JotCast | Ed Bouchette's Steelers chat: 9.5.17

Ed Bouchette's Steelers chat: 9.5.17

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Ed Bouchette

1:58

Good afternoon, let's begin

Chip

1:58

JJ Wilcox seems to be a good addition. I suspect Mitchell's injury is more serious than reported and a starting caliber safety was needed. Your thoughts?

Ed Bouchette

2:00

Not only was it a chance to add a better player to the mix, but Mitchell is not the only safety who has been injured. Mitchell's injury has been nearly all preseason. It's a hamstring. Even if he is over it, he's not practiced.

Jake from Raleigh

2:00

Thoughts on Tuitt's contract situation now that the steelers are stretching the salary cap a bit with Haden and Wilcox?

Ed Bouchette

2:00

They can still pay him, if the sides can agree to a deal.

lsb

2:00

Which of the traded players were you sad to see go (if any) ?

Ed Bouchette

2:00

I was stunned they cut the long snapper they drafted in the sixth round.

Scott in Amsterdam

2:01

Which cornerback gets cut when Sutton returns? Brian Allen seems the obvious choice but I am just as surprised Will Gay made the team...

Ed Bouchette

2:01

They will have eight weeks to figure that one out and it does not have to be a cornerback. Gay is their safety valve at safety as well as slot corner.

Adam

2:02

I get that the Steelers are desperate to take advantage of the Super Bowl window, but is it really that wise to bring in a bunch of players this late in the preseason and hope they become "Steelers"

Ed Bouchette

2:02

Better them than what they had before them.

Jake from Raleigh

2:02

Ever the optimist, I feel that Haden will return to, or at least very close to, his old form. He's only 28 and his injuries seem like they were unrelated to each other. Do you share my optimism or do I have some black and gold blinders on?

Ed Bouchette

2:03

I have to see him. Injuries can take a toll on players, but they also can rebound from them to be productive again.

Frank

2:03

Thoughts on Ju Ju getting the start as the kick returner?

Ed Bouchette

2:03

It does not really matter. They should have all returners on kickoffs into the end zone take a knee.

Hank

2:03

Any insight into Mitchell's injury/readiness for week 1?

Ed Bouchette

2:04

We will know more on Wednesday, but I would be surprised if he's ready to go after missing so much time with a hamstring injury.

Lisa

2:04

Do you think the Steelers should have reached out to to TJ Ward or are you comfortable with the safeties they have?

Ed Bouchette

2:04

Maybe they did reach out. He wants to start. Once Mitchell returns to full health, there is no room for him to start.

Emilio

2:05

Why is Senquez Goldon not in the Steelers practice squad?

Ed Bouchette

2:05

Maybe they could sign him to the NEVER PRACTICED squad.

pete by the lake

2:06

What roster move was the biggest surprise to you and do you agree with the Steelers evaluation of Coates ? It seems to me he was punished for playing injured

Ed Bouchette

2:06

Again, the release of the long snapper they used a sixth-round pick on was stunning! Coates? Always hurt, always seemed confused

lsb

2:06

Are you expecting Mike Tomlin to go for 2 points at every given opportunity this season or has his confidence diminished in the teams red zone skills ?

Ed Bouchette

2:07

They did not do a very good job of making them last season. He did not try it once in the preseason, although I suspect that was because he did not want to tip his hand on any of their 2-point plays.

Scott in Amsterdam

2:07

How fast can we expect veteran players like Haden and Wilcox to fully learn the defensive playbook? Obviously they would need less time because of their experience, but is it also easier because of the positions they play in the secondary?

Ed Bouchette

2:08

I think it will help both of them that they will play the Cleveland Browns and their rag-tag receivers and rookie QB in the opener. It should not take the safety long at all. Cover deep. Haden is smart and will pick it up quickly.

lsb

2:08

Will AB get close to single season records this year ? How about Le'Veon ?

Ed Bouchette

2:08

Will they stay healthy?

david

2:08

Is Justin Gilbert, former Steeler, suspended? Would the Steelers be interested in his services? Thanx

Ed Bouchette

2:09

No, that ship sailed.

Scott in Amsterdam

2:09

How much can we trust this updated depth chart?

Ed Bouchette

2:09

The offense looks accurate.

Dude_From_Cali

2:09

Ed, who cast the curse last season when Wheaton, Martavis both flamed out AND Coates with broken fingers -- ruined OUR chance for SB run? Any suspects?

Ed Bouchette

2:09

I think it was some dude from California

lsb

2:10

I think it is great that Watson made the 53. In my opinion they need him for those old school power running situations when the whole stadium knows what's coming and it comes down to who wants it more. Good luck to him. Were you surprised by his inclusion ?

Ed Bouchette

2:10

No, I pretty much predicted it

lsb

2:10

Do you get excited with the start of the new season or is this just work ?

Ed Bouchette

2:10

Play ball!

2:11

As Willie Stargell often said, they don't call out "Work Ball!"

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