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Ed Bouchette's Steelers chat
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Ed Bouchette
1:58
Good afternoon, let's begin
phil welsh steeler
1:58
hi ed ... why does the league not get rid of one of the four pointless friendly games and add another game to either extend the regular season or the play offs ... the season should be extended by giving all teams two bye weeks ... regards phil from wales ... go steelers
Ed Bouchette
1:59
There was plenty of talk of moving to an 18-game regular season schedule and eliminating 2 "friendlies" or as we call them over here, preseason, or as I call them, exhibition games.
2:00
But safety became a big issue and players resisted the extra two games -- especially since the starters do not play two full preseason games as it is, but would have to if they were regular season games
I do agree that there should be two off or "bye" weeks for each team. They did that one season in the '90s.
schnail
2:01
We have a good OL but seem to have trouble with short goal-line situations. Can Knile Davis (or James Conner for that matter) be the short-yardage pounder that makes us more comfortable with that option inside the 3-yard line? Or will we likely still see Bell in those situations?
Ed Bouchette
2:02
Bell is not a bad short-yardage back, especially with his versatility. They did have more trouble converting 2-point plays last season. It's not always a matter of pounding it in when you get down there.
Dennis N
2:02
I doubt the Steelers have the players who will be on their 53 man roster. A few players who might be brought in are Tre Boston, Calvin Pryor, at safety, or Gerald Hodges at ILB, or maybe a DT that gets cut, such at Treyvon Hester. What do you think?
Ed Bouchette
2:03
Really, I have not given that much thought. There always is turnover, right through training camp when players are picked up and make the team, such as Ross Cockrell, how a starting cornerback.
Taz
2:03
Hi Ed! I'm happy the Steelers were the first to sign a draft pick to a contract this year, with Allen. I know the current CBA makes it easier to come to terms, but the Steelers used to be among the last teams to get their draft class signed. I welcome the change, but why the change of heart in their approach to signing picks?
Ed Bouchette
2:04
There really is no change of heart and a bunch of rookie draft picks signed around the league before Allen did. There is no more drama nor mystery to signing draft picks. They are slotted.
PortVuein VA
2:04
With a solid tight end, big physical rookie WR, and a perfect Play action decoy/safety valve back, do you see more "dink and dunk" in games out of the gate? I dig the long ball, but not on 3rd and 6.
Ed Bouchette
2:05
With Ben Roethlisberger at quarterback, you are always going to have deep throws, but there are fewer of them than when Bruce Arians was the OC
SteelersFanFromIndia
2:05
Hi Ed, which team from AFCN you think has improved a lot? I think Baltimore a lot on their defense
Ed Bouchette
2:05
I agree the Ravens improved on defense. I don't know they did much for their offense and fans there are complaining about not finding a receiver.
2:06
Cleveland picked up a load of good talent in the draft but they have a long, long way to go
JerseySteel
2:06
Hi Ed - do you see ILB depth as a concern especially considering Shazier's injury history? Any chance they take a look at Gerald Hodges?
Ed Bouchette
2:07
I'm not sure why ILB should be such a concern. Vince Williams started 11 games there as a rookie and has played well at times since then. Depth is not what it used to be in the NFL, but they do have some experience behind the two starters with Johnson and Fort and second-yeat Matakevich
JerseySteel
2:07
The Steelers did not give DeMarcus Ayers at shot a returning punts last year (he was only active at the end of the year). Do you think they will give Cameron Sutton a shot this year and let AB focus on receiving?
Ed Bouchette
2:08
They did give Ayers a shot, but most of that came in training camp. I'm sure they will give Sutton a chance too. But if you cannot do it in practice, then you cannot do it in games.
skbrons
2:08
Hi Ed,.. what do you think of Joey Porter as a OLB coach and the progress his players are making?
Ed Bouchette
2:09
Bud Dupree has made good progress that was slowed by his surgery that put him on IR for half of last season. No, Jarvis Jones made no progress but is that on Porter or Jones just could not get it done? He's done a whale of a job with James Harrison.
2:10
Seriously, Porter is a passionate coach who I believe knows how to teach.
Frank
2:10
I'm still trying to hunt down one of those Dan Rooney commemorative bow and pin like you were wearing during your draft podcasts. Where can I get one?
Ed Bouchette
2:11
The Steelers issued those to us the day of the draft. I do not believe they are going to be for sale.
Hunter
2:11
Last year we almost expected the top 3 picks to earn starting jobs and they did. What expectations should we have to this year's class? Any guess if any of them will be starting by December?
Ed Bouchette
2:12
I believe T.J. Watt will alternate with James Harrison on the right. I believe JuJu will be the No. 4 wide receiver. I have no expectations for any of the others to play much as rookies, but that always can change based on how quickly they come on.
Injuries, of course, can change everything.
Hunter
2:12
Landry Jones saw a boatload of playing time in the preseason last year? Will Dobbs see that much time? Maybe even a series with the starters at some point? (I know he's the #3 QB)
Ed Bouchette
2:13
I can see him playing a lot, yes, in preseason games. I would not expect him to play with the real first team, though.
Cam Sutton can return punts, perhaps. Knile Davis might be a kick returner, but he has to make the team first.
sylvester
2:14
Revis would be a great fit,,help some of the younger players mature and also home town guy
Ed Bouchette
2:14
The NFL has determined his level of play has diminished, thus he remains unsigned.
fastcars4me35
2:14
Good afternoon, Have the Steelers shown any interest in Gary Barnridge TE?
Ed Bouchette
2:15
I have heard of none.
Reston
2:15
Do you think that the Steelers could have picked up that LS they drafted in the 6th as a UFA? Seems like a waste of a pick especially since they already have Warren under contract.
Ed Bouchette
2:16
If they thought they could have, they probably would have -- or even in the 7th round. By drafting him in the sixth round, they obviously thought someone else would draft him before their turn came again.
Plus, if you wait until after the draft, there is competition from others to sign him. Just because the Steelers wanted him was no guarantee they would get him.
Quinn
2:17
Who is the Steelers third string ILB
Ed Bouchette
2:17
That will be worked out in camp, but I think Steven Johnson
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