Questions for Pitt Dawg about Petitti

[Cowboy from New York]

First of all, let me stress that more than anything that this thread is meant to by RESPECTFUL of you and your son. I realize that he is a rookie in his first preseason game going up against a very good NFL vet. These questions are only meant to educate myself and hopefully some others.

You hear a lot of rookies say it, was Rob really stuck by the speed of the pro game? Did Okefor show him a lot of pass rush moves that he had not seen before?

Rob is obviously a huge guy, did he have a chance to match strength for strength against the Cardnils d-lineman and while everyone can always improve, does he feel he has the strength now to move his opponent and he just needs to adjust to the right tackle spot?

Did the Cards stunt or bring blitz packages that he had not seen at Pitt or in training camp?

Without getting Rob in hot water, does he have any impressions of our three QBs now that he's played with them in a game setting?

I thought some of the play calling was odd (to put it nicely) with screens and draw plays that I felt didnt match the situation. I know its not Rob's place to question BP but can he shed any insight to what they were trying to accomplish in some situations, obviously its preseason so were they just hellbent to see some certain plays executed in a game?

I can't think of anything more at the moment, I'm sure others can but let me say that I am really rooting for your son and that I saw effort out of him on a night a lot of guys looked really flat. I know he had a tough series there but I'm sure he will be a quick study and get in sync with hopefully the first team right away.

[Woods]

One question I'd add is how much Pettiti's ankle injury is affecting his play? Not to make excuses, but he was sidelined just a week ago.

[pittdawg]

First of all, let me stress that more than anything that this thread is meant to by RESPECTFUL of you and your son. I realize that he is a rookie in his first preseason game going up against a very good NFL vet. These questions are only meant to educate myself and hopefully some others.

You hear a lot of rookies say it, was Rob really stuck by the speed of the pro game? Did Okefor show him a lot of pass rush moves that he had not seen before?

Rob is obviously a huge guy, did he have a chance to match strength for strength against the Cardnils d-lineman and while everyone can always improve, does he feel he has the strength now to move his opponent and he just needs to adjust to the right tackle spot?

Did the Cards stunt or bring blitz packages that he had not seen at Pitt or in training camp?

Without getting Rob in hot water, does he have any impressions of our three QBs now that he's played with them in a game setting?

I thought some of the play calling was odd (to put it nicely) with screens and draw plays that I felt didnt match the situation. I know its not Rob's place to question BP but can he shed any insight to what they were trying to accomplish in some situations, obviously its preseason so were they just hellbent to see some certain plays executed in a game?

I can't think of anything more at the moment, I'm sure others can but let me say that I am really rooting for your son and that I saw effort out of him on a night a lot of guys looked really flat. I know he had a tough series there but I'm sure he will be a quick study and get in sync with hopefully the first team right away.

i think i can size it up this way. rob was nervous as heck to be playing his first pro game against a quality DE. one week ago he was a LT on crutches. i know time is short, but he believes he can improve enough every day to be effective in a real game with a real game plan. the line in general had a rough time, so i don't think rob is the only one with their work cut out. time will tell, but he will be working extra hard to be ready.

[Hostile]

i think i can size it up this way. rob was nervous as heck to be playing his first pro game against a quality DE. one week ago he was a LT on crutches. i know time is short, but he believes he can improve enough every day to be effective in a real game with a real game plan. the line in general had a rough time, so i don't think rob is the only one with their work cut out. time will tell, but he will be working extra hard to be ready.He had some decent moments. His opponent was very good as you say. You have to expect bumps.

[LaTunaNostra]

one week ago he was a LT on crutches

If that doesn't put things into perspective, nothing will.

Talk about a trial by fire.

It'll take more time than one brief week, and we sure understand that.

[HardHittin'Witten]

It was his first NFL game and he has been a little banged up. I think he did fairly well. Tell him we're pulling for him.

[LaTunaNostra]

Btw, last night he looked like he had lost A LOT of weight.

[AsthmaField]

Does Rob feel like he has a chance to be the week 1 starter at RT, pittdawg?


Personally, I think by week 1 he could be improved enough to hold down the fort, with a gameplan. I'd like to see him do it.

[pittdawg]

he's down to 322 lbs. his mother is going to cry when she sees him.

[Cajuncowboy]

I watched his play very closley because I thought that would be the weakest part of our line. Rob got schooled and that is a good thing. That is what pre season is for, especially for a rookie. He had a load on his plate last night. One thing I noticed was that he was finding a way to make adjustments as the game went on. He got beat badly on one play and when Okefor came back with the same move, Rob counterred it effectivly. After watching Tucker play, I think we are all in agreement that we hope and NEED Rob to become the player he has the potential to be. I think he will.

And Pittdawg, let him know that the Cowboy nation is strong behind him. Just tell him to watch Tucker closely and do everything that he does the opposite way. :D

[Cbz40]

With time and a few more games under his belt he will be fine.


pittdawg.......How did papa make it through the game?

[thssanders]

Didn't get a chance to see the game. But from what i hear, he did a fairly nice job, especially just getting thrown in there like that with his first nfl action coming against a great DE. He did better than most everyone on the line the whole night, so that has to say something about how hard he is working

[pittdawg]

Does Rob feel like he has a chance to be the week 1 starter at RT, pittdawg?


Personally, I think by week 1 he could be improved enough to hold down the fort, with a gameplan. I'd like to see him do it.
rob is not one to focus on a time frame, he always is working to make something happen today. that said, he knows that it will take time to feel comfortable playing from the right. one good thing, all reps will now be from the RT position.

[LaTunaNostra]

he's down to 322 lbs. his mother is going to cry when she sees him.

Losing it so fast would concern any mother....but it had to be.

It certainly shows his level of dedication.

[Hostile]

he's down to 322 lbs. his mother is going to cry when she sees him.Blame it on the haircut.

[big dog cowboy]

I still think (as mentioned on draft day) that Petitti is the long term answer at RT. He has the potential to be our best player there since Williams. As unfair as the situation was he got thrown into last night, it will probably only make him stronger. The question is simply this - can his play be elevated enough in the next 4 weeks to meet our needs of our starting RT in San Deigo? I can't think of anyone who believes the answer is no.

[pittdawg]

With time and a few more games under his belt he will be fine.


pittdawg.......How did papa make it through the game?

had to go to a local pub to watch on direct tv. they lost the feed after the first two series, so i was forced to have a couple of extra miller lites and wait for updates via cell phone from my older son.

[AsthmaField]

rob is not one to focus on a time frame, he always is working to make something happen today. that said, he knows that it will take time to feel comfortable playing from the right. one good thing, all reps will now be from the RT position.

Practicing exclusively at RT should help a lot. After watching him last night, I think he can win the starting job in time for San Diego. He's talented and he's got the physical ability to do it.

Once the team starts putting together a gameplan and he's had a little more time on the right, I think things will slow down for him.

[LaTunaNostra]

had to go to a local pub to watch on direct tv. they lost the feed after the first two series, so i was forced to have a couple of extra miller lites and wait for updates via cell phone from my older son.
I taped it if you want it.

[Cajuncowboy]

had to go to a local pub to watch on direct tv. they lost the feed after the first two series, so i was forced to have a couple of extra miller lites and wait for updates via cell phone from my older son.

That had to be fun. :cool:

[pittdawg]

I taped it if you want it.

thanks, very kind offer. my local cable is replaying the game tomorrow so i'll be able to tape it. if i have any problems, i might be back for that favor.

[Cbz40]

had to go to a local pub to watch on direct tv. they lost the feed after the first two series, so i was forced to have a couple of extra miller lites and wait for updates via cell phone from my older son.


Well that wasn't all bad then....... :D

As you can see we are all pulling for him. I'm confident he will be fine.

I hope there is a chance you can make the home opener or at least one of the games....I know you are anxious to see him in the flesh.

[LaTunaNostra]

thanks, very kind offer. my local cable is replaying the game tomorrow so i'll be able to tape it. if i have any problems, i might be back for that favor.
No problem. :)

[calico]

Pittdawg, has Rob mentioned anything about Rivera and if he helps out the younger guys on the line? I saw that after Rob false started last night, that Rivera seemed to encourage him, but I was curious if he tries to be that leader along the front line.

[pittdawg]

Pittdawg, has Rob mentioned anything about Rivera and if he helps out the younger guys on the line? I saw that after Rob false started last night, that Rivera seemed to encourage him, but I was curious if he tries to be that leader along the front line.

rob said rivera has been especially helpful to him, but hasn't commented about others.

[Nors]

Our Oline globally has to protect the QB better....
I sense we will be ok by season start

[Rayman]

i think i can size it up this way. rob was nervous as heck to be playing his first pro game against a quality DE. one week ago he was a LT on crutches. i know time is short, but he believes he can improve enough every day to be effective in a real game with a real game plan. the line in general had a rough time, so i don't think rob is the only one with their work cut out. time will tell, but he will be working extra hard to be ready.

He has nothing to be ashamed of.

Tucker was the starter most of the season last year and he was out played by the 2nd and 3rd sting DL. Rob truely has a wonderfull opportunity here concidering where he was drafted.

Rogers can't stay on the field and I'm sure Parcells no longer wants to see Tucker on the field. :laugh2:

[Cheap Shot Artist]

Our Oline globally has to protect the QB better....
I sense we will be ok by season start

The OL will be improved Nors, but Bledsoe is gonna be responsible for many of them..

More than either our # 2 or 3 QB's would surrender

[Hollywood Henderson]

Yes, it was a good chance to get valuable experence at RT for him.

How is his health? Being on crutches last week?
Is he close to 100%?

We do all wish him well and understand its a learning experence for him & the team as a whole.

[Thick 'N Hearty]

PittDawg, I thought Rob looked pretty good. I think a lot better than most expected. If nothing else, he learns from the previous play and corrects the mistakes he made. You can't ask for anything more than that.

He did get beat a few times, but the speed at this level is probably still new to him. I doubt the speed in practice is like a game situation. He held his own. Being a rookie tackle in the NFL isn't an easy thing. Just ask Robert Gallery how easy it is.

Tell Rob not to second guess his talent. He has it. Now he just needs to remember last night and build on it.

On a side note, I think the Cardinal defense is going to be something special this year. I know it was one preseason game, but they looked really good.

[DLCassidy]

Pittdawg- how is Rob's ankle? My son sprained his ankle during amateur baseball season about a month ago and he found a treatment program on the web that really helped. I understand Rob has access to good treatments and maybe he's already fine, but this program was a bit unconventional and is geared to athletes that need to recover quickly and prevent a reoccurence of the sprain, which happens often to an ankle once it's been sprained once. In any case here's the link- it costs $10 to get the full program but I can tell you my son felt it was well worth it. We're all pulling hard for Rob to do well.

http://fastrehab.com/

[pittdawg]

Pittdawg- how is Rob's ankle? My son sprained his ankle during amateur baseball season about a month ago and he found a treatment program on the web that really helped. I understand Rob has access to good treatments and maybe he's already fine, but this program was a bit unconventional and is geared to athletes that need to recover quickly and prevent a reoccurence of the sprain, which happens often to an ankle once it's been sprained once. In any case here's the link- it costs $10 to get the full program but I can tell you my son felt it was well worth it. We're all pulling hard for Rob to do well.

http://fastrehab.com/

thanks, but his injury is not a sprain. he was kicked above the ankle which caused a blood vessel to burst. some to alot of hemmoraging took place with blood filling his lower leg and foot. he has been getting alot of medical attention and has recovered enough to play. don't know if he is 100%, but in this sport you're only 100% in the off season.

[T-New41]

I dont think Rob was our main problem on the first string line. Our "Pro Bowl" Left Tackle Flo looked like the rookie out there. I hope he can bring his game up, b/c if that would have been 4 quarters, Berry may have ended up with 6 or 7 freakin sacks.

[DallasDW00ds0n]

i was just gonna say that......Flo looked the worst.

[Scotman]

Actually, I thought your son was the best RT we played during the game. Rogers seems to be very. very brittle. Tucker doesn't seem to want to be out there. The whole line struggled.

Your son, if your own words, was a LT on crutches last week. He's a rookie. He's learning a new position. He's injured.

I think he may end up being the best 6th round pick we've taken in a long, long time. I wish we had a vet to stand in for him this year and let him make the adjustments. But I'd bet your son would take the job away from him next year. He may not have that luxury.

I've thought of posting to let you know just how cool I think it is that you take the time to post on here. Just like the information you shared about his ankle. I thought it was a sprain. Those can take forever to heal. The broken blood vessel can be painful and makes it hard to even get dressed, but will get better each day.

I'm really pulling for your kid. I really am. I hope he can keep treading water until he can get up to speed. Further, I hope we're still asking you questions about him 10 years from now and he's anchored our line the whole time.
Scot

[DLCassidy]

thanks, but his injury is not a sprain. he was kicked above the ankle which caused a blood vessel to burst. some to alot of hemmoraging took place with blood filling his lower leg and foot. he has been getting alot of medical attention and has recovered enough to play. don't know if he is 100%, but in this sport you're only 100% in the off season.

Man I had no idea that's what happened to Rob. If that had been Rogers they would have had to medivac him to the Leahy Clinic.:laugh2: Rob has got to be one tough hombre to play through that. Hopefully it continues to improve.

Does Rob feel any mistakes he made in the game are things he can correct with more reps?

[pittdawg]

Man I had no idea that's what happened to Rob. If that had been Rogers they would have had to medivac him to the Leahy Clinic.:laugh2: Rob has got to be one tough hombre to play through that. Hopefully it continues to improve.

Does Rob feel any mistakes he made in the game are things he can correct with more reps?

no question his play will inprove with more reps. the running plays for the most part present little problem, but the pass protection suffers because your balance and technique are the opposite. hard work will always help, but only time will tell if he can master the right side.

[dougonthebench]

no question his play will inprove with more reps. the running plays for the most part present little problem, but the pass protection suffers because your balance and technique are the opposite. hard work will always help, but only time will tell if he can master the right side.

have you talked to him since the game?if so,did he learn anything that he didnt know before?

[pittdawg]

have you talked to him since the game?if so,did he learn anything that he didnt know before?

i did. he thinks the cardinal de, oekefor, is pretty good. seriously though, i think he made adjustments during the game. the problem is with limited experience from the right side, recognizing what adjustments to make come a little slowly. three more games and about 4 more weeks of practice should help greatly.

[dougonthebench]

i did. he thinks the cardinal de, oekefor, is pretty good. seriously though, i think he made adjustments during the game. the problem is with limited experience from the right side, recognizing what adjustments to make come a little slowly. three more games and about 4 more weeks of practice should help greatly.

thanks for the info.I think the job is his,IF he wants it.

[CaptainAmerica]

With Parcells obvious frustration at Rogers' inability to play with pain, (ie., the 3 MRI comment today), I would think Rob is showing Parcells something by returning and playing with such a painful injury.


Good luck! I've known a few parents of Div 1 College football players and I have learned what a roller coaster ride it can be to be the parent of a player.

[BlueStar II]

Pittdawg, I really appreciate your giving us some "inside" insight, etc. on Rob, and I have no doubt that he is a hard worker with a strong work ethic as well. While I've never played at the NFL level, I can easily understand why he would have been nervous in his first game...who wouldn't be, I know I certainly would have been. I wish Rob all the best, and my general perception of him is that he is going to give it his very best shot. I've already mentioned how I see/view his work ethic, which may very well be a direct reflection on his upbringing and coaching, etc.. Thanks again for being a part of this board, we're glad you're here.

[burmafrd]

BP probably already feels he cannot count on ROgers- and he knows that VOllers is a journeyman. So look for the Kid to get a lot of work on the right side from here on.

[ravidubey]

Thanks, Pittdawg! I'm rooting for Rob to win the spot and be a fixture for years to come!

[Bobo]

Btw, last night he looked like he had lost A LOT of weight.

I only got to see Calico's net vid clips, but I thought he looked like he was in really good shape. Still hoping he's a late round steal :)