JotCast | Ed Bouchette's Steelers chat: 8.15.17

Ed Bouchette's Steelers chat: 8.15.17

Ed Bouchette

2:00

Good afternoon, let's begin

Alex

2:01

Your quick thoughts on two topics: 1) Are Trumaine Johnson rumors true? 2) Is J Hawkins spot secured, or does Feiler have a chance of overtaking him?

Ed Bouchette

2:02

I could imagine the Steelers might want to acquire another corner via trade (although they've struck out through that route enough times) but I don't think they would pay $17 million annually for one. Hawkins better pick things up if he wants to make the team.

Guest

2:03

Granted it is one preseason game, but I thought Mike Hilton looked really solid. Any thoughts on his chances to make the final roster?

Ed Bouchette

2:04

I think he has the team made, provided there is no real back-sliding by him. He is competing at the slot corner right now with William Gay. All the others -- Cam Sutton and Senquez Golson -- have been hurt and unable to compete, although vet Coty Sensabaugh could also be used there.

Sergio From Mexico

2:05

Hi Ed. Thanks for the chats and keeping us up to date on our beloved Steelers. Should we be worried about Shazier´s hammy injury? I know it´s only preseason, but he has been out for a while now, we need him and everyone healthy¡¡¡ Go Steelers¡¡¡

Ed Bouchette

2:06

It is a hamstring and he is young, so he should be able to bounce back from it in time for the regular season, or even quite a bit before that.

Daniel

2:06

What is the difference between Joshua Dobbs and Dak Prescott? What does Prescott have that Dobbs doesn't have? They both come from SEC and played extensively and were drafted in 3~4 round. I am just wondering what made Prescott so successful and how Dobbs can follow his recipe for success.

Ed Bouchette

2:06

Prescott has done it at a high level as a rookie with the Dallas Cowboys. Dobbs has played one preseason game.

Todd D.

2:07

I think this could be the year the Steelers get ring #7. Of course Ben, Brown, Bryant and Bell will play a huge roll in that if they can all remain healthy. I think we can outscore anybody if needed and that includes the Patriots. Would you agree?

Ed Bouchette

2:07

Yes, now they must go out and do it.

Steve

2:07

Ed - do you sense there will be any problems with T.J. Watt being named the starter over James Harrison? I really hope James doesn't just decide to pack it in for lack of playing time.

Ed Bouchette

2:08

I think James knows the score. He's 39. I am surprised anyone was surprised at Joey Porter's pronouncement to me that they will go with Watt and Dupree most of the way.

JerseySteel

2:08

Hi Ed - is there any chance that the Steelers trade for the Rams CB Trumaine Johnson or is it just rumors?

Ed Bouchette

2:08

Unless the Rams can somehow take on about half of his guaranteed $17 M salary, I don't see it.

JerseySteel

2:09

Hi Ed - last year, there was a lot of excitement about Jerald Hawkin's potential before he got injured and was lost for the season. How has he looked in camp this year?

Ed Bouchette

2:09

Not as good as he looked last summer before the injury

Taz

2:09

Hi Ed! Is Shazier a candidate for the PUP list with a bum hammy?

Ed Bouchette

2:10

No, once you step on the practice field, you no longer are eligible for PUP. not that serious to consider doing that.

Charlotte John

2:11

Hi Ed! Are we going to see an unexpected game #1 starter in the Steeler secondary such as a Hilton? If so, would this be because someone earned it, or a case of "its the next man up"

Ed Bouchette

2:11

No, I think you will see the same starting lineup in the secondary to start out that you saw toward the end of last season. The nickel corner could be different.

DWSteelerFan

2:12

Where do you rate Tomlin among the current NFL coaches? I have him at number 2 behind Belichick. It isn't like effective clock management or intelligent 2 point conversion decisions are a big deal anyway, right?

Ed Bouchette

2:12

He is a real good coach. I don't rate them in order.

SteelerJunky

2:12

Do the Steelers have a scenario where Watt and Harrison are on the field at the same time?

Ed Bouchette

2:12

Not really, no.

Big John from Va.

2:13

Thanks for taking my question, with Bell holding out and expected to sign at the start of the season. Could the Steelers hold on to an extra RB? Watson maybe?

Ed Bouchette

2:13

I don't see a scenario where they will keep four. They keep 3 and a fullback. That's not to say Watson cannot be one of the 3.

steeltexan

2:13

Hi Ed, thanks for doing the chat, what is you best guess as of when will Leveon Bell sign and be back?

Ed Bouchette

2:14

The week before Labor Day

Scott in Dallas

2:14

Will the elevation of TJ Watt to starter keep James H. on the bench or do you see that rookie wall looming with a switch back to Deebo towards the end of the season?

Ed Bouchette

2:14

You can never predict how a rookie will do, but the plan is to go with him until he tires out -- and I don't see him tiring out -- gets hurt or is unproductive.

steeltexan

2:15

Hi Ed, of the drafted rookies, who do you think won't make the 53 roster? keion Adams and Brian Allen?

Ed Bouchette

2:15

Because of the numbers, yeah, those two probably are practice squad guys.

Hunter

2:16

William Gay has been serviceable but I'd rather see the team roll the dice with all these young corners. Do you think the limited practice time for rookies is the only thing keeping Gay on the 53 this year?

Ed Bouchette

2:16

William Gay has been an iron man and that is to his advantage. The same cannot be said for many younger players at his position.

Scott in Dallas

2:16

Will Kaepernick get a job (on an NFL team playing QB) this year or is he too polarizing to fan bases? I know the Steelers are not interested in that three ring circus since they already experienced the fallout with M. Vick when he signed.

Ed Bouchette

2:17

And what was the fallout with Vick? Did the Steelers become less popular? Did they sell fewer tickets? They did not.

Todd - MI

2:18

Hilton Makes final roster.. Agree?

Ed Bouchette

2:18

Yes

Ju Ju Bean

2:18

Love the chats Ed. Is Martavus good to go now for regular season games, or are there still stipulations for him to complete?