JotCast | Ed Bouchette's Steelers chat: 01.08.19

Ed Bouchette's Steelers chat: 01.08.19

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Ed Bouchette

1:59

Good afternoon, let's begin

JerseySteel

1:59

Hi Ed - by all accounts James Saxon was very successful in his role and well liked. What was the reason that Tomlin decided not to renew his contract?

Ed Bouchette

2:02

They never give one, but it's not always the performance of his players that causes a coach to be fired. This is not specific to James Saxon, but coaches can be fired for other things such as not contributing enough in other areas, which can range from the gameplan to scouting. They can have issues with other coaches, including the head coach. There could be a falling out, or maybe a coach out there the head coach wants to hire.

JerseySteel

2:02

Hi Ed - knowing how the Steelers have handled issues for a long time, do you think AB will be a Steeler for the 2019 season or playing elsewhere?

Ed Bouchette

2:03

I believe he will not be with the Steelers, although that's not 100 percent belief. He'll play somewhere else -- provided he something doesn't anger him that he skips practices.

Jeff

2:03

In your opinion, is it mostly hubris that keeps Tomlin from having an assistant for replay reviews?

Ed Bouchette

2:05

Yes. Maybe the coaches he hires to replace Saxon and Porter he could trust with also aiding from the booth on whether to challenge replays by, you know, actually watching them in the booth and rendering an opinion to the head coach, especially on the road

Ryno

2:05

Did Ridley fumble his way out of Pittsburgh?

Ed Bouchette

2:05

I don't think he did much of anything to show they should keep him. He will be a UFA. They can do better

Rick

2:05

It looks like mirror window dressing when it comes to changes in the Steeler staff....what do you think?

Ed Bouchette

2:07

The fans won't be satisfied until he throws more overboard, right? I don't see that happening. He changed 40 percent of the defensive staff last year, now chopped another. He fired Todd Haley last year, promoted Fichtner to OC and hired a new WR coach to replace one who retired. Contrary to popular opinion, that is plenty of change in the staff.

scott in dallas

2:08

IF Butler was the next great D Coordinator why has Tomlin (rumors galore) been running the defense?

Ed Bouchette

2:09

Lots of coaches do that. You don't think Bill Cowher had a say in how the Steelers ran their defense. Dick LeBeau was the exception when he was DC under both men. Butler and Tomlin had a previous coaching relationship and maybe they just work well together. What they need is better talent at LB and in the secondary

JerseySteel

2:09

Hi Ed - Do the Steelers draft defense heavy including the 1st and 2nd round?

Ed Bouchette

2:10

Well, that depends on whether AB is here or not and if he's not, if they have 2 first-rounders. But they desperately need LBs and CBs

blitzburgsteeler

2:10

To you knowledge, has Mr. Rooney talked to A.B.?

Ed Bouchette

2:10

To my knowledge, no one has. Except James Harrison

DaquidoBazzini

2:10

Hi, Ed - Who appears to be next in line in power (ownership) wise to Art II, now and in the future?

Ed Bouchette

2:12

You can never say for sure because of all the new minority owners, but it sure looks like Dan Rooney, Art's son, would be the one. Thomas Tull, one of the most influential minority owners, told me he thought Dan would be next

scott in dallas

2:12

IF Brown is traded for a 1st rounder do they need to consider spending that pick on a new WR to take his place? Obviously, hoping their own 1st is spent on an ILB...

Ed Bouchette

2:13

If Brown is traded, they definitely need a top-flight WR to help take up that slack, whether he's a free agent or a draft pick

DaquidoBazzini

2:13

Is Keith Butler's job as DC safe, or is there still hope that he will be asked to move on?

Ed Bouchette

2:13

I believe Keith Butler will be the defensive coordinator in 2019.

Scott

2:14

Good afternoon Ed, from what I understand the NFL trading period starts March 13th. Would the Steelers be allowed to negotiate a trade for Brown prior to that during the early offseason?

Ed Bouchette

2:14

Yes, they can negotiate, even allow his agent to negotiate with other teams. Just can't make it official until March 13 after 4 p.m.

TXFan Here

2:14

I think AB is gone for sure because he let the team, organization, ownership, fanbase down. I strongly believe there are teams willing to give up 1 1st and 1 2nd for him because AB is a game changer. What do you think?

Ed Bouchette

2:15

I think they would do fine to get a first-round pick. I can't see them getting more.

Devin

2:15

Is Maurkice Pouncey a Hall of Famer?

Ed Bouchette

2:15

In my book he is.

Daniel

2:15

Why is Tomlin so loyal to Danny Smith and Keith Butler?

Ed Bouchette

2:16

Maybe because they are good coaches who need better players.

NickFromVA

2:16

I've heard a lot of folks say that the Steelers are in salary cap trouble next year. I thought they would get a significant bump from not paying Lev this year. Is that incorrect?

Ed Bouchette

2:16

They should be fine under the cap.

NickFromVA

2:16

Is Bud Dupree gone?

Ed Bouchette

2:18

I don't see them paying him just under $10 million for one season, which they would do if they don't remove the fifth-year option. They could sign him to a multi-year deal for much less annually. Of course, he'd have to agree. If not, he could be gone

DSF

2:18

Does Ben have too much power? Yes his interception ratio has been consistent throughout his career but he is throwing much more and the defense isn't as good, after getting rid of the offensive coordinator he didn't like.

Ed Bouchette

2:18

All great quarterbacks have more say than the average ones, as it should be.

2:20

I'm sorry, but I have to cut this chat short today because someone just called me for an important interview. We'll stretch it out a little more next week

Connecting…

Dan Bartoli

6:59

MHO, the Porter dismissal made perfect sense. His linebackers underperformed. The Saxon dismissal makes no sense at all. Any insights

Ryno

7:00

Did Saxon park in Tomlin's parking space, or what happened?

Andrew K

7:00

Good Afternoon

ABgone?

7:01

Hi Ed, What obligations are player held to on gameday when declared inactive?

T. Lazarus Link, aka, The Bishop

7:01

Ed, if the Steelers decide to move on from Butler and Cleveland doesn't hire Williams, do you think Williams would be a good fit in Pittsburgh?

JerseySteel

7:01

Hi Ed - Does Ben get his wish and they bring back Ramon Foster or does BJ Finney take over?

Ryno

7:01

Any word on updates pertaining to the lawsuits Brown is facing in Florida? And are any of his actions enough to trigger disciplinary action from the league? This guy sounds like he needs some anger management classes.

Daniel

7:02

What has happened to Tuitt? I really thought we had two headed monsters in Heyward and Tuitt, but I hardly hear Tuitt's name called during the games. Do you think it is the big contract, injuries or coaching or what?

blitzburgsteeler

7:03

Has Mr. Rooney attempted to try and resolve the A.B. situation? If not, do you think he should?

Ryno

7:03

With Brown apparently doing whatever he has wanted for a long time, it reminds me of when he was on Dancing with the Stars and they interviewed Tomlin. Tomlin was actually laughing when he commented how Brown is constantly late. How many other head coaches in the league publicly laugh about their players being late all the time?

Jim

7:04

Why no change at D coordinator when miscommunication issues have plagued them for 2 seasons?

NickFromVA

7:04

As a Steelers fan, I'm happy that the Ravens are most likely parting ways with Joe Flacco. I just don't see Lamar Jackson having as much success in the NFL as Flacco did. That style of play doesn't hold up in the NFL, and he is not the most accurate passer. Will I regret being happy about this?

blitzburgsteeler

7:05

Has Mr. Rooney tried to resolve the A.B. situation?

TXFan Here

7:05

If AB is gone, what FA WRs do you think will be there for the Steelers?

Jim

7:05

Could Tomlins fingers in the defense this year be the reason Butler is still around ?

NickFromVA

7:05

I'm probably in the minority here, but I don't think Keith Butler was the problem for Pittsburgh this season. They were highly ranked in almost every defensive category except for turnovers. If the defense gets a few more turnovers, we're probably preparing for our first playoff game. Do you agree, or do you think Butler needs to go?

scott in dallas

7:06

I hope we can keep Munchak as the "Coach in Waiting" pending an MT flameout next year. Seems like he keeps his players on an even keel and players love working for him. Sounds like HC material to me (Titans not withstanding). What say you?

Daniel

7:07

Whose call was it to fumble on Bell situation? The Steelers could have used $14.5M to sign a defensive stud. I tend to think it was Colbert's call. What is your call on this?

Ryno

7:07

Your best guess - was not renewing Porter a Tomlin call, or was that decision made higher up?

JerseySteel

7:07

Hi Ed - do the Steelers let Chickillo walk away in FA and replace him on the roster with Ola? Are the Steelers still high on Ola and/or Keion Adams?

NickFromVA

7:08

How likely do you think that the Steelers trade AB for a top Corner? Think Patrick Petersen or Jalen Ramsey

FreeTankCarter

7:08

James Harrison it was playing time. LeVeon Bell it was money. What exactly is Antonio Brown's problem?

scott in dallas

7:08

The biggest thing to me about the Replay help that is needed is they would need to find someone with a full understanding of the insanely complex rulebook as well or would more common sense fix the issue?

kevin in Punxsy

7:08

Ed, how much influence, do you think, was provided by Art II, relative to the two coaching changes that have been made, and do you think that Art II is demanding a "challenge" coach for next year?

David

7:09

If I were GM/HC, I would fire DC, SP coach, ILB coach like yesterday. I would also hire a QB coach to mentor Rudolph. What are we waiting for?

No more drama

7:09

Why did Saxon get fired? Something about the Leveon Bell saga?

blitzburgsteeler

7:09

Did Mr. Rooney get involved with the A.B situation?

Dan from Rochester

7:09

Butler out Greg Williams in. What say you?

blitzburgsteeler

7:10

Hi Ed- Did Mr. Rooney get involved in the A.B situation?

Kool-Aid

7:10

In regards to the possibility of AB being traded, Would the return be more suited with players rather then picks? (Taking Ben getting a contract extension in mind)

Reston Steeler Fan

7:10

How about hiring Gene Steratore as the replay coordinator for the Steelers?

Ryno

7:10

It is supposedly taboo for players to speak out against other players publicly. Is it a good sign that the players are just fed up with the coaches not fixing problems and that is why they are making public comments about behavior such as what Brown exhibits behind the scenes?

Fineline

7:10

If Faneca was working for NFL Net or ESPN would his Hall chances greatly improve?

NickFromVA

7:10

Ed, I feel like the secondary is set if they add a corner opposite Haden. Do you agree? Also, who else in the secondary is signed for next season?

STEEL72

7:11

Ed, has this been the worst drama you've experienced in your time covering the team? Or is this recency bias?

7:11

Your opinion on letting Matthew Thomas go? I thought they were high on him and ILB is such a need.

Fort Worth Mike

7:12

Do you see a coaching change coming for special teams? Seems like the units were undisciplined.

Rob

7:12

Hi,Ed, do you think the team will hire replay challenge guy to assist Tomlin like the Penguins and Pirates have?

ALB

7:12

Ed, with the probable departures of Bell and Brown combined with all the free agents, will this team be totally different next year? Is there the potential for a huge collapse?

Jim

7:12

Lots of good RB’s in draft, do we grab one in TD 3 to solidify backfield?

Pompeani v Nutting

7:12

Ed, how do you think the team views the contributions of Hargrave in the back half of the season? Are the days of the 2 down sets largely behind us?

Justin

7:12

Happy New Year! I know they have Finney waiting in the wings, but any chance they bring back Foster? From what I heard and have seen, I always liked him.

kevin in Punxsy

7:13

Ed, I guess there are rumors out there that Jalen Ramsey wants out of Jacksonville. What would you think of a AB for JR trade, straight up??

scott in dallas

7:13

Will the Steelers extend Pouncey first as requested by Ben? Is that really what he is going to decide his career end on?

Steeler_Canada

7:13

Ed whats your thoughts on replacing Butler? If so what about Bowles or Williams? Has there been any talk in organization about changing the D Coordinator?

Alex

7:13

I noticed Tomlin has affection for Va Tech and West Virginia players. Can you please tell him to be fair to other schools?

Bill

7:13

Tomlin

Bake

7:13

Is it safe to assume that if AB is here long enough to get his March roster bonus he will not be traded?

Gibby in Indy

7:13

Hi Ed. I loved the classy act Sidney Crosby had with the heckler in New York (giving him a signed stick). Crosby has more class in the tip of his "stick" than Antonio Brown has in his whole body. What you say???

Johnson

7:13

The steelers need more Heath Miller type players a total team player. Heath could have had as many catches as say a mark Witten , but never complained about not getting the ball. All he wanted to do was win and the team did. Going to 3 Super Bowls.

blitzburgsteeler

7:14

With Boswell's struggles this year, are the steelers going to go in a different direction next year?

NickFromVA

7:14

I know the popular opinion is that the Steelers and AB need to part ways, but if they trade him who's left? Rogers, Hunter, and DHB are all UFAs.

Pompeani v Nutting

7:14

I keep hearing talk that the team should be drafting RB high. Is this madness? JC is excellent when he's on the field and Samuels looks like he can be worked in as well. Seems like developmental Oline is more of a draft need than RB.

scott in dallas

7:14

The flaw in expecting a 3rd comp pick is that if we have to sign a top FA LB/CB/WR with the saved money then that will offset the Bell loss right?

Zack

7:14

Butler made a lot of poor defensive calls. Why not go after someone better?

Chris

7:14

If I remember correctly, this was the last year on Ryan Shazier's contract? Any inkling as to what might be next for him next year?

Ramon

7:14

Hello, will Bens lobbying extend my time in the ‘Burgh, or is it Finney time?

blitzburgsteeler

7:15

Do you expect any more coaching changes for the Steelers?

Bill

7:15

Tomlin's tone at his last press conference sounded like he believed big changes were needed to avoid a repeat of this year. Obviously the RB and LB coaching changes aren't the big changes fans were hoping for - what other changes do you think he will make?

Zack

7:15

I wouldn't trade AB, especially with the cap hit, for just a 1st rounder

No more drama

7:15

Any chance Ben takes a hometown discount to afford his o-line to stay?

blitzburgsteeler

7:15

Is Boswell done with the Steelers?

Ryno

7:15

If the Steelers were to trade Brown, would he have any say in where he was traded to since the Steelers own his contract?

Jeff

7:16

Hi Ed. I got lit up yesterday from Ray so let me try and re-phrase my question. For the record AB actions at practice are deplorable. Having said that, if your best performing employee screws something up do you call them out in front of everyone? I know we don't have the full story but Ben always seems to escape criticism when it comes to off field (or game) stuff. AB needs to go but why is Bens lack of leadership never in question. Thanks for a great chat

NickFromVA

7:16

Is there anyway that Danny Smith is a coach in Pittsburgh next year?

blitzburgsteeler

7:16

Will there be any more coaching changes for the Steelers this year?

GjSteel

7:16

Hi Ed...thanks for the chats...So your saying there will be no defensive changes until Mike T is no longer head coach....I would like to also point out..Mike T. is the one picking all the defensive players as well...J.Jones..B. Dupree and Artie Burns...

PANTS

7:16

Ed tell me why this team will be competitive next year and please give me another reason other then cause if ben is still there they have a chance......

jim c

7:16

why has tomlin let two players for the last three years damage the reputation of a stellar organization who now is looked at as the way you don't run a team, when 4 years ago they were looked at as one of the most organized teams in football. How did Art Rooney let this happen?

Ray

7:16

Any chance Marvin Lewis gets a look with talk of expanding staff?

Jim

7:17

I think people looking to string up Butler need to remember we were a good corner and ILB away from being a really good defense. Agree?

Steelman

7:17

Ed trade AB for Ramsey, reduce Deprees salary, play Ola, draft ilb, cb’s sign a WR. Simple

Epiballo

7:17

I am amazed by Ryan Shazier: running and lifting weights! It is so great that he can recover to live a normal life, but do you think he could ever make it back to playing in the NFL? It is his decision, of course, but that would be incredible after the injury he suffered.

Jimmy

7:17

Everyone blames Tomlin for everything. What are the roles of team captain such as Heyward? Can they be more of a leader inside the locker room?

Johnson

7:17

Please patrick p and second round pick from cardinals for I ,

SouthsideGuy

7:17

Ed, why do people hate Keith Butler so much? Two straight top 6 defenses, two straight years leading the league in sacks with no elite playmakers on defense

NickFromVA

7:17

Following up on my cap question, do the Steelers use some of that cap space to sign a good corner? They clearly aren't drafting them.

International steeler

7:17

With the multiple key player departures should the organization supplement the team with some free agent signings

scott in dallas

7:18

Is Burns salvageable or should we expect him to be traded for the "late round draft pick"?

blitzburgsteeler

7:18

What sort of contract extension do you see for Big Ben?

AZ Brian

7:18

Hi Ed. Thank you for your valuable insight. With a potential trade of AB that should yield some 1st round picks (or at least one 1st round pick), should allow the Steelers to use the extra picks to move up in the 1st round and grab impact players for the D. (Moving up may be unnecessary if the trade partner is already in the top 10.) With the largest needs being CB and ILB, I would like the Steelers to target Greedy Williams (LSU CB) or Devin White (LSU ILB). Both are elite and would help immediately before our SB window closes. What say you?

Bill

7:18

Did two WR's getting in last year hurt Ward's chances of getting in for a few years?

Bake

7:18

How many years would you extend Ben for?

Mark from North Carolina

7:18

Last year the Steelers passed almost 68% of the time. I get that the league is pass-happy but 68% seems excessive. Do you see more emphasis on the run coming up? Maybe even another top 3 draft pick on a solid RB?

Alan

7:18

Do you think the Steelers end up trading Brown?

Dan from Rochester

7:18

Does shazier stay on as a an assistant now that he is no longer under contract ?

Tom in CA

7:18

If it was your decision, would you fire Tomlin?

scott in dallas

7:18

IF Boswell is kept would you expect a contract restructure with salary converted to incentives?

David

7:18

please Patrick p and the second round pick for i’m For myself ab

kevin in Punxsy

7:19

Ed, do you think that Ola Adenyi has a good chance of being the right OLB in 2019?

Ryno

7:19

I your opinion, will t h.g.h e Steelers be drafting high enough to be able to get a real playmaker? Last time around all the big inside linebackers were gone by the time it was their turn.

Jim

7:19

Can we all finally agree that the Landry Jones pick was wasted? Especially in round 4!

Mike

7:19

Why can't they draft a CB or develop one? This is a big mystery to me being a Steeler fan. Also, do you think Bradley is a good coach. Is he a Tomlin hire or a Rooney hire?

blitzburgsteeler

7:19

Do you see Ryan Shazier becoming a coach for the Steelers?

Mark from North Carolina

7:20

Justin Hunter gone next year? Seems to make little to no impact when he is one the field.

Tuna

7:20

Do you think Morgan Burnett will be back next year?

Renegade

7:20

Was Shazier on the PUP list this year and because of that there is still salary cap ramification next year? Read somewhere that was the case.

Epiballo

7:20

Are you surprised by the criticisms and fun discontent with Big Ben? I think he is a great QB and had done so much, and will accomplish more before her retires.

Cliff

7:21

Did Boswell just have a bad case of the yips or did something mechanical affect his results?

Barrett

7:21

What ever happed to the Steelers D causing a lot of turnovers? We just don't get many anymore.

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