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Ray Fittipaldo's Steelers chat: 8.21.17
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Ray Fittipaldo
11:54
Welcome to my Steelers chat. Let's get started.
Keith
11:54
I think Hilton has proven himself to be very competitive thus far and should be given a look with the starters.  What are your thoughts?
Ray Fittipaldo
11:55
After the performance against the Falcons, why not? I know the coaches didn't game plan all that much and things were vanilla, but man, that was not pretty by the secondary. Woof.
Charlotte Johh
11:55
Ray, thanks for taking questions today. Last week at this time, I was so pumped. That was until I saw the back of Cockrell’s jersey all first half yesterday. I know this is preseason, but can you please talk me back from the ledge?
Ray Fittipaldo
11:56
Sorry, but I have concerns about the secondary. I've had them since the AFC championship game. I know Matt Ryan is a top 5 QB in this league, maybe higher, but he only played one series. Matt Simms, a third-stringer, carved them up , too.
That Guy
11:57
Is Robert Golden a lock to make the team?  He is very bad in coverage and has never shown any signs of improvement.
Ray Fittipaldo
11:58
Golden is a backup so no he's not a lock, but they do like him as a special teams player. I never thought I'd hear it from Steelers fans, but they're clamoring for Mike Mitchell.
Sergio from Mexico
11:59
Haven't heard a lot from Dupree for a while. Is it because he is hurt or just resting getting ready for the regular season? We need better defense than yesterday vs the Falcons to go where we want to go....  Thanks and have a good week!
Ray Fittipaldo
12:00
I think they're just being cautious with him, but he is one of those starters who has been in and out of practice this camp. Sean Davis mentioned it yesterday. The chemistry will improve once everyone returns to the lineup. The problem is the Steelers have so many guys who are injured right now.
John
12:00
As up and down as things were yesterday, I don't see much point in piling on.....what positives did you take away from the game and who "really" helped themselves?
Ray Fittipaldo
12:01
James Conner looked good as a runner. Trey Williams helped his cause with that punt return for a touchdown. Jordan Dangerfield helped his cause with the two INTs. I think we saw why Anthony Chickillo is so well thought of by the coaching staff.
Scott in Amsterdam
12:01
I'm rooting for James Conner, but the media hyping his first game as a "strong debut" seems off to me....his running style and inconsistent play are a legit cause for concern, don't you agree?
Ray Fittipaldo
12:02
His running style is fine. The drops in the passing game are a bit concerning though.
Hamilton has an uphill climb unless there are some injuries.
John
12:02
I was looking to see if Hamilton could build on his last preseason chance and they gave him next to no opportunity....is his fate sealed already?
Ray Fittipaldo
12:03
Question to previous answer.
Scott in Amsterdam
12:03
Can a guy like Trey Williams make this team as a punt returner only? And are the Steelers even looking for one? AB is about as good as you can get at that spot...
Ray Fittipaldo
12:03
He helped his cause, but he has an uphill climb to make the roster. Could make the practice squad though.
Scott in Amsterdam
12:03
Would a guy like Sammie Coates be worth anything in a trade? Too many receivers on this roster to evaluate (Cobi Hamilton barely saw the field last night)...isn't it time to start thinking about paring that position down and seeing if any of them can be used to bolster a weak secondary?
Ray Fittipaldo
12:04
Maybe if a team is desperate a sixth or seven-round pick, if that. Teams will just wait to see who the Steelers release.
Scott in Amsterdam
12:04
Tyler Matakevich stood out to me like a sore thumb on that first Atlanta drive for a TD, always appeared out of position or a step behind....who do you think was most to blame for that horrendous 1st team Steelers defense?
Ray Fittipaldo
12:04
Plenty of blame to go around on that drive. He wasn't the only one who didn't look good.
tony from philly
12:05
hi  ray i  was really impressed with the special teams what are your thoughts on the special teams
Ray Fittipaldo
12:05
It's preseason, but they're looking better than last season.
tony from philly
12:05
hi ray i thought conner calmed down after the drops but you can see how valuable mr bell is on third down
Ray Fittipaldo
12:05
Of course. I don't forget how good Bell is. Neither do the Steelers.
Jay79
12:06
Hi Ray! Do you think there is a chance for Bryan Allen making the 53-man-squad? How would you rate his preaseason so far?
Ray Fittipaldo
12:06
I think they'll try to sneak him onto the practice squad. He has potential, but he hasn't flashed a lot this summer.
Jay79
12:06
Hi Ray! How would you rate the play of Chikillo against the Falcons? Did he seem to turn the corner and show production in games and not only in practice?
Ray Fittipaldo
12:07
Chickillo is a good backup, but they need Dupree to stay healthy. He's their future and they need him on the field as much as possible. Joey Porter said as much last week when he talked to Ed Bouchette.
Al in NJ
12:08
Conner looked good running the ball yesterday, not so good catching it. What kind of hands did he show at Pitt?
Ray Fittipaldo
12:09
I can't claim to have watched all of his games at Pitt, but from what I remember he had good hands in college.
Jim
12:09
Not a good showing by the secondary. Is the approach focused on pressuring the QB to protect the secondary? If that's the case it's going to be s long season.
Ray Fittipaldo
12:10
They need a better pass rush and better coverage. Tomlin said they "live and die together" last night after the game. It's the same old story. The secondary looks better when the pass rush is good. When it's not they don't look so hot.
Danikan
12:11
Ray, given the horrific play by the secondary and this team's notorious inability to make a play on third down, will the FO look for defensive back help via trade or waiver wire? Rumor has the Kyle Fuller may be available soon.
Ray Fittipaldo
12:11
If this keeps us, then yes. They're also waiting for Cam Sutton to get healthy to see if he can help.
Steve
12:11
How concerned should we be after two games with Dobbs performance, or lack thereof? How badly hurt is Landry Jones, as of now it appears if Ben gets hurt Steelers have virtually no back up.
Ray Fittipaldo
12:13
Jones is getting better and might play vs. the Colts. We might not see Dobbs again until the preseason finale. There are no questions about who is the backup. It's Jones, and it's been Jones since they drafted Dobbs. That wasn't going to change.
charles demarr
12:14
Any chance a veteran CB or TE is brought in during cut-downs?  They appear to need help in both areas.  Thanks
Ray Fittipaldo
12:15
I won't discount the addition of a CB. Don't think they're looking hard at upgrading at TE.
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