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Ed Bouchette's Steelers chat: 9.26.17
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Ed Bouchette
1:58
Good afternoon, let's begin
Sheff
1:59
Are you ask shocked as I am about this backlash by Steelers fans?  I thought people came to watch football games, not outward displays of patriotism.
Ed Bouchette
2:00
No, I'm not shocked. It's a controversial topic and has been all along since Kap did it last year.  I do believe people misunderstood what the Steelers' intended -- to stay out of it altogether politically by remaining inside until after the anthem -- but the pictures told a different story.
Ben L
2:01
What do you attribute to the teams inconsistent play on offense/defense each week?  I feel they will break out soon and people will forget the slow start.  Hope I am right...
Ed Bouchette
2:01
I don't think they've been slow on defense, not until Sunday anyway when they were gouged for 220 yards rushing. The offense problems are perplexing with all that talent. I will say this, Le'Veon Bell has looked more like Jonathan Dwyer in the early going than himself.
Big John
2:02
Thanks for the great chats ED: After re watching the last 3 games, I have noticed that the defenses are taking a wait and see approach to LeVeon Bell. This was the extension of the AFC Championship game. Defenders are staying with the blocker and making Bell decide and then collapsing into the holes. Your thoughts?
Ed Bouchette
2:03
Bell has been doing this into his fifth season now. If defenses are just now adjusting as you say then shame on them. I don't think they are playing him much differently.
Ken
2:03
Can you post the mailing address of the Pittsburgh Steelers Headquarters so that people can write them letters on how we feel about the current situation with the kneeing? You would be doing a great service.
Ed Bouchette
2:04
If there are people not smart enough to find the Steelers address, then they are not smart enough to write them any letters.
Tom @ Knox
2:04
Hi Ed I'm a 19 year active duty Army Soldier that doesn't really care about all this flag stuff - lets just play some ball! How difficult is it for defensive players to fix tackling issues like we saw Sunday, is that something that can be remedied in a week?
Ed Bouchette
2:05
those stretch runs off zone blocking have often given the Steelers problems. They did fix it after Miami ran on them for 222 yards last year so maybe they can do it again. Basically, they have to stay in their own zones and not pursue down the line
JJ
2:05
I know it's only been three games, but does it seem to you that the NFL has come close to accomplishing parity with at least four teams ? I ask this because of the Steelers and the three teams that they have played and the closeness of those games.
Ed Bouchette
2:06
I'm not sure there is parity between the Browns and Steelers but I get your point. Here's another one: Jaguars 44, Ravens 7
Jacque Strap
2:06
If their plan to stay in the locker room during the anthem had been 'successful', do you think it would have continued the entire year? Otherwise, why do it? Players will be able to kneel in Baltimore/future games, *poof* there goes your 'unity'.
Ed Bouchette
2:06
Perhaps they did not think beyond Sunday. You make a good point. In Baltimore, they say they will come out for the anthem and whatever happens, happens.
JerseySteel
2:07
Hi Ed - Do you think part of the reason the offense can't find a rhythm is too many drives with a 1-2 yard run, incomplete deep pass, and then 3rd and long? Or throwing incomplete deep passes on 3rd and short? It seems to me they need to limit the home run threats until the offense is more in sync.
Ed Bouchette
2:08
I don't disagree with you but I've never considered myself an expert on offensive coordinators and it has worked really well for them at times. Remember, in Cleveland they were questioned for throwing a lot of short stuff early.
Rags from Baltimore
2:08
What is the rational behind not playing James Harrison on Sunday.  If nothing else shows making some adjustment to stopping the run. Getting tired of not seeing the Steelers even try to make adjustments with this coaching staff.
Ed Bouchette
2:08
They believe Watt and Chickillo are better, obviously. He did play 3 snaps on defense in Chicago.
Dave C
2:09
After getting run over literally by the Bears can we please get DEEBO on the field to tighten at least the right side up. That was embarrassing! 56 looked like he was getting pushed around to much. Thoughts on 92 playing this week?
Ed Bouchette
2:09
If he is going to play more, you'd think it would be in Baltimore because he almost always plays well against the Ravens. And I do think the Ravens will try the same stuff on the ground. But, if Watt is healthy and he plays, James won't unless Watt is not getting the job done.
2:10
PROGRAM NOTE:
Remember that this is a 30-minute chat. Please keep your questions shorter and make them questions, not statements, so I can answer
Croz
2:11
Can you remember a year, in recent history, that the Steelers started the season with so many players that have not played together yet? I play team sports, it takes a while to build comfort and trust.
Ed Bouchette
2:12
Really you only have Le'Veon Bell and Martavis Bryant on offense, right, other than rookie JuJu. On defense, there is Joe Haden and that's it, unless you count Cam Heyward missing half of last season. that's not a lot of new people in the lineup.
SOD
2:12
It is really painful to watch the much praised offense stumble around and look so lost.  Other than AB, no one is living up to their expectations.  Do think it is just rust or is Haley to blame?
Ed Bouchette
2:12
I would start with the players, but coaches can't be absolved either. I really have no answer other than Bell and Ben have not looked to be at the top of their games, and those are 2 pretty important pieces.
Dude_From_Cali
2:13
Ben's stats thus far seem fine but his AYA, (Average Yard ) per attempt (6.7) is below 7 for the first time in career. Meaning, mostly short catches. Thoughts?
Ed Bouchette
2:13
Well, you are correct, he has always had one of the highest averages per attempt in the league. But then, it is only 3 games.
NW by NW
2:14
Do you like the spin control coming from the players and coaches in light of leaving Big Al hang out to dry?
Ed Bouchette
2:15
I don't think it is spin. I believe what they're saying and I would not call me naive
TRex
2:16
who is more to blame for the offense, haley or tomlin?
Ed Bouchette
2:16
Why is it always some coach's fault. How about player performance?
dave
2:16
Do you think someone other than Rogers might return punts this week?
Ed Bouchette
2:16
Since they kept him back there after the fumble, I would think he'll be back there again.
Mike EE
2:17
Ed, the Ravens looked terrible this week. Can we take advantage Sunday or are we not who we think we are?
Ed Bouchette
2:17
I don't know about you, but I think the Steelers are certainly not playing up to the expectations on offense I had for them.
Rocky
2:18
Why is Ben so inaccurate this year on his passes?  Does accuracy just come and go?
Ed Bouchette
2:19
Sometimes it has to do with receivers running routes but since I don't know I'm not going to blame them. Sometimes the older a quarterback gets, like any other athlete, he slows down and is not as effective. Again, I don't know that is happening with Ben, but it has happened to the best of them.
Sheff
2:19
Do you think some Steelers players will kneel during the anthem in the coming weeks or will they return to "normal"?
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