Steelers (2007) (1 Viewer)

[Godsbrother]

If I recall Holmes returned some punts last year...is he in line for that duty this year or has his ascension into the starting ranks relieved him of those duties?

Holmes wasn't very good at it last year. Fumbled/muffed quite a few.

What makes me laugh about that is the guy has fly paper hands as a receiver....

I am pretty sure Holmes' problems last season were on kickoffs and not punts. He had a couple nice punt returns, one for a TD.

 

[AhrnCityPahnder]

Do we need a new thread next week? Or do we just continue this one?

 

[Tom Servo]

Do we need a new thread next week? Or do we just continue this one?

New thread...to be called Steelers 2007.

 

[pfalvey]

If I recall Holmes returned some punts last year...is he in line for that duty this year or has his ascension into the starting ranks relieved him of those duties?

Holmes wasn't very good at it last year. Fumbled/muffed quite a few.

What makes me laugh about that is the guy has fly paper hands as a receiver....

I am pretty sure Holmes' problems last season were on kickoffs and not punts. He had a couple nice punt returns, one for a TD.

Hmmmm....I seem to remember Holmes having problems mostly with punt returns, not kickoff. Either way, I'd feel much better finding someone who didn't make every return quite so exciting, if you know what I mean.

 

[3C's]

[steelforce: Is there a real possibility Okobi could be released by Saturday?Ed Bouchette: Yes. If he's not starting, he may not dress either and $2 million is a lot to pay for that. I think they might roll the dice and go younger with Marvin Philip, who also has been playing guard, as the backup to Sean Mahan.

A thought I had while contemplating the cuts. If Okobi is better than Philip, they should keep him. Next year when Faneca is gone they can move Mahan to guard, Okobi moves into center and the rest of the line is set.

 

[CrossEyed]

Steeler Cuts

Chukky Okobi, who came to training camp as the starting center, and running back Verron Haynes were among the players cut today by Coach Mike Tomlin as the Steelers reduced their roster to the final 53-player limit, the Post-Gazette has learned.

Also included in the cut were three rookie draft choices - defensive end Ryan McBean, a fourth-round pick; guard Cameron Stephenson (fifth) and wide receiver Dallas Baker (seventh).

Defensive end Shaun Nua, a seventh-round choice in 2005, and former special teams co-captain Chidi Iwuoma were also cut.

Haynes, a fifth-round draft choice in 2002, has been the team's third-down back for most of his career. But three of his previous five seasons have ended early because of knee injuries, including last season when he missed the final nine games.

Also cut were fullback John Kuhn, quarterback Bryan Randall, receivers Walter Young and Gerran Walker; tight ends Cody Boyd and Jon Dekker, tackles Jason Capizzi and Brandon Torrey; nose tackle Scott Paxson, linebackers Ron Stanley and Marquis Cooper; cornerbacks Anthony Madison and Jovon Johnson; and safeties Grant Mason and Mike Lorello.

 

[Johnny]

Did Dan Kreider get cut? Is he going to get cut?

 

[Pittsburgh United]

Did Dan Kreider get cut? Is he going to get cut?

I'm sure he would've topped that list if he had been. I'm glad they kept Carey Davis too.

 

[AhrnCityPahnder]

Did Dan Kreider get cut? Is he going to get cut?

Nope. Nope.VHaynes being cut means that there is room for Kreider, Davis, and Russel. The right move, IMO. I'd guess Haynes will land a gig as a 3rd down back somewhere soon. He's a GREAT passblocker an he runs tough. He's just a casualty of us have an absolutely stacked backfield right now.

 

[3C's]

Did Dan Kreider get cut? Is he going to get cut?

Nope. Nope.VHaynes being cut means that there is room for Kreider, Davis, and Russel. The right move, IMO. I'd guess Haynes will land a gig as a 3rd down back somewhere soon. He's a GREAT passblocker an he runs tough. He's just a casualty of us have an absolutely stacked backfield right now.

Bengals would be crazy not to bring him in.

 

[ChuckLiddell]

Steeler CutsChukky Okobi, who came to training camp as the starting center, and running back Verron Haynes were among the players cut today by Coach Mike Tomlin as the Steelers reduced their roster to the final 53-player limit, the Post-Gazette has learned.Also included in the cut were three rookie draft choices - defensive end Ryan McBean, a fourth-round pick; guard Cameron Stephenson (fifth) and wide receiver Dallas Baker (seventh).Defensive end Shaun Nua, a seventh-round choice in 2005, and former special teams co-captain Chidi Iwuoma were also cut.Haynes, a fifth-round draft choice in 2002, has been the team's third-down back for most of his career. But three of his previous five seasons have ended early because of knee injuries, including last season when he missed the final nine games.Also cut were fullback John Kuhn, quarterback Bryan Randall, receivers Walter Young and Gerran Walker; tight ends Cody Boyd and Jon Dekker, tackles Jason Capizzi and Brandon Torrey; nose tackle Scott Paxson, linebackers Ron Stanley and Marquis Cooper; cornerbacks Anthony Madison and Jovon Johnson; and safeties Grant Mason and Mike Lorello.

I am a Dolphins fan who happened to draft a bunch of Steelers this season, so I lurk here regularly. I just saw that Chucky Okobi was cut. Poor Trent Green is going to need a lot of help up front this season. Is Okobi still a servicable OL? Can he play guard as well as center?

 

[Memphis Foundry]

Tough break for Haynes, but I think it's the right choice at this point. Kreider/Davis/Russell/Davenport/Parker is a strong backfield.

Speaking of strong backfields, Colclough made the cut, too. With the way he played at CB this preseason and Gay tearing it up as a rookie, this could be one of the better defensive backfields we've had in a while.

 

[Cookiemonster]

Steeler CutsChukky Okobi, who came to training camp as the starting center, and running back Verron Haynes were among the players cut today by Coach Mike Tomlin as the Steelers reduced their roster to the final 53-player limit, the Post-Gazette has learned.Also included in the cut were three rookie draft choices - defensive end Ryan McBean, a fourth-round pick; guard Cameron Stephenson (fifth) and wide receiver Dallas Baker (seventh).Defensive end Shaun Nua, a seventh-round choice in 2005, and former special teams co-captain Chidi Iwuoma were also cut.Haynes, a fifth-round draft choice in 2002, has been the team's third-down back for most of his career. But three of his previous five seasons have ended early because of knee injuries, including last season when he missed the final nine games.Also cut were fullback John Kuhn, quarterback Bryan Randall, receivers Walter Young and Gerran Walker; tight ends Cody Boyd and Jon Dekker, tackles Jason Capizzi and Brandon Torrey; nose tackle Scott Paxson, linebackers Ron Stanley and Marquis Cooper; cornerbacks Anthony Madison and Jovon Johnson; and safeties Grant Mason and Mike Lorello.

I am a Dolphins fan who happened to draft a bunch of Steelers this season, so I lurk here regularly. I just saw that Chucky Okobi was cut. Poor Trent Green is going to need a lot of help up front this season. Is Okobi still a servicable OL? Can he play guard as well as center?

Don't know. We haven't gotten to see alot of backup centers for the last couple decades. Now, really, he did O.K. while Hartings was out for a short time. He just costs too much to be a backup.

 

[analog_hiss]

Link

Steelers Release 23 Players Following Trade With Atlanta;

Trim Roster To 53

PITTSBURGH — The Steelers today released 23 players and made a trade with the Atlanta Falcons in order to trim their roster to the NFL's league minimum of 53 players.

The players released from the Steelers roster include WR Dallas Baker, TE Cody Boyd, OT Jason Capizzi, TE Jon Dekker, RB Verron Haynes, CB Chidi Iwuoma, CB Jovon Johnson, FB John Kuhn, S Mike Lorello, CB Anthony Madison, CB Grant Mason, DE Ryan McBean, DE Shaun Nua, C Chukky Okobi, DT Scott Paxson, C Marvin Philip, QB Bryan Randall, LB Ron Stanley, OG Cameron Stephenson, OT Brandon Torrey, WR Gerran Walker, LB Rian Wallace and WR Walter Young.

Additionally, the Steelers traded a 2008 conditional draft pick to the Atlanta Falcons for return specialist/cornerback Allen Rossum. Rossum (5-8, 178), a 10-year veteran from Notre Dame, was originally drafted in the third round (85th overall) of the 1998 by the Philadelphia Eagles. He then was traded to the Green Bay Packers and spent two seasons (2000-01) with the team before signing with the Falcons as an unrestricted free agent on March 13, 2002.

Rossum, a 2005 Pro Bowl selection as a special teams returner, holds the Falcons record for career punt return yards (1,723), career kickoff return yards (5,489) and career punt returns for touchdowns (2).

All NFL teams may sign up to eight players to their practice squad after noon on Sunday, Sept. 2.

– 30 –

 

[Pittsburgh United]

Wow that's funny. I only know that guy from playing Madden. Every time I noticed him back waiting for a kick, I would say "Rossum, Fossum." Gold star for anyone who can nail that old school quote.

 

[Cookiemonster]

Link

Steelers Release 23 Players Following Trade With Atlanta;

Trim Roster To 53

PITTSBURGH — The Steelers today released 23 players and made a trade with the Atlanta Falcons in order to trim their roster to the NFL's league minimum of 53 players.

The players released from the Steelers roster include WR Dallas Baker, TE Cody Boyd, OT Jason Capizzi, TE Jon Dekker, RB Verron Haynes, CB Chidi Iwuoma, CB Jovon Johnson, FB John Kuhn, S Mike Lorello, CB Anthony Madison, CB Grant Mason, DE Ryan McBean, DE Shaun Nua, C Chukky Okobi, DT Scott Paxson, C Marvin Philip, QB Bryan Randall, LB Ron Stanley, OG Cameron Stephenson, OT Brandon Torrey, WR Gerran Walker, LB Rian Wallace and WR Walter Young.

Additionally, the Steelers traded a 2008 conditional draft pick to the Atlanta Falcons for return specialist/cornerback Allen Rossum. Rossum (5-8, 178), a 10-year veteran from Notre Dame, was originally drafted in the third round (85th overall) of the 1998 by the Philadelphia Eagles. He then was traded to the Green Bay Packers and spent two seasons (2000-01) with the team before signing with the Falcons as an unrestricted free agent on March 13, 2002.

Rossum, a 2005 Pro Bowl selection as a special teams returner, holds the Falcons record for career punt return yards (1,723), career kickoff return yards (5,489) and career punt returns for touchdowns (2).

All NFL teams may sign up to eight players to their practice squad after noon on Sunday, Sept. 2.

– 30 –

That's awesome! Even someone who can catch a punt would have won us two, maybe 3 more games last year let alone a dynamic returner. Pre-injuries, this guy was a top 5 returner!

 

[CrossEyed]

So will Rossum take over all return duties?

 

[3C's]

Wow! Rossum is a good return man. Makes you wonder why they kept Reid instead of Young.

 

[analog_hiss]

Wow! Rossum is a good return man. Makes you wonder why they kept Reid instead of Young.

The trade with ATL was a "conditional" 2008 draft pick...I could be wrong, but if Rossum doesn't pan out, PIT doesn't lose a pick. Reid might be the backup plan.Once again, I could be wrong.

 

[Evilgrin 72]

With Okobi and Philip cut, who backs up Mahan at C? Kendall Simmons with Kemoeatu moving into the vacated G spot?

 

[5-ish Finkle]

I've seen it stated a couple places that right now Stapleton(who I believe was a UDRFA this year), of all people, will be backing up Mahan(who I haven't been that enamoured with at all.)

Too bad Chukky's contract situation was what it was. Only reason he got cut, in my mind, is because of his price tag. I don't think he'd have been a guy to play at the level of Hartings/etc., but he always seemed to play well when called upon. And, my favorite part, he was meaner than cat #@$%#% when he put the pads on. Brought a little bit of an edge to the OL....at least pre-back issues. When he puts on the helmet he can be a bad, bad man.

Mahan has reeeeally underwhelmed me.

I think it's pretty clear what the Steelers will be doing in next year's draft early and often.....piling up OLiners like there's no tomorrow.

 

[Godsbrother]

Once again I am impressed with Tomlin and the moves that were made. Cutting Okobi and Haynes couldn't have been easy but they were the right moves. I also like the trade with Atlanta. If Rossum doesn't work out you cut him, nothing lost and it sends a clear message to Reid. I did like Walter Young but he got caught up in the numbers game.

Now let's get ready for the Browns!

 

[Idiot Boxer]

Cutting 3 draft picks is a little unusual, isn't it?

 

[Sheriff66]

Adding Rossum is huge for this team, Ried was not cutting it, and Rossum is a dangerous KR/PR

 

[HellToupee]

Wow that's funny. I only know that guy from playing Madden. Every time I noticed him back waiting for a kick, I would say "Rossum, Fossum." Gold star for anyone who can nail that old school quote.

Muttley http://youtube.com/watch?v=jyysgjexJsg&amp...ted&search=

20 seconds into the clip

 

[3C's]

In case anyone missed it, Simmons signed a four-year extension worth $24 million, $8.5 million of which is guaranteed.

 

[Frenchy Fuqua]

Good find 3C!

Steelers' Simmons signs 4-year contractBy Ed Bouchette, Pittsburgh Post-GazetteGuard Kendall Simmons signed a contract extension with the Steelers today that will keep him on the team through the 2011 season.Mr. Simmons' four-year extension is worth $24 million, $8.5 million of which is guaranteed.Mr. Simmons, the Steelers' first-round draft pick in 2002 from Auburn, has been the their starting right guard since his rookie season.His missed the 2004 season with a knee injury.Mr. Simmons' signing likely means that there will be no new contract for Pro Bowl guard Alan Faneca. Both guards were in the last year of their contracts.

 

[Pittsburgh United]

Wow that's funny. I only know that guy from playing Madden. Every time I noticed him back waiting for a kick, I would say "Rossum, Fossum." Gold star for anyone who can nail that old school quote.

Muttley http://youtube.com/watch?v=jyysgjexJsg&amp...ted&search=

20 seconds into the clip

 

[Frenchy Fuqua]

Steelers sign eight players to practice squad

By Ed Bouchette, Pittsburgh Post-Gazette

The Steelers today signed eight players to the practice squad.

Seven of them were with the team in training camp. They include wide receiver Dallas Baker, tight end Jon Dekker, defensive back Grant Mason, defensive lineman Ryan McBean, defensive lineman Scott Paxon, center/guard Marvin Philip and wide receiver Gerran Walker.

The Steelers also signed running back Jamaal Branch, who had been with the New Orleans Saints

 

[Memphis Foundry]

Steelers sign eight players to practice squad

By Ed Bouchette, Pittsburgh Post-Gazette

The Steelers today signed eight players to the practice squad.

Seven of them were with the team in training camp. They include wide receiver Dallas Baker, tight end Jon Dekker, defensive back Grant Mason, defensive lineman Ryan McBean, defensive lineman Scott Paxon, center/guard Marvin Philip and wide receiver Gerran Walker.

The Steelers also signed running back Jamaal Branch, who had been with the New Orleans Saints

Interesting that Capizzi is not on that list. I'm glad Paxon, McBean, and Philip made it, though.

 

[AhrnCityPahnder]

Cutting 3 draft picks is a little unusual, isn't it?

I don't think so. But, I'm going to start a thread to see how other teams did. Also, I'm psyched to get Rossum. I've watched my share of Falcons games and the guy is dangerous. I just hope he hasn't lost too much because I think he's 32 or 33 now.

 

[yinzer]

Steelers sign eight players to practice squad

By Ed Bouchette, Pittsburgh Post-Gazette

The Steelers today signed eight players to the practice squad.

Seven of them were with the team in training camp. They include wide receiver Dallas Baker, tight end Jon Dekker, defensive back Grant Mason, defensive lineman Ryan McBean, defensive lineman Scott Paxon, center/guard Marvin Philip and wide receiver Gerran Walker.

The Steelers also signed running back Jamaal Branch, who had been with the New Orleans Saints

Interesting that Capizzi is not on that list. I'm glad Paxon, McBean, and Philip made it, though.

Same here. I thought Capizzi was a shoe-in for the squad, and am somewhat suprised they didn't keep Anthony Madison or Chidi either...did some one else nab them?I never remember even seeing gerran walker play, so i have no clue about that, but I liked that they kept baker. give him another year and more of a shot on preseason next year when willie reid might be on the other end

Also, love the rossum pick. Even if he's still like a post-prime desmond howard, thats still seems a lot better to me. especially since he doesn't have fumblitis

And who nabbed chukky?

 

[Memphis Foundry]

Looks like Kuhn has signed with the Packers:

Packers Claim FB Kuhn, Place Herron On I.R., Sign 7 To Practice Squad

posted 09/02/2007

The Green Bay Packers claimed fullback John Kuhn on waivers, placed running back Noah Herron on injured reserve and signed seven players to the practice squad Sunday. The transactions were announced by Ted Thompson, Executive Vice President, General Manager and Director of Football Operations.

Claimed on waivers from Pittsburgh, Kuhn (pronounced KOON), played nine games with the Steelers in 2006. The second-year pro from Shippensburg (Pa.) spent the 2005 season on the Steelers' practice squad.

Singed to the practice squad were wide receiver David Clowney, wide receiver Chris Francies, tight end Clark Harris, linebacker Spencer Havner, tackle Orrin Thompson, quarterback Paul Thompson and running back Corey White.

Link: http://packers.com/news/releases/2007/09/02/1/

 

[3C's]

Capizzi to the Browns PS.

 

[3C's]

Capizzi to the Browns PS. <_<

Nope. Big red X.

 

[analog_hiss]

Steelers name 2007 season team captainsMonday, September 03, 2007Pittsburgh Post-GazetteThe Steelers named four players today as team captains for the 2007 season.For the fourth consecutive season, linebacker James Farrior was named defensive captain. Wide receiver Hines Ward was named offensive captain for the third straight season.Linebacker Clint Kriewaldt was named special teams co-captain for the third time in four seasons and will be joined by fellow linebacker James Harrison, who received the honor for the first time.The players were selected by a vote of their teammates.

 

[AhrnCityPahnder]

Depth charts are listed on Steelers.com

Of note (no real suprises, except maybe the first item):

Allen Rossum is ahead of Reid in PR/KR

Colon is starting, Starks backing up

Gary Russell is the # 3 RB, Davis is the backup fullback.

Ryan Clark is the FS starter, not A. Smith

Townsend starting at corner ahead of McFadden

Woodley and Timmons are both listed with the second team, but as we've all read they will see time in certain packages.

http://www.steelers.com/team/depthcharts/

 

[chris1969]

Do you Steeler homers think Simmons was worth a contract extension?

 

[AhrnCityPahnder]

Do you Steeler homers think Simmons was worth a contract extension?

He's a serviceable G and I'm not sorry we have him locked up, but we overpaid IMO.

 

[Godsbrother]

Do you Steeler homers think Simmons was worth a contract extension?

He's a serviceable G and I'm not sorry we have him locked up, but we overpaid IMO.

agreed

 

[Godsbrother]

Depth charts are listed on Steelers.com

Of note (no real suprises, except maybe the first item):

Allen Rossum is ahead of Reid in PR/KR

Colon is starting, Starks backing up

Gary Russell is the # 3 RB, Davis is the backup fullback.

Ryan Clark is the FS starter, not A. Smith

Townsend starting at corner ahead of McFadden

Woodley and Timmons are both listed with the second team, but as we've all read they will see time in certain packages.

http://www.steelers.com/team/depthcharts/

Interesting.Holmes is also listed ahead of Wilson. Something we all knew but it is now official. It is also interesting to see Gay listed with Colclough as 2nd team LCB instead of 3rd team.

 

[Steelnation]

LET'S ROLL!!!!!

I can't wait for Sunday, bring on the Brownies!!!!!!

 

[Pittsburgh United]

I have a feeling we're going to see a team on Sunday that looks absolutely nothing like what we've seen in the pre-season. I think Tomlin has surprises on store for us on both sides of the ball.

 

[Heinz 57]

Pittsburgh has swept Cleveland 4 of the last 5 years

 

[Cookiemonster]

Do you Steeler homers think Simmons was worth a contract extension?

He's a serviceable G and I'm not sorry we have him locked up, but we overpaid IMO.

agreed

You saw the $ being thrown @ journeymen O-linemen this offseason. Pay scale has shifted, and cap has risen quickly.

 

[Memphis Foundry]

Ed Bouchette says Jason Capizzi got bounced from the practice squad because of the Rossum trade:

Ed Bouchette Steelers chat transcript 09/04/07 Tuesday, September 04, 2007 Pittsburgh Post-Gazette Ed Bouchette: I'm here. I'm a little late because I was pumping one of my informants for information. Let's get started ...

singing_buddy_dial: Were you surprised by the Rossum trade? Does he have anything to offer defensively, or is he strictly a special teams standout?

Ed Bouchette: Yes, I was surprised. I thought they had good enough return men and they don't need six cornerbacks. I would have had Santonio Holmes return punts, and he did a better job of it last year than Rossum.

MarylandFan: Why did the Steelers cut Chidi Iwuoma?

Ed Bouchette: They cut him last year, too, if you'll recall, then picked him up late. Chidi was a good special teams player in his day. They could not justify keeping him because he's not as good as he once was.

Chuki_Okobi_is_a_beast: Ricardo Colcough is still on the team? Jovon Johnson outplayed him in preseason. Walter Young outplayed Willie Reid. We traded for Rossum to return, so what good are Reid and Colcough?

Ed Bouchette: Colclough was judged to still be one of the best 5 cornerbacks on the team. Young did not outplay Reid. Reid was judged to be one of the best 5 receivers on the team. Perhaps they have not lived up to expectations, but they are good enough to take up roster spots.

MPM: Were you surprised that Marvin Philip was cut and Darnell Stapleton was kept?

Ed Bouchette: Yes, I was. But they saw a lot in Stepleton, an undrafted rookie from Rutgers.

singing_buddy_dial: Have any of the Steelers cuts (esp. Okobi, Haynes and Chidi) sign with other teams yet? Surprised both were cut, or is this what happens with a new coach)?

Ed Bouchette: John Kuhn was signed by Green Bay and rookie tight end Cody Boyd was signed by the Redskins. The vested veterans likely won't be signed until after the first game. If signed before the first game, the teams are required to pay them a full year's salary.

datruth4life: Ed, what happened to Jason Capizzi? Has he been picked up by anyone and do you think he could have been the future LT of the Steelers down the road?

Ed Bouchette: There was a report that Capizzi was picked up by Cleveland on practice squad, but that turned out not to be true. Capizzi would have been on the Steelers practice squad had they not signed Rossum. That started a domino effect that knocked Marvin Philip off the 53-man roster onto the practice squad, which knocked Capizzi off the practice squad.

datruth4life: Ed, what do you think about this year's rookie class including the two undrafted free agents?

Ed Bouchette: So-so.

Rob_T.: Hey Ed. What do you think is the biggest weakness heading into the first regular season game. Is it the O-Line, special teams, or our corners?

Ed Bouchette: Those would be my top 3 picks, starting with the offensive line. The line could jell and play well together, but if I were the coach of the team that would be my concern. Same with the cornerbacks -- until they prove they can cover, it's an unknown. Special teams also have to prove themselves.

BGSUsteelers: Ed, after App. State beat Michigan, is that proof enough that it IS possible for the Browns to beat the Steelers? I sure hope not ...

Ed Bouchette: I don't think you need the college upset to make a case that the Browns can upset the Steelers, especially in Cleveland. They almost lost to them last year in Cleveland before pulling out 24-20 victory.

datruth4life: Ed, are you as ready for some real football as the rest of us?

Ed Bouchette: I'm sure we all are.

NCSteelerfan: Where do you think Okobi will end up? Arizona?

Ed Bouchette: I don't know. I believe he'll play somewhere but it's my understanding Arizona is not interested.

SRK: Any luck finding out the starting O line?

Ed Bouchette: Yes, the same one we reported more than a week ago -- Smith, Faneca, Mahan, Simmons, Colon.

Steelhead: When are they going to teach Willie Parker to switch the ball to his left arm when running left? He loses all his leverage and stiffarm ability.

Ed Bouchette: Parker gained third-most yards in Steelers history last season. Perhaps if he would have carried the ball in his right hand, 3,000 yards would not be out of the question.

NCSteelerfan: With the way St. Pierre played in Carolina are you surprised they kept him on the 53 man roster?

Ed Bouchette: No, Tomlin was known to favor three quarterbacks. I thought they might put him on practice squad after they determined he was eligible.

Steel_Wondering: Who do you think was the "last" player cut - ie. Who did Rossum take a roster spot from?

Ed Bouchette: My understanding is they cut Marvin Philip to make room for Rossum.

GjSteel: Hi Ed -- I see 2 main issues that killed the Steelers last year: offensive line play and a consistent pass rush. They may have fixed the pass rush, but line play -- I doubt it. Mahan is not better than Hartings, Colon is unproven and we are hoping that Marvel doesn't get hurt and Faneca doesn't sulk about his contract ... What is your assessment?

Ed Bouchette: Smith and Faneca have proven themselves in the past. Mahan likely cannot equal Hartings in his prime, but Hartings was not in his prime last year. Simmons is the same player and may be a little bitter. Colon beat out Starks so you have to assume they are better at right tackle. Still, the line remains a big question until, as I wrote earlier, they do it.

MenOSteel: If Arizona is uninterested, who on the old staff was the Okobi advocate?

Ed Bouchette: Obviously, no one.

NCSteelerfan: Was Cowher holding LeBeau back? If so, has Tomlin given him creative freedom?

Ed Bouchette: I hardly think LeBeau has been held back. That defense has been pretty good down through the years under him.

datruth4life: Ed, how does this squad stack up against the big bad boys from B-more? Are we talking about another 51-7 shelacking in two games this year?

Ed Bouchette: It's hard to tell. Baltimore lost Adalius Thomas and Jamaal Lewis and gained McGahee from Buffalo. I think it depends on the health of McNair. Baltimore is the clear favorite in the division and I think the Steelers are their top competition. I think Cincinnati is way overrated.

BGSUsteelers: Is Carey Davis locked in as the shotgun back or 3rd down back? Or is it Davenport's job?

Ed Bouchette: It may well go to Willie Parker, but those other two are the candidates if it's not Parker. I would say Najeh gets first crack before Davis.

fakin__IT_in_OH: Do you think Ben is going to have the year that some fantasy prognosticators are saying he will have? I heard a show last week that said he'll be a top 7 QB this year in stats.

Ed Bouchette: I don't think the Steelers' QB will ever be among the top fantasy guy simply because they're not going to throw that much.

Steel_Wondering: Ed: I really enjoyed the video segments from camp this year. Will there be more of those video clips appearing on the website from time to time during the regular season?

Ed Bouchette: Yes. They are scheduled Monday through Thursday. I just finished one and it should be up later this afternoon.

NCSteelerfan: Who are your picks to play in the Super Bowl and who do you think will win it?

Ed Bouchette: New England and, ah, Seattle. New England.

BGSUsteelers: Dare make a prediction this Sunday Ed?

Ed Bouchette: Kickoff at 1.

NCSteelerfan: Russell seems to run with more power than Davenport, who will they use for short yardage? One of those guys or Willie?

Ed Bouchette: I think Willie gets first crack at the job. Perhaps Davis more than Russell.

datruth4life: Ed, do you still think the Steelers should have went with Barr and used the other two draft picks for other places? It only would have meant that the Steelers would have cut another two picks on the second day of the draft. Colbert isn't exactly hitting them out of the park when it comes to drafting on the 2nd day. Your thoughts?

Ed Bouchette: You make a good point. Why draft two more players if you're only going to cut them. Barr should have been their punter last year. Then, they would have known about him.

wb: Do you think Anthony Smith will be starting by the end of the year?

Ed Bouchette: That depends on Anthony Smith.

Bouchette_the_B_student: Is there worry among Steelers brass the Leftwich will surface in Baltimore? Historically he plays about as well as McNair does against the Steelers.

Ed Bouchette: The only way Leftwich would play if he were on the Ravens is if McNair were injured. I think the Steelers would rather take their chances against Leftwich.

BGSUsteelers: You know Ed, If you ever get tired of covering the Steelers you just may be able to stand on a stage and make a few people chuckle ...

Ed Bouchette: I leave that up to Gene Collier.

docsjc: Ed: Your thoughts on the Steelers getting a deal done with Simmons and not with Faneca.

Ed Bouchette: I think Kendall Simmons was in the right place at the right time. I've said before I thought they should do what they could to sign Faneca. Apparently, they feel they have and he wants too much.

DumpTruck: I always liked Verron Haynes, and was sad to see him get cut. Do you think a team will pick him up, or is his career pretty much over?

Ed Bouchette: Verron was a good player, a good guy, worked hard, was a good teammate and was versatile and productive. The problem for Verron is, you had to add the caveat -- "when healthy." He blew out his knee in November and it was a miracle he made it back to practice in May. He just could not make it all the way back in time. Someone will work him out later in the year and if he can pass a physical, he could still catch on somewhere.

ch: Do you think Timmons will end up playing ILB instead of OLB?

Ed Bouchette: I think that's a possibility.

singing_buddy_dial: Will Faneca most likely be in an ARZ uniform next year or will the Steelers use the franchise tag on Alan for one year in 2008?

Ed Bouchette: I don't think they'll use the tag. I think he will end up in Arizona -- unless another team comes along with more money and is a good fit for him.

NCSteelerfan: Are the Steelers trying to be too fancy by not only moving Troy around but now also Kiesel?

Ed Bouchette: I'm not sure. It sounds like a good idea in theory, but I have to see it first and we haven't see much of it in the preseason.

NCSteelerfan: The Steelers have a good record of knowing when to let a player go, with the exception of Hardy Nickerson and Leon Searcy most of the players they did not sign did not have the same success elsewhere. Do you think they are making a mistake letting Faneca go or is another case of the right time to let him go?

Ed Bouchette: I will take issue with you on Nickerson because letting Nickerson go opened the door for Levon Kirkland, a much better inside linebacker. They did not let Searcy go as much as they could not match what Jacksonville paid him. We'll see on Faneca.

DC_Diva: Any predictions on how Steelers West....uh, I mean, Arizona...will do in the next two seasons?

Ed Bouchette: I think it's a good, young upcoming team that finally has some good coaching. As long as the front office does not mettle, they'll be a big winner out there. The new stadium also will help them because they don't have to play outside in that heat all the time.

fakin__IT_in_OH: So players keep telling us that "we ain't seen nothin' yet" when looking at preseason as a measure of what the team will do this year. Is it hype or are we really going to see a high pressure D, and an expanded O?

Ed Bouchette: Most teams hide what they want to do in the preseason. I think you will see a different offense -- multiple receivers on first and second downs. I don' t know that the pressure will be cranked up any more on defense, though.

Ed Bouchette: That's it. Thanks. I'll be back again next Tuesday. Don't forget to tip your servers on the way out of the chat room. -- ed

First published on September 4, 2007 at 2:19 pm

Link

 

[Steeler]

singing_buddy_dial: Were you surprised by the Rossum trade? Does he have anything to offer defensively, or is he strictly a special teams standout?Ed Bouchette: Yes, I was surprised. I thought they had good enough return men and they don't need six cornerbacks. I would have had Santonio Holmes return punts, and he did a better job of it last year than Rossum.

I don't agree with Ed's assessment here; I thought Rossum looked awesome as a kick returner last year (although I only saw him a few times). He was much better than any return man on the Steelers squad last year.

 

[chris1969]

Not to be a pest, but isn't the deal that Simmons signed a deal fairly close to what they were offering Faneca.(28 mil to Faneca) In my opinion, they should have signed Faneca for the 40+ million and drafted a replacement for Simmons. Spending 24 mil on a sub-par lineman just so you don't have to draft too many lineman next year just seems foolish. I might be missing something, which is why I'm hoping the guys that watch camp every day straighten me out.

 

[Pittsburgh United]

OK I need a little help from yinz guys. Every year I make a bet with my buddy from Philly regarding our teams' performance. This year, we have wagered that the Steelers receivers will have more receiving yards than the Philly receivers. We each need to name four WRs (no TEs), and the bet will be decided by the compared stats.

So who are my four guys?

Ward

Holmes

Wilson

Who else? Washington? Reid?

 

[Steelnation]

Nate