pg_edbouchette Welcome to the first Wednesday chat, because I was in New York yesterday, where they are building a football stadium that costs $1.5 bbbbbbillion and where they are charging up to $25,000 for ONE personal seat license. And then, you're forced to watch the Jets play.

hinestheman: Good Morning Ed, it sounds as if the main purpose of the meeting between the commish and the Rooney brother was to basically say "don't bother trying to seel to anyone but Dan, you have no shot at getting it approved". Do you agree this was a warning to the 4 brothers? (I'm not complaining)

Ed Bouchette: I don't know that I would call it a "warning" but he did put everyone on alert.

pittsteeler55: Ed, what is the status of Larry Foote, if he misses a couple starts I believe he will never get Timmons off the field.

Ed Bouchette: It's inevitable that Lawrence Timmons will get on the field. Larry Foote is an underrated inside linebacker and I think they wanted to ease Timmons into the thing by first having him play in the nickel. This could be the way he starts earlier.

Troy43: Ed who gets cut Reid or Baker?

Ed Bouchette: After the way he played Saturday night, I'm going with Reid after leaning to Baker a little earlier in camp.

ASmithMetallurgist: As I see it, the only potential weakness for the Steelers is their O-Line, but I think it will be better than most are saying. Once Hartings gets used to the system, and the only other change is Kemoeatu who seems to be pretty decent. However, given the play last year and this year's changes, would we expect to see more quick drops by Rothlisberger?

Ed Bouchette: If he's under attack the way he was in Minnesota, you'll either see quick drops or sacks. I make the mistake sometimes too, but it's Justin Hartwig, not Hartings.

Black___Gold_Blood: Based on their pre-seasons and camps, how much playing time do YOU anticipate Sweed & Mendenhall getting this year? Mendenahll showed signs last week - but putting the ball on the carpet puts a damper on it.

Ed Bouchette: I expect Mendenhall to get plenty of time. Willie Parker needs a break now and then and as long as Mendenhall ran the way he did the other night and does not fumble, he'll be a real asset. Sweed isn't ready for that kind of playing time.

Black___Gold_Blood: Will Bruce Davis or Tony Hill make the roster? Practice squad? What about other rookies, Humpal, Mundy, Lewis etc?

Ed Bouchette: Bruce Davis will make it based on the fact he's a third-round pick. Hills could make it if they keep 10 offensive linemen. Mundy is on the brink, Humpal could go on practice squad. I think Roy Lewis makes it.

Katmandu: Ed, what is all the fuss about retaining Charlie Batch? I think this is a no-brainer. You keep Leftwich! He's healthy, can make all the throws, and has performed well thus far. simply put, he's a better QB right now than Charlie. I hate to see him go, but.....what do you think?

Ed Bouchette: There are some things you can do with Charlie Batch. You can waive him injured, then bring him back at midseason if need be -- he'd make money while sitting out the first half. You could put him on IR, but he'd be done for the season and what if another QB gets hurt? You could release Leftwich and go with 2 until Batch is fully healed.

AmericanUniversity_SteelerFan: Ed, have you taken the ball away from Mendenhall and gotten your $100 yet?

Ed Bouchette: We have a deal. I don't try to knock the ball out of his hands, he doesn't block me low.

Matt_in_LA: S. Holmes looks set to have a monster year - why risk him on returns?

Ed Bouchette: Why risk him at all? Just bronze him and put him next to the Lombardi Trophies. This ain't raquet ball.

GJSteeler: Do you expect LB K. Fox to make the team? I think he's played well in the preseason on defense, and has been a contributor on special teams. Who would he backup at LB if he makes it?

Ed Bouchette: He'll make it as an inside backup and as a special teams player.

MyronPope: I'm not a big fan of Tomlin's obsession with "position flexibility." I think obsessing over the injury "what ifs" does not allow players to develop to their max potential at their natural position. Your thoughts?

Ed Bouchette: I don't know that Mike is obsessed with it; I think all coaches want that, including Bill Cowher when he was here. It's particularly important in the offensive line, where you normally dress only 2 backups for games.

MAdesso: Ed, is Sherrod going to be the team's third tight end? He had a pretty good game against Minnesota.

Ed Bouchette: That's possible. It appears the only way he would not is if they keep just two tight ends.

chooch79: Had he not made "the prediction" last year, would anyone even be talking about Anthony Smith?

Ed Bouchette: Who? Just kidding. Of course, because as a third-round draft choice and heir apparent at free safety, he was an intriguing player -- hard hitter, etc.

chooch79: Wouldn't the increased use of the 3-step drop help to offset some of the offensive line challenges?

Ed Bouchette: Yes, and it also would cut down on the number of deeper passes thrown.

Woodley_56: Who will win the punting job?

Ed Bouchette: I thought it would be Mitch Berger, based on his experience and what he's done in camp. But Paul Ernster has come on strong, especially after Saturday's game, and it will go down to the end.

Windber-Rambler: Ed, do you agree with the premise that the NFL has all but maxed-out all of it's "revenue potential"?

Ed Bouchette: Many of us thought that 20 years ago. These guys will always find new ways to make more money.

DSaurer: Should we worry about the Offensive Line playing style? Seems like Ben is running around like a chicken with its head cut off.

Ed Bouchette: It certainly did not look good Saturday night in Minny. I thought the pass pro was terrible. They better improve over that or those 47 sacks last season will look like a partial score.

Vcoachband: Ed: Which, if any, undrafted rookie free agents have the best chance of making the team?

Ed Bouchette: I would say Roy Lewis, cb/s. He may be the only one, unless they keep Sherrod.

black_gold: Does Batch go on the IR list or do we keep him on the roster?

Ed Bouchette: Probably neither. The Steelers gain nothing by placing him on IR, ending his season. They could waive him injured and at least get a crack at him at midseason while he heals and makes some money.

lgg115: Missed you yesterday, Ed. What has been the biggest disappointment and the biggest surprise for you with the Steelers' performance so far this preseason?

Ed Bouchette: You guys know by now that I believe the preseason is vastly overrated for determining what a team's going to do in the season. However, you can judge something about individuals. I thought rookies Limas Sweed and Bruce Davis would show more. Dixon has been tremendous. LT Chris Kemoeatu looks real strong. Lawrence Timmons has been outstanding.

steel_rsd: Jeff Reed...an underrated kicker in this league don't you agree?

Ed Bouchette: Very much so. He missed only two FGs last season, one from 65 yards in Denver and the other from 44 in the muck against Miami. He not only kicks in the Northeast, but rarely gets chances to kick indoors and must endure the field and the winds at Heinz.

Woodley_56: Ed, how is Orpheus Roye playing?

Ed Bouchette: It's really too early to tell, at least without watching tape.

Troy43: Which Steeler do you see as having a break-out season?

Ed Bouchette: LaMarr Woodley, Lawrence Timmons, Chris Kemoeatu and, although he performed well last season, Santonio Holmes.

skot: Is Drummond on the way out?

Ed Bouchette: I would think yes.

krzanowski: Would the Steelers be able to keep Hills on the practice squad? He hasn't looked great, but he's certainly promising.

Ed Bouchette: I think he might make the 53-man roster, if they keep 10 OL. If not, they'll waive him and hope he clears so he can go on the practice squad.

Godfather_of_Soul: Is Limas lazy or scared? It looks like he's one or the other.

Ed Bouchette: I wouldn't characterize him as either. Playing WR as a rookie is difficult in the NFL, and he's only had 3-4 weeks of practice in the pros.

GJSteeler: Does McBean make the team, or get cut?

Ed Bouchette: cut

DSaurer: Ward and Santonio both break 1,000 yards this season, True or False?

Ed Bouchette: Since neither broke 1,000 last season, I'd say both doing so is a long shot.

timinoldsmar: Why doesn't Dennis Dixon take on another role if the Steelers want to keep him? He looks like he has outstanding speed, just like Kordell used to.

Ed Bouchette: Because he's a quarterback, not a wide receiver or running back.

MiamiDave: I haven't heard much about the battle at the corner position this year. Is McFadden finally going to win the starting job over Townsend?

Ed Bouchette: No.

Godfather_of_Soul: I thought Chris K. looked fantastic on the plays I watched him. Is he doing as well as it looked to me?

Ed Bouchette: Yes, they're delighted with what they've seen from him so far. One of his strengths, for a big man, is pulling and blocking on the run.

jason_in_georgia: If not injured, would Kyle Clement make this team? Will he go on the practice squad?

Ed Bouchette: I do believe Clement was waived injured.

Vcoachband: Do you believe that this linebacker group could be tops in the NFL this year?

Ed Bouchette: The Steelers have always ranked high in the NFL with their 4 starting linebackers and this year should be no different.

BlueSteel: I am probably one of the few who appreciate Anthony Smith's style of play these days. I think he has huge potential given the right scheme and the right situation this year. I actually like him at Strong Saftey given his physical style of play. What is your insight?

Ed Bouchette: That Troy Polamalu also plays strong safety, I don't see a future there for Anthony Smith with the Steelers. This is his third season, and I have seen no vast improvement over his second season while Ryan Clark has returned to start at free safety.

stillers: Does A. Frazier make the team or get cut?

Ed Bouchette: It will be tough for him to make it.

skot: Weakest part of the team still O-line at this point?

Ed Bouchette: I would say yes but that can change quickly because they have 2 new starters.

Still_Talkin: Does Roye make the team, and if so would that give the Steelers the flexibility to play an occasional four man front?

Ed Bouchette: None. They are not a 4-man team. They play 4 men in the line in their passing defenses, but two of those four are linebackers playing down.

lburgueno: A question from Mexico City: With all the expectations about Limas Sweed, Nate Washington has kind of gone under the radar. How is he playing? Will the Steelers have a strong 3 WRs?

Ed Bouchette: I believe Washington has had a nice summer and he has continued a steady if slow improvement through his fourth season. He was signed, undrafted, from a small school and had a lot to learn.

steel_rsd: Anything about the Texans concern you in our opener? I think they have a pretty good DE.

Ed Bouchette: Their QB is better too.

chooch79: Given their D-line age and depth, will they almost certainly try to sign a late cut from another team?

Ed Bouchette: It depends on the cut. By signing Orpheus Roye, they've shown they're looking.

steelerfan423: How is Aaron Smith's health after some snaps?

Ed Bouchette: He looks to be completely recovered from his right biceps tear.

stillers: Do the Steelers keep 7 D-linemen this year w/ O. Roye?

Ed Bouchette: It is possible. Personally, I think that's one too many.

noorrrmmmm: I know that Bruce Davis has been a disappointment considering our expectations at the beginning. However, it's a tough switch to make and he has some time. I just want to know if he has been making strides recently or has his progress stagnated a bit?

Ed Bouchette: You are correct and he will be given a year to learn the OLB position -- he played DE at UCLA. They had hoped to use him as a situational pass rusher where he could just rush, but they've pulled back on those plans because he's been slow to show he can do it yet.

Ed Bouchette: Thanks for another good chat. We'll talk next Tuesday, after the cuts on Friday/Saturday.