Monday, February 24, 2025, 5:14PM |  47°
MENU
Advertisement
Le'Veon Bell
1
MORE

Ed Bouchette's Steelers chat transcript: 2.6.18

Peter Diana/Post-Gazette

Ed Bouchette's Steelers chat transcript: 2.6.18


Ed Bouchette: Good afternoon, let's begin

TXSTEELER : Belichick benches Butler then stubbornly refuses to play him when it’s obvious it was a mistake not to. Can we finally put to rest the notion that there are coaches who don’t make bad mistakes? Obviously even the quality ones (yes Tomlin belongs here) do so.
Ed Bouchette: Sometimes, you just have to discipline a player. Maybe Belichick made a mistake, but you have to admire the discipline

Dave Cos: What are your thoughts on your colleague Gene Collier's idea that the Steelers should consider letting Bell go and signing Dion Lewis to replace him, thereby freeing up cap space to bolster the defense?
Ed Bouchette: It's at least an alternative. Have you seen all the stuff Bell has said lately? Maybe the draft could be an alternative too

Advertisement

Dave Cos: Can the on field signal caller for the defense be any position? Who would be the best candidate to fill that part of the void left by Shazier? Seems like Heyward would be best suited based on experience and leadership.
Ed Bouchette: It's usually the middle linebacker because he's in the middle of the field, standing up and everyone can hear him.

Carnell Lake had been on Mike Tomlin's staff since 2011.
Sean Gentille
Carnell Lake done as Steelers defensive backs coach

John M.: Couldn't the Steelers franchise tag/ sign to contract and then trade Bell? Don't understand why they would consider just letting him walk and get nothing in return.
Ed Bouchette: Yes they can do that, but it requires a few things first. Bell would have to agree to the trade and the compensation that goes with it or else he does not have to sign the franchise tag as he did last season. They can't wait until the Monday before the first game to trade him, I wouldn't think.
Ed Bouchette: Also, they have to find the cap room for the $14.7 M franchise tag in the meantime

Pete: The Steelers seem to prefer signing free agents for the starting free safety position? Chris Hope was the last starting free safety they drafted. Can you explain that?
Ed Bouchette: No, just doing what's best, I suppose. It's not a franchise theory to always sign vets for the spot. They probably just had other priorities through the years.

Randall: What do you think the Steelers really think about Artie Burns and Bud Dupree?
Ed Bouchette: Probably the same thing that most of us do, that they did not progress as they thought they would in 2017

Advertisement

Bryan: Are HOF voters intentionally not voting for Steelers purely based on the fact that the team already has so many representatives already enshrined?
Ed Bouchette: I've said there is some of that, but for the most part I think most voters vote for the player, not the team they played for.

Tim Gleason: If not for two bonehead coaching decisions by Pete Carroll and Dan Quinn, the Patriots would have now lost five Super Bowls in row. How might that have changed the Patriots-Belichick-Brady legacy?
Ed Bouchette: It would have changed it a lot, but still making 8 Super Bowls in 17 years is an accomplishment. Buffalo did it 4 years in a row without winning and that team is legendary and has produced HOFers, including the head coach, Marv Levy

Carlo: Who do you think will be cut in order to gain some cap relief? I would have to think Mike Mitchell would be a prime candidate.
Ed Bouchette: He certainly is a candidate

Maverick: Long time reader, first time questioner. Thoughts on going after the Pats' Malcolm Butler if he is available? Thanks.
Ed Bouchette: He violated curfew, according to one report, during Super Bowl week and played only on special teams because of it. Should fit right in with the Steelers, although he probably would have played in the game with them despite the violation.

Alan: If the Steelers don't tag bell again and don't come to a long term extension, do you think RB becomes a bigger priority than ILB? Also, what's your sense-is Bell a Steeler in 2018?
Ed Bouchette: I believe you could find the RB in the second round. ILB still my top priority, although you cannot reach drastically for one.
Ed Bouchette: I'm still unsure whether Bell will be with them or not. Trying to get a better feel on that.

bigbam the steeler fan: Do you think it is time to go get a true nose guard for our 3-4 defense or do you think our personnel is better suited for a 4-3?
Ed Bouchette: Don't think they're better suited for a 4-3 and if they're going for a pure NT, it will come later in the draft because they don't use them that often.

phil williams: will we ever see ryan shazier on the pitch for the steelers again ..???
Ed Bouchette: I'm not going to conjecture on that one. Too much conjecture already. First, a report that he was walking, then a counter report that he really wasn't "walking," a report in which Shazier commented "correct" to. So much misinformation that everyone keeps reacting to as if it is legitimate.

Jeff M: Hi Ed, Is the ILB situation desperate enough to consider Timmons if the Dolphins cut him?
Ed Bouchette: I'm not sure how he played last season, but I thought letting him go in the first place was wrong.

Moose: Why does Bell rub me the wrong way? Could it be that he doesn't know when to shut up?
Ed Bouchette: I love it when he talks because I'm in that kind of business. But when he has talked lately, his words have not put him in a good light.

JerseySteel: Hi Ed - do you think the Steelers will/should keep Leveon Bell at a high cap number or let him walk/draft his replacement?
Ed Bouchette: I've said they can make the cap room to sign him, but it will stretch their cap and prohibit them from using that money elsewhere.

Rick: Hi Ed, What do you feel is the one MUST thing Pittsburgh has to do on offense and defense this off season..Weather it's a coaching move,player pick up or move,etc..
Ed Bouchette: There won't be any more coaching moves, that's been done. The player moves are obvious -- inside linebacker, safety and RB if Bell isn't back. After that, they still need pass rushers and maybe another DL/OL

Rahn: ILB, safety and OLB are bigger needs, but does WR become a third or fourth round thought with Eli Rogers's ACL tear and the fact that Martavis Bryant's eligibility can change quickly?
Ed Bouchette: Not a big need, but down the line need.

Jim66: Gerry thinks it’s better to not sign Bell given his salary demands and other needs. Do u share this thinking? Both teams in super bowl had a platoon of RB’s.
Ed Bouchette: Bell is a rare talent, but I believe you can find RBs. Look at what the Patriots and Eagles had and all the points they scored in the SB.

Jim66: Can Steelers trade Bells rights to another team before feb. 20th? Can that team either tag him or resign him as part of a trade.
Ed Bouchette: There are no trades allowed now and you cannot trade players without contracts, such as Bell. He would have to sign the franchise tag before they could trade him.

mrbig: After the "big game" and the rb's I was watching, it looks like Bell's price tag should drop.... yes?
Ed Bouchette: Not if you listen to him.

Tomas: Did Tuitt and Hardgrave under-performed last year, based on expectations?
Ed Bouchette: Tuitt had some injuries, Hargrave a back problem.

mrbig: is your dog a boston terrier?
best.
breed.
ever.
Ed Bouchette: yes and yes. 3 years old. Named him after Boston Red Sox great Big Papi.

Turtle Creek Ted: Did you agree with the ruling regarding the Ertz TD as it relates to the Jesse James play?
Ed Bouchette: Yes, I did. They got the James play wrong in the NFL office and I believe Al Riveron caught flak from people because of it and changed how he views those kinds of plays. There actually were 2 he let go in the Super Bowl, both Eagles TDs. The worm turned, too late for the Steelers.

WeegieT: Looks like Leveon Bell's mouth isn't helping him secure a new contract by releasing in house information and whining about how much he needs paid. I think he's an exceptional athlete, but both Philly and New England proved you don't need a high end running back to get to or win the Super Bowl. Do you think the Steelers cut the cord?
Ed Bouchette: I think Bell is doing a good job of that himself.

Joe in Orlando: OOPS ED, sorry I messed up and hit the wrong key. After watching several teams in the playoffs utilize a RB by committee approach quite effectively, why on earth would we go through the angst of signing Bell? Why not Transition Tag him and see what interest he draws. If an offer I believe we would receive 2 first round picks? Correct?
Ed Bouchette: It's franchise tag, not transition, and no one is going to give up two first-round picks in order to pay him $15 M a year.

WeegieT: I noticed this year, Antonio Brown, other than the water cooler tantrum, was not much of a distraction last season. Signs of maturity?
Ed Bouchette: Everyone would like to believe that, right?
Ed Bouchette: Maybe the reaction of that tantrum surprised him into it.

Matt: Next year’s schedule will include Jacksonville and New England. Any idea which one will be the Home game?
Ed Bouchette: Patriots play at Heinz Field. Steelers at Jacksonville.
Ed Bouchette: And that's how I prefer it

Doug: Ed - you have always defended the coaching over the last few years when the world knows it is lack luster. From lack of discipline, to head scratching calls. It needs a lot of work. Tomlin's answer on why he chose to do an outside kick against the jags, not only was one big meaningless cliche, it also showed his arrogance and makes me think he will never change. I get Tomlin's record but part of it is due to Big Ben and AB having to over come horrid game plans and bail the Steelers out late in the 4th. What is it going to take for you to change your perception of the coaching
Ed Bouchette: You are wrong in that I always defend the coach. I think the coach would disagree with you, for one. I've pointed out all kinds of things. The one where I "defended" him is the one most cited -- when a few of the lower limited partners supposedly wanted to go to Art Rooney to influence him into firing Tomlin. I thought that was preposterous, both that those small-time partners thought they could have that kind of influence and firing a coach who just went 13-3 and earned the AFC's No. 2 seed.

Scott in Dallas: Good day Sir. I must admit it was nice to see James H. walking of the field looking glum in his Patriots uniform after the SB. Is that wrong?
Ed Bouchette: You root for whomever you choose, but the Steelers cut him and he has been a great player for them through the years, borderlline HOFer. He helped put their most recent SB ring on their fingers. I thought cutting him when they did was foolish

Andrew in ATL: Hi Ed, do you think the Steelers keep Joe Haden or do they cut him to save cap money?
Ed Bouchette: They'll keep him or suffer the consequences

Andrew in ATL: Are the Steelers and Leveon as close to a deal as has been reported?
Ed Bouchette: The only one who has "reported" they are close to a deal is Le'Veon himself. I was told that is just not true.

Jerry: If you were making the moves what would you do with the defense?
Ed Bouchette: I'd find more good players to put in it, especially ILB, S, OLB, DL and CB.
Ed Bouchette: Did I miss any position?

Jerry: Do you think Dupree will be back with the team?
Ed Bouchette: Yes, I do. What's your alternative? He's not a FA and he won't make all that much.

Ralph LA: It is kind of odd, you have an awesome Superbowl and then you go home and compete for a job next season. What do you think happens to Foles going forward? Another season as the backup?
Ed Bouchette: Yes, I would think so. But Carson Wentz's knee injury may not allow him to start the season. Having Foles there to do so gives the Eagles another chance to win a Super Bowl.

Frank: Even assuming LB re-signs, do you still expect a drop off in offensive production given the new OC?
Ed Bouchette: Not at all. There should be an increase, and not because of change in coordinators as much as there should be more experience, including JuJu and Bryant NOT coming off a year's suspension. And if there is a new RB, he'll probably go through an entire training camp and pre-season

Steve: Good afternoon Ed. Of all the Super Bowls you've watched where would you rank this one?
Ed Bouchette: It was good, if all you like is offense.

bob: any chance steelers switch to a 4-3 defense. don't seem to have the guy up the middle to clog things up by himself
Ed Bouchette: They also don't have the outside LBs or enough defensive linemen for a 4-3. It would take several years to do that.

Foolback: Ed, I don't understand the Ryan Shazier contract situation going forward. If he is unable to play, I want to see him get paid, but why does he have to be a cap charge?
Ed Bouchette: Because that's the way the NFL cap system works.

Mark from Sauquoit N.Y. : Did Coach Tomlin take over the defense like we are hearing? Last year I thought D got better as season went. Opposite this year.
Ed Bouchette: Yes, he was way more involved, calling plays, running meetings.

GjSteel: Hi Ed...thanks for the chats..as far as the Pats legacy...where do you put having been to 12 AFC championships and 8 SB's in comparison to other dynasties
Ed Bouchette: It's a nice run, and it is one of the best in NFL history if you take it over 17 years. Of course, some of those SB titles were tainted because of Spygate, but taken at face value, I'd rank it with those of the SF 49ers, which also were spread out.

sINCE 1972: Greetings : Mr. Bouchette and all . I believe Mr. Landry Jones is presently , just as good or better than any of the potential first rounders . Not that I would want to trade him but what would you rate as his trade value ?
Ed Bouchette: They are not going to trade him, and they are not going to draft a QB. He would not bring a lot in a trade.

Mark from Sauquoit N.Y. : Do you shoulder some blame
Ed Bouchette: Maybe. Depends.

Pete: Timmons is a buck LB not a Mack like Shazier.
Ed Bouchette: He was a mack early in his career and only became the buck when Shazier joined the team.

Mark from Sauquoit N.Y. : Losing Ryan Shazier hurt, but do you think it would have mattered, they couldn't even sack Bortles. Rest of D never stepped up?
Ed Bouchette: I think he would have made a difference, yes, especially in the playoff game vs. Jax

GENE: Do you think Vance McDonald is a Steeler next season?
Ed Bouchette: Yes, I do

erik S: Were you happy to see the steelers stay on top of the heap for number of superbowls won?
Ed Bouchette: I'm sure those who worked for the franchise as well as their fans found great joy in New England's loss.

Stan: What has Bell said lately?
Ed Bouchette: Google it

Marty: Will James Conner be ready for training camp?
Ed Bouchette: My guess is yes because it happened early enough

Squirrel Hill Rich: Ed,
Ed Bouchette: Rich

Squirrel Hill Rich: Ed
Ed Bouchette: Rich

Drew: Am I correct in saying the Steelers would received a 3rd round compensatory pick if they let Bell go? Seems a 3rd round pick and 15 mil in cap space would be better than a 15 mil/year RB who can't keep his mouth shut.
Ed Bouchette: Yes, most likely a third -- but not until the 2019 draft

Guest: I understand the disappointment with the head coach and staff, but is no one remembering when Bill Cowher lost 4 AFC Championship games and a Super Bowl, or the fact that they came really close to losing the 95 AFC Championship game, all of which were at home?
Ed Bouchette: Oh, some of us remember. Also, check Andy Reid's record in title games in Philly at home. And Chuck Noll's teams did not make the playoffs in six of his final seven seasons. Doesn't mean they all weren't good or great coaches

Rick: Ed..I think Bell clearly wants out from all his talking,because he knows he would get a bigger pay day somewhere else...He obviously wants money over Championships,but as a running back do u blame him?
Ed Bouchette: He's going about it in a strange way, for example, saying he would not play for the Jets for $60 M. I've talked and dealt with enough agents through the years to say they always take the opposite tact -- they'd LOVE to play for the Jets or any other team for the right price.

erik S: Do you think Josh Dobbs is the primary backup next season or Jones?
Ed Bouchette: Jones

GENE: Do you expect the Steelers to test the free agency market this year?
Ed Bouchette: I don't think the Steelers can sign anywhere else. They're locked into Pittsburgh. As for them signing players in free agency, they always do, just don't expect any big signings.

Dean: I was a little less than impressed with James Connor before his injury. If Bell isn't signed, do you think the Steelers will draft a RB in the early rounds?
Ed Bouchette: Yes, I believe the Steelers would draft someone in that case. Conner didn't exactly get many chances to run, so how could anyone be impressed or not impressed?

Whatsa Katch: Who now is on the rules committee and faced with designing a new catch rule ?
Ed Bouchette: Mike Tomlin, for one.

CA_Steeler_Fan: Don't you think the Steelers should put that handoff to running back, TE reverse with throwback to QB in their playbook? Ben has to be a better receiver then Brady?
Ed Bouchette: I didn't like those plays. But then, one worked spectacularly

CoS: I think the Steelers pick up the 5th year option on Dupree, mostly due to other pressing/important needs on defense...thoughts?
Ed Bouchette: That's a big number for someone who underperformed

FlaFan: Hi Ed, Hate to lose a player like Bell, but $ is $. He could be easily lost with an injury like Shazier, so why not let him go & put his salary towards needs? thanks
Ed Bouchette: Maybe they will, but you can't use the possible injury as a reason. If so, you can apply that to everyone on the team, including Ben.

ALLJACKEDUP: Tomlin's record without an elite QB? LMAO I know you won't touch this one!!!
Ed Bouchette: There, I touched it. How the heck can anyone come up with an answer to THAT? OK, no Ben then who is the QB? Landry Jones? Kirk Cousins? Nick Foles? Few coaches win much without elite quarterbacks so I'm not sure of your point.

Jamie scripture: Ed , want to come to training camp this summer, do you know if they have released any info on the first day camp opens?
Ed Bouchette: That usually doesn't happen until April or so.
Ed Bouchette: But you can do this -- the first games are held the weekend after labor day. Count backwards 4 preseason games, then 15 more days and you have the opening of camp.

Jersey guy: Did Pederson's fearlessness in the SB indicate that Coach T. indeed lives in his fears?
Ed Bouchette: I thought Belichick was fearless too and he lost.

Wisconsin Winters: So I guess Jesse James was not considered a runner after is catch.
Ed Bouchette: No, Al Iveron took it into his hands to overturn a play that needed indisputable evidence to overturn it and there was not that.

Blitz: Do you think with a 3rd Super bowl loss, their is less talk of Brady being the G.o.a.t.?
Ed Bouchette: No. That was a phenomenal performance by him Sunday. He isn't the reason they lost.

Pete: Do you think the Steelers will get a comp pick in the upcoming draft?
Ed Bouchette: I saw somewhere where they can expect one in the seventh round.

Ralph LA: It doesn't seem like there was much media coverage of Nix. Were you surprised that he was selected for the Pro Bowl?
Ed Bouchette: No, he's a good fullback that, like most fullbacks, was not used much.

Ralph LA: Is my memory correct that Bradshaw was a "work in progress" for his first several seasons and that Roethlisberger was great from day one?
Ed Bouchette: Pretty much, yes. Ben had more talent when he started, though. Bradshaw took over a team that went 1-13 the previous year.

ALLJACKEDUP: Would Tomlin be in your top ten coaches if the game came down to the last 2 minutes?
Ed Bouchette: If he is coaching in Super Bowl XLIII, yes.

Doug: What do you think will change with the new offensive coordinator?
Ed Bouchette: More no-huddle, more Ben-friendly plays. More cooperation between coach and QB.

Qmash: Will the Steelers be drafting a tight end in the draft?
Ed Bouchette: Always a chance, but not in the first two days (three rounds)

FlaFan: As a follow up, they haven't won with Bell, so why not try without him? $15M goes a long way to quality needs.
Ed Bouchette: Well, they haven't won a Super Bowl, but they did go 13-3 this season and they made it to the AFC title game a year ago primarily because of his play in the two playoff games. he's a great player, I'm just not sure that his demands are worth it in the overall scheme of things

JK47: Hi Ed, I feel the window is narrowing very fast for this team. Ben has (maybe) 2 - 3 Years. Then it’s back to 80s & 90s quarterback play for the foreseeable future. Tell me I’m wrong!
Ed Bouchette: Windows are like clear skies. You never know when that big cloud is going to come along to block out the sun. and, how do you know they won't find a competent QB to replace Ben when he finally retires?

ALLJACKEDUP: Come on you know what i'm getting at he is an average coach with glaring deficiencies.
Ed Bouchette: Sir, I have seen average coaches and average coaches do not have his record.

Qmash: Will James Harrison get into the hall of fame?
Ed Bouchette: Because he was a late bloomer, he does not have the sack stats to compare to others and I think that will prevent it.
Ed Bouchette: Thank you for an extended chat today. See you next Tuesday.

First Published: February 6, 2018, 2:54 p.m.
Updated: February 6, 2018, 8:18 p.m.

RELATED
SHOW COMMENTS (0)  
Join the Conversation
Commenting policy | How to Report Abuse
If you would like your comment to be considered for a published letter to the editor, please send it to letters@post-gazette.com. Letters must be under 250 words and may be edited for length and clarity.
Partners
Advertisement
President Donald Trump speaks at the Governors Working Session in the State Dining Room of the White House in Washington, Feb. 21, 2025.
1
opinion
Bruce Ledewitz: The Supreme Court will step up and Trump will back down
Texas wide receiver Matthew Golden catches a pass against Ohio State during the second half of the Cotton Bowl College Football Playoff semifinal game, Friday, Jan. 10, 2025, in Arlington, Texas.
2
sports
Which positions are strong and weak at NFL combine? And how will Steelers approach this draft?
La Grassa Pizza is now offering four-cut, late-night pies at The Vandal on Saturday nights.
3
life
Pittsburgh pizza news: La Grassa’s late-night pies and a big win for Mercurio’s
Two adults and a child were killed in a fire in Kittanning on Monday, Feb. 24, 2025.
4
local
2 adults, child killed in Kittanning fire
Pirates first-round pick Konnor Griffin hits against the Twins at LECOM Park in Bradenton, Florida, on Sunday, Feb. 23, 2025.
5
sports
Pirates top pick Konnor Griffin has raised eyebrows at spring training. Next step is learning to be a pro
Le'Veon Bell  (Peter Diana/Post-Gazette)
Peter Diana/Post-Gazette
Advertisement
LATEST sports
Advertisement
TOP
Email a Story