GSMP
12:15
Does Josh Dobbs realistically have any trade value? And if he does what are the odds he is traded?
Ray Fittipaldo
12:16
Maybe we'll find out. Could the Colts use a backup QB for Jacoby Brissett? Could another team need a backup? It's possible, but I don't know if he'd bring enough in return for me to make that move. I'd consider it for a fifth-round pick or higher.
jake
12:16
I was hoping Sutton Smith would've shown up last night, thinking he's headed to the practice squad. Thoughts?
Ray Fittipaldo
12:18
He's been injured so it's hard to evaluate him. The Steelers gave him 55 snaps on defense last night and he finished with one tackle. He also played 15 snaps on special teams. They obviously wanted to see what he could do after missing the first two preseason games. It might come down to strictly special teams play. For instance, if Smith is a better option than Ulysees Gilbert on Danny Smith's units. That could be a factor. But again, he hasn't really played enough for anyone to really know if he'd excel on special teams, either. He certainly didn't stand out on defense last night.
Matt
12:19
Does Skipper make the final cut? Will he be 1 of the 53?
Ray Fittipaldo
12:20
Depends on the injuries to Adeniyi and Chickillo. They're the top two backups. If one of their injuries lingers into the regular season it would potentially open the door for Skipper, who has been impressive.
Stephen
12:20
Your opinion as to whether Dobbs will be traded if he is not the backup quarterback.  Thanks.
Ray Fittipaldo
12:20
I don't think they'll seek out a trade for him, but if a team makes a nice offer then I'm sure they'll consider it.
Mark
12:21
Why do you suppose Switzer got such a long look at returning instead of someone less experienced?  I'd think they already know what they have in him back there?
Ray Fittipaldo
12:23
The third preseason game is the "dress rehearsal" so that usually means the players involved in the first quarter are getting prepared for the roles they'll have during the regular season. I know that doesn't mean Switzer is definitely on the team, but I think he will be the slot WR and punt returner. With Diontae Johnson banged up there aren't a lot of other options unless Spencer is on the 53.
Ryan
12:23
Do you think Dupree is really primed for a breakout year or is he just looking this good cause its preseason? I'm really hoping he has turned it on.
Ray Fittipaldo
12:24
He had a nice rush last night against the backup left tackle for the Titans. He used his left arm to push the tackle back and collapsed the pocket. It was very impressive. I want to see him do more of that.
GSMP
12:24
How many of the draft picks make the team? I'd say six with Smith, Buggs and Gray as the three getting cut.
Ray Fittipaldo
12:25
I think I'm with you, but who do you have beating out Buggs for the sixth spot on the DL? I have Buggs making it because I didn't see anyone play better than him. I think Henry Mondeaux is a sleeper, but you can probably sneak him onto the practice squad.
SteelFanSLC
12:26
What do you think they do with Skipper? Dude has looked dominant on defense but hasnt played much if at all on special teams.
Ray Fittipaldo
12:28
It's interesting you brought up special teams. I just looked. He played 29 defensive snaps but none on defense. If you;re going to be a fourth OLB you have to be able to play special teams. Otherwise, he'd just be inactive every week. James Harrison was a special teams player before he turned into a starter. I would imagine Skipper is poised for the practice squad for that reason unless, of course, those Adeniyi and Chickillo injuries keep them out into the regular season.
Kiwi Jimmy
12:28
I thought the Steelers brought their A game last night, while the hometeam Titans didnt want to be there. I was impressed the speed of the defense, especially. What did you think Ray?
Ray Fittipaldo
12:28
About as good as you can hope for in a third preseason game. They even got to work in some bad weather.
GSMP
12:29
How many snaps does Vince Williams get come the regular season? He's a sure tackler and can rush the QB up the middle. But it seems Bush and Barron give them more flexibility in a base defense.
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