Tuesday, 28 August 2012 14:26

Written by Ed Bouchette

Ed Bouchette: Good afternoon, I'm off today but let's chat anyway

Tprod: Ed, Gilbert has taken out Johnson and almost took out DeCastro for the season. Who's next?

Ed Bouchette: Maybe a Bronco next time.

Tprod: Ed, better play from the defensive line especially Hood, but still seems the ILBs, particularly Foote, are taken out of the play too easily. Colts and even the Bills had success on strongside runs.

Ed Bouchette: Bills in first half had 43 yards rushing in first half with first teams in there and a 3.6-yard average.

Tprod: Ed, is Adams even close to being the primary backup as tackle or does Essex get the nod?

Ed Bouchette: If something were to happen to Max Starks, Adams could start the next game. However, since he only plays one position, I would think he won't dress for the Denver game.

Football guy: How much discussion/debate is there between Haley/LeBeau in terms of preparation? Is that common among coordinators around the league? Do they discuss, "here is how I would attack your defense/offense"? If so, will that dynamic help both of them get better with Haley's new perspective (vs. Arians having been around a while)?

Ed Bouchette: I would think they exchange ideas, yes.

Rick in LA: Ed, my friends are salivating over MJD coming to the Steelers, is there to your knowledge any hints or dialogue the Steelers are inquiring about a potential trade?

Ed Bouchette: None.

OkieSteelerfan: What's the word on Wallace, is he reporting today after practice?

Ed Bouchette: He's already there. Arrived this morning. Can't practice until next week because he has to wait 3 days and they won't practice until Monday after that. He can run, work out, though.

Nate: Ed, obviously the players will welcome Wallace back with open arms but what about Tomlin's feeling towards him?

Ed Bouchette: I'm sure his feelings toward Mike will be fine, although I would not expect him to give him a big hug today.

dave: Do you think they might keep Johnson as the 3rd QB instead of Batch?

Ed Bouchette: If they do that, Johnson would more likely go on practice squad.

jim: Ed now that Mike Wallace is back do you think the steelers will still call as many running plays or will they call more passing plays?

Ed Bouchette: I believe that will be determined by game plans vs. opponents, weaknesses, etc. They were never going to be a run-dominant offense. They just want to run it better.

NJ Stiller Fan: Ed, I've noticed Ben waving toward to the sidelines in disgust on many occassions this pre-season. Any sense that he doesn't like/agree with Haley's playcalling?

Ed Bouchette: No sense of that and I haven't noticed him waving in disgust.

pghsportsfan: Ed, do think Wallace's attitude will offset his addition to the offense?

Ed Bouchette: I can't get into his mind but if that happens, he'll only be hurting himself.

OkieSteelerfan: If DeCastro stays on the 53 man on not on IR along with Rashard, Harrison and Worilds, doesn't that limit our "healthy" men to step in in case one of the 47 that dress gets hurt ?

Ed Bouchette: Yes, it does.

Deebo: How does Wes Saunders' suspension affect the 53 man roster?

Ed Bouchette: He doesn't count while he is suspended. He told me, by the way, that his second appeal was denied by the NFL last week.

Freddy: Can Decastro be placed on the pup list to save a roster spot for the first six weeks?

Ed Bouchette: No. A player has to be placed on PUP before training camp starts. Once he's taken off, he can't go back on and once any player practices from the start of camp, he's no longer eligible for PUP.

Deebo: Why do the Steelers still list Steve McLendon as weighing only 280 lbs? And Hampton as only 325?

Ed Bouchette: I think they like to pull everyone's chains.

Football guy: Any chance that Starks or Adams move to guard if Colon or Foster get hurt? Or, do they just plug in Legursky/Essex?

Ed Bouchette: No, neither is a guard or has played guard.

David Young: Do you see any progress happening on long term Wallace contract before the season starts?

Ed Bouchette: They have 12 days to get something done. They had the entire offseason and couldn't do it. No, I don't think it will get done before this season. I'll never say never, it just doesn't look good.

dave: Are they facing a similar WR situation to the one several years ago with Ward and Burress, meaning they don't want have two big contracts at that position?

Ed Bouchette: I think they would have two big contracts with Antonio Brown the other one. But I don't think they will give Wallace the kind of big contract he wants.

Wild Bill: Hello Ed, when Ben takes over in a no huddle situation, does he still get a call from haley or is he all on his own?

Ed Bouchette: He's on his own, but Haley can still make suggestions.

Steeler_in_VZ: Will Charlie Batch be around if the Steelers cut him? Do you think they will sign him later?

Ed Bouchette: It's possible they could release Charlie. If they do, I would imagine they'd only try to re-sign him if there is an injury at the position.

rcarter: Do you think the steelers will look at a FA OL for depth?

Ed Bouchette: No, I think they will go with what they have.

CJ: What is your biggest worry on defense - DBs, LBs (with all the injuries) or the D-line?

Ed Bouchette: They're biggest concern right now has to be outside linebacker because of injuries to Harrison and Worilds.

Ryphia: Which player would the other players say is the fastest runner on the team? Wallace, Rainey, Ike? Is it fact (i.e. have they raced) or just subjective?

Ed Bouchette: Wallace.

Deebo: Ed, do you think Wallace wants to be a Steelers long term?

Ed Bouchette: Yes, I do, but he also wants to be paid what he believes he is worth. If he's not willing to come down off that price, I don't think they get a deal done because I don't see the Steelers raising the ante.

Mike: If Harrison is out for week 1, will Worilds be healthy enough to play?

Ed Bouchette: Worilds not only has missed all of the preseason, he hasn't practiced since last season. No, I don't think he'll be ready.

rcarter: Do think Decastro can make it back before the 3-5 month time frame?

Ed Bouchette: They will have a better sense of that after his Wednesday surgery.

Ryphia: Any chance Worilds does not make the team?

Ed Bouchette: I think there's a chance he opens on PUP.

mikeflores16: Has Cortez Allen passed Keenan Lewis for the 2nd corner spot?

Ed Bouchette: No, Lewis still running with the first team.

Kordells Revenge: Any thoughts on why Adams has struggled so far? Most had him as second best T in the draft

Ed Bouchette: He missed most of OTAs because of school, and then missed a week and one game because of a mild MCL sprain. Possible that is why.

CJ: Didn't Suggs just recently get put on the PUP list in Baltimore?

Ed Bouchette: Yes, he's done for at least the first six weeks of the regular season.

mikeflores16: It seems like every year, the Steelers find one or two good undrafted free agents. To what is that attributed?

Ed Bouchette: Many teams find these guys, but the Steelers do seem to find their share. Remember, there are 7 rounds in the draft. Used to be 12. And the rosters stand at 53, higher than they were in, say, the 80s and early 90s. Plus, 8-man practice squads gives guys chance they might not have had in the past to show a team they can play.

Chooch: Any chance the Steelers may bring in Cundiff?

Ed Bouchette: Didn't the Redskins just sign him?

Mike: Are they disappointed with the rookie NT?

Ed Bouchette: He hasn't done much, I'll say that.

Kordells Revenge: Any idea why they won't trade for MJD? Pride?

Ed Bouchette: How about money, for one thing. Why do you think he's holding out? The last time I saw a salary cap list, the Steelers had the least room.

Chooch: Who will be the starting saftey in Denver?

Ed Bouchette: Ryan Mundy

big Ed fan: why did they wait until Wed for surgery? Rooney's being cheap again and waiting for a half off special?

Ed Bouchette: Did you want them to do it at halftime of Saturday night's game in Buffalo? Anyone who knows anything about those injuries knows you have to wait for the swelling to subside before you fix it.

Bill: Ed, Polamalu--injury prone and nearing the end or all pro in 2012?

Ed Bouchette: Troy Polamalu played in all 17 games last season.

Kelly: Why hasn't Heath Miller been more a part of the offense? Or are they saving that for regular sesason?

Ed Bouchette: he caught a few passes in Buffalo.

David: How does the suspension on Saunders work... does he count against the 53 man roster when he is out?

Ed Bouchette: No, he doesn't count.

Brian: Hey Ed- who's the front-runner to win that 5th WR spot?

Ed Bouchette: I don't know that there is one. Me, I'd go with four and put a few on the practice squad. Save a roster spot. They won't use five at any one time anyway, not with Miller and Rainey.

Ed Bouchette: Thanks all for another good exhibition chat. See you for the first regular-season chat Tuesday.