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Ed Bouchette's Steelers chat transcript
Tuesday, August 19, 2008
Pittsburgh Post-Gazette
Ed Bouchette: Sorry I'm late. I was in deep conversation with a source. Let's begin.
hinestheman: Ed, last week, I raised a concern about our first team defensive line letting the Eagles run wild. Your answer was not to be concerned. Do you still feel that way after watching the Bills run all over them again?
Ed Bouchette: Yes. Listen, the first line will be fine. It's the preseason. Did you see what happened to the Browns last night? And they are the new darlings of the AFC North. Do you really think the Giants are that much better than them? This is the only sport where a first team can play two or three series of an exhibition game and opinions are rendered one way or another.
Troy_43: Hi Ed, Just want a professional opinion on what you think of the Steelers draft thus far, to me the only person who has shown something is Dennis Dixon.
Ed Bouchette: That's my question of the day, so I don't want to spoil it here.
Katmandu: Hi Ed. With Roye now in the picture at DE, who do you think will be the 7 linemen this season? My guess is McBean gets cut, and they go with the veteran backups. What about Reffet?
Ed Bouchette: I've heard talk of 7, which is one too many for me. I wouldn't count on any of the young guys making it.
7: What exactly do the coaches like enough about Willie Colon that he's starting over Max Starks?
Ed Bouchette: they believe he's a better tackle overall and will only improve.
hinestheman: Ed, Ben looks to be on fire but no big surprise there.... What amazes me is his rapport with Santonio. Not only do they seem to be in synch, they seem to both be able to read the defense and make adjustments in unison. Do you agree? I know it's only pre-season, but the only two that I have seen to this consistently are Manning/Harrison.
Ed Bouchette: Yes, and that's why I wrote that Saturday.
Katmandu: Based on what you've seen, who are the WRs to make the team? Does Bloom have a shot at one of the spots and/or at punt returner?
Ed Bouchette: I would say no to Bloom and maybe to Dallas Baker.
7: Why do you think Heath Miller doesn't put up the kinds of numbers that Jason Witten and Antonio Gates does? Is it the offense or just the quarterback's preference? Because he certainly has the talent to put up huge numbers.
Ed Bouchette: Remember, the more the tight ends catch, the fewer balls go to the wide receivers and they are your primary receptionists. I'd rather see Santonio Holmes catching and averaging 18.2 yards per catch than Miller catching and averaging half that. Having said that, I believe that Miller could put up big numbers if they wanted to throw more to him. They're seeking balance.
yzguy431: Orpheus Roye? Explain this to us, Ed.
Ed Bouchette: They had someone aged 30, 31, 32, 33 and 34 in their defensive line but no one 35?
7: Any news regarding James Farrior or Marvel Smith's negotiations about a contract extension?
Ed Bouchette: What negotiations? There are none.
JMF213: Do you think the Steelers are keeping Bryant McFadden behind Townsend this year so other teams don't get a real good look at him before he becomes a free agent?
Ed Bouchette: Yes, that's precisely why he's not starting.
MAdesso: ED, keep up the good work man. So who do you see returning punts and kick offs in week 1?
Ed Bouchette: Santonio Holmes on punts and Mewelde Moore on kickoffs.
stillerz: Was holding Troy out more a precaution, or should we the 'nation' be concerned?
Ed Bouchette: When are you, the 'nation' not concerned? He'll be fine.
diehardsteelerfan: Making my first trip to Heinz for the Texans game. Any advice for a 1st time fan to the "new" stadium?
Ed Bouchette: Bring your ticket.
PittFanInRichmond: What about signing Darren Sproles who is a free agent next year? He would be a huge upgrade to our special teams.
Ed Bouchette: Ask me next year.
MAdesso: Ed, how does Roye look? Good pick up, or glaring concern?
Ed Bouchette: They're trying. He did OK in Cleveland before he was hurt.
patsycrusher: Hey Ed! After that nice run by Dixon in the Bills game, do you think the coaches will work in any gadget plays utilizing his speed during the regular season?
Ed Bouchette: I would not count that out. It would be at QB, though, and not WR the way they first used Stewart.
NCSteeler: Ed, How does the O-line look? Most national analysts are saying that the Steelers season hinges on the performance of this group more than any other factor--your thoughts?
Ed Bouchette: It's good to see those national analysts can read. I think they've been a pleasant surprise so far, but there's a long way to go.
Jim66: Ed, Do you think the Steelers pick up a veteran Safety when cuts start? Troy and Ryan Clark are injury risks at this point and Smith is inconsistent . Your thoughts?
Ed Bouchette: they had a chance with John Lynch and passed, so I'd say no they won't.
JMF213: Who makes the cut - Dallas Baker or Willie Reid?
Ed Bouchette: I think the nod goes to Baker.
Indiana_Steeler_Fan: Hi Ed, great to talk today. What's the latest on the Hartwig/Mahan battle?
Ed Bouchette: I believe Hartwig has clinched it, but the coach won't say that yet.
Steelersmania: Hey Ed love you chats, do you think the defense is in some serious trouble not being able to shut anyone down yet in preseason or will they regroup come regular season?
Ed Bouchette: Say this after me: It's only the preseason, it's only the preseason, it's only the preseason. How many series have they played? Four. How much scheming are they doing? None. How many different defenses have you seen? Few. How many games has Polamalu played? None.
Jason_In_Georgia: Will Lawrence Timmons be a house-hold name by mid-season? I think so.
Ed Bouchette: Who?
Chi-Town_Steeler: What's the latest with the situation at QB? Are we going to end up keeping 3?
Ed Bouchette: They'll keep three, maybe even four for a few weeks.
DSaurer: Ed, you believe it is a great idea to put Santonio Holmes at returning punts and such? I feel this is a risk that could hurt us if he gets injured, I much rather leave this to the specialist. What is wrong with Melwede Moore and Willie Reid doing the job?
Ed Bouchette: Let's really keep Holmes safe and not play him as much at wide receiver, where he could really get hurt. Good thing Chuck Noll did not use that logic when he put Lynn Swann and Louis Lipps back there.
Jason_In_Georgia: Will Timmons, Harrison and Woodley have a combined 30 sacks this season?
Ed Bouchette: Maybe 60.
BringBackWitman: Without a clear choice of a third TE, any chance the Steelers may keep an extra blocking fullback?
Ed Bouchette: No.
Jim66: Any word on what's happening with the Rooneys? Will the NFL bend the rules some how at the last minute for the Rooneys?
Ed Bouchette: The next word will come out of NY City next Tuesday when they meet with the commish.
mg: Isn't it a foregone conclusion that Leftwich will go elsewhere in 2009, and if so wouldn't cutting Charlie Batch be pretty shortsighted?
Ed Bouchette: They won't cut CB
Chi-Town_Steeler: What was the source talking about ... something juicy?
Ed Bouchette: Very.
MAdesso: Ed, any word if the Steelers have contacted Ray Seals to come out of retirement?
Ed Bouchette: I saw Kevin Colbert today and asked him that very question. I also said, "What, (retired Lions DT) Robert Porcher wasn't available?''
stillerz: Ed, 11-5, 10-6, or 9-7?
Ed Bouchette: 10-6, AFC North champs
MAdesso: Ed, when does Townsend get moved to safety full time?
Ed Bouchette: Not this year, for sure.
Jim66: ED, When you say Troy will be fine does that mean starting or being a productive force for this defense?
Ed Bouchette: He'll be healthy and if he's healthy, he'll be productive.
JMF213: Huge difference how Farrior and Smith are being vs greedy Faneca last year, your thoughts?
Ed Bouchette: It's called professional football for a reason. They're in it for the money, and Faneca knew he could get a lot more by leaving. Is that greed? Maybe. It's also smart.
McSmooth: What did you think of the Browns' fine performance last night?
Ed Bouchette: I've said they are overrated.
chooch79: Most likely Steeler to actually make a tackle on special teams this week?
Ed Bouchette: Orpheus Roye.
Katmandu: Ed, any scoop on who has the inside track for the third TE spot now that Dekker is lost for the year?
Ed Bouchette: I don't know that anyone does, and it's not as if someone is making a case for a 6th wide receiver instead.
Jim66: Four QB's and no blocking FB? Thats real smart.
Ed Bouchette: He asked if they'd keep TWO fullbacks, and I said no.
Chi-Town_Steeler: Come on Ed!!! Leaving us hanging with the juicy story from "the source." Not elaborating is mean... even for you!!!
Ed Bouchette: It involved ... Oh, I just can't. The competition reads this stuff.
Jason_In_Georgia: Will Santonio exceed 18.2 yards per catch this year?
Ed Bouchette: Probably not because 18.2 is pretty darn good these days. It used to be routine for receivers to average over 20 back in the Bradshaw throw-it-deep days. No more. the NFL has become a dink and dunk league.
Troy_43: I've heard that Limas Sweed has had problems with catching the ball, any idea why?
Ed Bouchette: No, other than he has had those problems.
yobabiesdaddy: If you had to cut a starter who would it be and why?
Ed Bouchette: Why would I cut a starter?
McSmooth: For all the Bengals talk about improving the character of their team, what do you make of them negotiating with Chris Henry again?
Ed Bouchette: You can only take the character stuff so far, then you have to do something to try to win games.
Troy_43: Who looks like the most promising young player on the Steelers roster?
Ed Bouchette: Lawrence Timmons.
Troy_43: Does Anthony Smith get cut?
Ed Bouchette: No.
Chi-Town_Steeler: Do you think we'll actually see the "Pony Backfield" this year?
Ed Bouchette: Yes.
74Steeler: Everyone seems to be making a big deal about the 'difficult' schedule. All they have to do is win the division and I see them being more seasoned due to the schedule and making a strong push in the post season. Your thoughts?
Ed Bouchette: Someone has to win the division, even at 8-8. They won't be a candidate for the bye, though.
Ed Bouchette: OK, that's it. Another source is calling me and I have to take it. There will be no chat next Tuesday, at least not by me. Perhaps we can entice someone to pinch hit? ed
First published on August 19, 2008 at 2:38 pm
Tuesday, August 19, 2008
Pittsburgh Post-Gazette
Ed Bouchette: Sorry I'm late. I was in deep conversation with a source. Let's begin.
hinestheman: Ed, last week, I raised a concern about our first team defensive line letting the Eagles run wild. Your answer was not to be concerned. Do you still feel that way after watching the Bills run all over them again?
Ed Bouchette: Yes. Listen, the first line will be fine. It's the preseason. Did you see what happened to the Browns last night? And they are the new darlings of the AFC North. Do you really think the Giants are that much better than them? This is the only sport where a first team can play two or three series of an exhibition game and opinions are rendered one way or another.
Troy_43: Hi Ed, Just want a professional opinion on what you think of the Steelers draft thus far, to me the only person who has shown something is Dennis Dixon.
Ed Bouchette: That's my question of the day, so I don't want to spoil it here.
Katmandu: Hi Ed. With Roye now in the picture at DE, who do you think will be the 7 linemen this season? My guess is McBean gets cut, and they go with the veteran backups. What about Reffet?
Ed Bouchette: I've heard talk of 7, which is one too many for me. I wouldn't count on any of the young guys making it.
7: What exactly do the coaches like enough about Willie Colon that he's starting over Max Starks?
Ed Bouchette: they believe he's a better tackle overall and will only improve.
hinestheman: Ed, Ben looks to be on fire but no big surprise there.... What amazes me is his rapport with Santonio. Not only do they seem to be in synch, they seem to both be able to read the defense and make adjustments in unison. Do you agree? I know it's only pre-season, but the only two that I have seen to this consistently are Manning/Harrison.
Ed Bouchette: Yes, and that's why I wrote that Saturday.
Katmandu: Based on what you've seen, who are the WRs to make the team? Does Bloom have a shot at one of the spots and/or at punt returner?
Ed Bouchette: I would say no to Bloom and maybe to Dallas Baker.
7: Why do you think Heath Miller doesn't put up the kinds of numbers that Jason Witten and Antonio Gates does? Is it the offense or just the quarterback's preference? Because he certainly has the talent to put up huge numbers.
Ed Bouchette: Remember, the more the tight ends catch, the fewer balls go to the wide receivers and they are your primary receptionists. I'd rather see Santonio Holmes catching and averaging 18.2 yards per catch than Miller catching and averaging half that. Having said that, I believe that Miller could put up big numbers if they wanted to throw more to him. They're seeking balance.
yzguy431: Orpheus Roye? Explain this to us, Ed.
Ed Bouchette: They had someone aged 30, 31, 32, 33 and 34 in their defensive line but no one 35?
7: Any news regarding James Farrior or Marvel Smith's negotiations about a contract extension?
Ed Bouchette: What negotiations? There are none.
JMF213: Do you think the Steelers are keeping Bryant McFadden behind Townsend this year so other teams don't get a real good look at him before he becomes a free agent?
Ed Bouchette: Yes, that's precisely why he's not starting.
MAdesso: ED, keep up the good work man. So who do you see returning punts and kick offs in week 1?
Ed Bouchette: Santonio Holmes on punts and Mewelde Moore on kickoffs.
stillerz: Was holding Troy out more a precaution, or should we the 'nation' be concerned?
Ed Bouchette: When are you, the 'nation' not concerned? He'll be fine.
diehardsteelerfan: Making my first trip to Heinz for the Texans game. Any advice for a 1st time fan to the "new" stadium?
Ed Bouchette: Bring your ticket.
PittFanInRichmond: What about signing Darren Sproles who is a free agent next year? He would be a huge upgrade to our special teams.
Ed Bouchette: Ask me next year.
MAdesso: Ed, how does Roye look? Good pick up, or glaring concern?
Ed Bouchette: They're trying. He did OK in Cleveland before he was hurt.
patsycrusher: Hey Ed! After that nice run by Dixon in the Bills game, do you think the coaches will work in any gadget plays utilizing his speed during the regular season?
Ed Bouchette: I would not count that out. It would be at QB, though, and not WR the way they first used Stewart.
NCSteeler: Ed, How does the O-line look? Most national analysts are saying that the Steelers season hinges on the performance of this group more than any other factor--your thoughts?
Ed Bouchette: It's good to see those national analysts can read. I think they've been a pleasant surprise so far, but there's a long way to go.
Jim66: Ed, Do you think the Steelers pick up a veteran Safety when cuts start? Troy and Ryan Clark are injury risks at this point and Smith is inconsistent . Your thoughts?
Ed Bouchette: they had a chance with John Lynch and passed, so I'd say no they won't.
JMF213: Who makes the cut - Dallas Baker or Willie Reid?
Ed Bouchette: I think the nod goes to Baker.
Indiana_Steeler_Fan: Hi Ed, great to talk today. What's the latest on the Hartwig/Mahan battle?
Ed Bouchette: I believe Hartwig has clinched it, but the coach won't say that yet.
Steelersmania: Hey Ed love you chats, do you think the defense is in some serious trouble not being able to shut anyone down yet in preseason or will they regroup come regular season?
Ed Bouchette: Say this after me: It's only the preseason, it's only the preseason, it's only the preseason. How many series have they played? Four. How much scheming are they doing? None. How many different defenses have you seen? Few. How many games has Polamalu played? None.
Jason_In_Georgia: Will Lawrence Timmons be a house-hold name by mid-season? I think so.
Ed Bouchette: Who?
Chi-Town_Steeler: What's the latest with the situation at QB? Are we going to end up keeping 3?
Ed Bouchette: They'll keep three, maybe even four for a few weeks.
DSaurer: Ed, you believe it is a great idea to put Santonio Holmes at returning punts and such? I feel this is a risk that could hurt us if he gets injured, I much rather leave this to the specialist. What is wrong with Melwede Moore and Willie Reid doing the job?
Ed Bouchette: Let's really keep Holmes safe and not play him as much at wide receiver, where he could really get hurt. Good thing Chuck Noll did not use that logic when he put Lynn Swann and Louis Lipps back there.
Jason_In_Georgia: Will Timmons, Harrison and Woodley have a combined 30 sacks this season?
Ed Bouchette: Maybe 60.
BringBackWitman: Without a clear choice of a third TE, any chance the Steelers may keep an extra blocking fullback?
Ed Bouchette: No.
Jim66: Any word on what's happening with the Rooneys? Will the NFL bend the rules some how at the last minute for the Rooneys?
Ed Bouchette: The next word will come out of NY City next Tuesday when they meet with the commish.
mg: Isn't it a foregone conclusion that Leftwich will go elsewhere in 2009, and if so wouldn't cutting Charlie Batch be pretty shortsighted?
Ed Bouchette: They won't cut CB
Chi-Town_Steeler: What was the source talking about ... something juicy?
Ed Bouchette: Very.
MAdesso: Ed, any word if the Steelers have contacted Ray Seals to come out of retirement?
Ed Bouchette: I saw Kevin Colbert today and asked him that very question. I also said, "What, (retired Lions DT) Robert Porcher wasn't available?''
stillerz: Ed, 11-5, 10-6, or 9-7?
Ed Bouchette: 10-6, AFC North champs
MAdesso: Ed, when does Townsend get moved to safety full time?
Ed Bouchette: Not this year, for sure.
Jim66: ED, When you say Troy will be fine does that mean starting or being a productive force for this defense?
Ed Bouchette: He'll be healthy and if he's healthy, he'll be productive.
JMF213: Huge difference how Farrior and Smith are being vs greedy Faneca last year, your thoughts?
Ed Bouchette: It's called professional football for a reason. They're in it for the money, and Faneca knew he could get a lot more by leaving. Is that greed? Maybe. It's also smart.
McSmooth: What did you think of the Browns' fine performance last night?
Ed Bouchette: I've said they are overrated.
chooch79: Most likely Steeler to actually make a tackle on special teams this week?
Ed Bouchette: Orpheus Roye.
Katmandu: Ed, any scoop on who has the inside track for the third TE spot now that Dekker is lost for the year?
Ed Bouchette: I don't know that anyone does, and it's not as if someone is making a case for a 6th wide receiver instead.
Jim66: Four QB's and no blocking FB? Thats real smart.
Ed Bouchette: He asked if they'd keep TWO fullbacks, and I said no.
Chi-Town_Steeler: Come on Ed!!! Leaving us hanging with the juicy story from "the source." Not elaborating is mean... even for you!!!
Ed Bouchette: It involved ... Oh, I just can't. The competition reads this stuff.
Jason_In_Georgia: Will Santonio exceed 18.2 yards per catch this year?
Ed Bouchette: Probably not because 18.2 is pretty darn good these days. It used to be routine for receivers to average over 20 back in the Bradshaw throw-it-deep days. No more. the NFL has become a dink and dunk league.
Troy_43: I've heard that Limas Sweed has had problems with catching the ball, any idea why?
Ed Bouchette: No, other than he has had those problems.
yobabiesdaddy: If you had to cut a starter who would it be and why?
Ed Bouchette: Why would I cut a starter?
McSmooth: For all the Bengals talk about improving the character of their team, what do you make of them negotiating with Chris Henry again?
Ed Bouchette: You can only take the character stuff so far, then you have to do something to try to win games.
Troy_43: Who looks like the most promising young player on the Steelers roster?
Ed Bouchette: Lawrence Timmons.
Troy_43: Does Anthony Smith get cut?
Ed Bouchette: No.
Chi-Town_Steeler: Do you think we'll actually see the "Pony Backfield" this year?
Ed Bouchette: Yes.
74Steeler: Everyone seems to be making a big deal about the 'difficult' schedule. All they have to do is win the division and I see them being more seasoned due to the schedule and making a strong push in the post season. Your thoughts?
Ed Bouchette: Someone has to win the division, even at 8-8. They won't be a candidate for the bye, though.
Ed Bouchette: OK, that's it. Another source is calling me and I have to take it. There will be no chat next Tuesday, at least not by me. Perhaps we can entice someone to pinch hit? ed
First published on August 19, 2008 at 2:38 pm
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