Ed Bouchette's Steelers chat transcript: 4.3.12

Tuesday, 03 April 2012 14:23

Written by Ed Bouchette

Ed Bouchette: Any time there is a fumble or an interception that the replay official upstairs deems a close call, he will take another look. No, it does not include turnover on downs unless a coach uses one of his challenges to check the spot of the ball.

Steel Curtain Rising: Ed a couple of three weeks ago on PG Plus you wrote "Wallace must prove that what happened to him in the second half of the 2011 season was not a fluke, that the change in his attitude was temporary...." How widely held is this belief that Wallace's was held back because of his attitude as opposed to double teams and/or simply reaching a plateau in his development?

Ed Bouchette: Don't know if his attitude helped amplify his performance in the second half of the season or not, just noticed a change as his production fell off. I don't buy the double-team excuses being made for him. The good ones will always be double-teamed and the great ones find a way. You think Jerry Rice was ever doubled? And if he reached a plateau in his development and that was what we saw in the second half of last season, then why would the Steelers want him back at a high cost?

Hombre De Acero: Excellent reporting on Mike Tomlin's non-mention of Keenan Lewis. Do you think that Tomlin really think that Cortez Allen and Courtney Brown have passed him, or do you think Tomlin's merely trying to keep Lewis motivated?

Ed Bouchette: No, I think it was an honest answer by him to a question and him showing obvious enthusiasm for last year's two rookies before he did Lewis. Don't know if anyone has an edge going into this year, that they will go with the best.

JamesinNYC: If there were to bring in Bell, unlikely I know, he would be given a starting job. Who would that move inside or to the sideline?

Ed Bouchette: Don't know that he would push anyone out of a starting job. Maybe become No. 3, take Jonathan Scott's spot.

Okiesteelerfan: Hi Ed, with all the fines JHarrison received for his hits in the run of play what sort of punishment do you expect the Saints players to get as they were trying to hurt opponents?

Ed Bouchette: I would say 1-2 game suspensions for a few players.

Hombre De Acero: I am a huge Mike Tomlin fan, but how much does he damage his credibility with the press by claiming that the decision to dismiss Arians was completely his when so much information on the public record, including some of his own statements, contradicts this?

Ed Bouchette: I've been around coaches long enough to know that some of what they say isn't always the literal truth.

James_Pittsburgh: What are the chances of the Steelers drafting someone other than Mike Adams or Hightower in the first round? Any chance of the Steelers drafting Coby Fleener?

Ed Bouchette: At No. 24, you might be able to get the field if you bet that vs. Adams/Hightower. How about a guard from Georgia?

Hombre De Acero: Art Rooney II has gone on record a couple of three times indicating that the Steelers want to sign Mike Wallace to a long term deal. Do you stand by your inital assessment that Wallace will return for the one-year tender?

Ed Bouchette: Yes. That's not etched in stone because they do not consult with me when they negotiate contracts. I think Rooney, Kevin Colbert and Mike Tomlin are all sincere in their wishes to have Wallace sign a long-term deal. However, that would depend on both sides coming together on a price.

Steel Curtain Rising: Are you surprised that the Jerricho Cotchery is still a free agent? At what point do you think the Steelers might make a move signing him?

Ed Bouchette: I am. Cotchery is a good, possession receiver and the Steelers would love to have him back. It's good for them other teams have greeted his free agency with lukewarm receptions. I thought for sure he'd get more money and a higher pecking order with another team in FA.

dave: Someone asked you about Jack Lambert in your blog. I remember hearing that he had some kind of financial dispute with the Steelers, and that's why he doesn't participate in alumni activities with the franchise. Is that true?

Ed Bouchette: I have heard the same, although I do not know the full details. He did have a deal with them to sell his jerseys but I don't know where that stands either.

Steel Curtain Rising: Ed, I loved your piece on Ron Erhardt and was surprised to learn that the Steelers had a handshake agreement with him to step down after the 1995 season. Was this agreement comment knowledge at the time, or was it something that only surfaced in recent years?

Ed Bouchette: It wasn't common knowledge and I think I wrote it somewhere along the line back then.

Steel Curtain Rising: According to published reports the Steelers have 5.5 million dollars in salary cap space. About how much of that might they need to sign draft picks?

Ed Bouchette: Remember that draft picks almost never sign before June and most not until the final two weeks of training camp. They don't count until then and a lot of things can happen before that to create more room if they need it.

Hombre De Acero: Care to take a stab at this - which number is greater, Farewell tours by The Who, Terry Funk retirement matches, or Bill Parcells retirements?

Ed Bouchette: I'm betting Parcells leads the Saints on and then doesn't take that job.

John B: If the problem with the RBs we have no is they haven't been on the field much, how would drafting one help?

Ed Bouchette: You are correct because whomever they might draft also will not have been in an NFL game. You have to put your faith in scouts and their evaluations. Also, if they draft one they may believe he's better than most of what they have.

Draftnik: My mock draft has the Steelers selecting Coby Fleener TE from Stanford. Good mid range target for Ben. What do you think?

Ed Bouchette: There's no way I would draft a tight end on the first round.

Okiesteelerfan: Any thoughts on the new Nike uniforms?

Ed Bouchette: Aren't they the same as the old ones?

Draftnik: My sources tell me Isiah Pead RB Cincy Bearcats was at the Steelers complex today. I see the Steelers drafting him in the 2nd round.

Ed Bouchette: Since I reported that around noon, I'd say you have good sources.

Tony Pittsburgh: Ed I don't know how much your following this yrs draft. Is there an oline guard you like for the Steelers to draft?

Ed Bouchette: Yes. Cordy Glenn of Georgia. There are a ton of good guards if they don't get him.

IrishColt: Why haven't the Colts announced Luck will be drafted? Any chance they grab RG3?

Ed Bouchette: It sounds as if Jim Irsay loves Luck.

Frenchy Fuqua: Any chance if Trent Richardson is hanging around 15-20 range the Steelers move up and grab him after his great Pro Day?

Ed Bouchette: No, and he isn't going to hang around that long anyway.

James_Pittsburgh: Do you feel that Mike Adams could start immediately if drafted by the Steelers?

Ed Bouchette: No, I think he's more of a project and I don't know if you draft a project on the first round.

chris: Will they hang on to Wesley Saunders? Will they draft another TE?

Ed Bouchette: Will they get a fullback? Will David Johnson move to tight end full time? Saunders position -- shaky since his four-game suspension -- will be determined on who if anyone they can find to replace him.

Russ Grimm: What Will Steeler Fans say if William Gay makes the Pro Bowl in Arizona?

Ed Bouchette: Should have kept him. However, that will be difficult for him to do since it does not look as though he will start.

Guest: Worst First Round Pick in Steeler History? Huey Richardson?

Ed Bouchette: No. Look up Dick Leftridge, RB, West Virginia. He was the third overall pick in 1966, by the Steelers. He played in just four games.

JamesinNYC: Adams questionable motor a turnoff for the Steelers?

Ed Bouchette: You don't necessarily need a "motor" to play tackle. However, you do need quickness and while he appears to be athletic, he hasn't translated that into his play.

Ed Bouchette: Thank you all for another chat. See you next week.