James_Taipei: Any chance of the Steelers equaling the Colts feat last year of losing four out of their final seven and winning the Super Bowl?

Ed Bouchette: There's always a chance. The 2005 Steelers proved that chance can come true. Do I think they'll do it? No. I believe they will win Saturday and lose in the next round. But then, I didn't think they were going to do it in 2005 either.

James_Taipei: How many touchdowns will Roethlisberger have to thrown for the Steelers to beat the Jaguars?

Ed Bouchette: He threw 3 the last time and they lost by a touchdown. How about four?

hinestheman: Ed, Can Essex keep playing at a high level? He has been impressive when he has had to step in and definitely held his own against a tough defense in Baltimore.

Ed Bouchette: It's the question on everyone's mind, including in this newsroom. But remember, it's not as if Ben were protected well all year anyway.

hinestheman: Ed, I know the topic is getting old.... but has there been any communication between Faneca's agent and the Steelers? Did he burn his bridges with team officials by being too candid last year and did his performance this year and his vote to the 75th year anniversary team help make the Steelers realize how important he is to them?

Ed Bouchette: I think you can forget about that one. Alan went this far, why wouldn't he go into free agency at this point. All he has to do is look at how much money Joey Porter got after he was CUT by the Steelers.

hinestheman: Ed, True or False ... Dick Lebeau is too great of a DC to let the Jaguars run all over his defense twice this season.

Ed Bouchette: If he were still playing support as a cornerback, I'd say that may be true. He can devise the defenses, but he can't go out there and tackle Fred Taylor.

hinestheman: Good afternoon Ed, taking away the Jaguars running game by putting 9 in the box and putting it in Garrard's hands sounds like the right formula to me. Do you agree?

Ed Bouchette: I've been saying that all along. That's my theory. We'll see what they do. But I'd make Garrard beat me and if he does, tip your helmet to him.

Terrible_Trousers: Can the Steelers still be the Steelers despite the loss of their best defensive end, two tackles and a running back who led the league in rushing before breaking his leg?

Ed Bouchette: Oh, they're the Steelers all right. Will they win with all those injuries. I think they can. I don't think they'll make it to the Super Bowl this year, but they don't have to do that on Saturday night.

Terrible_Trousers: Big Ed, back in the days of having a less than pro-bowl caliber passing attack, teams would just load up and fill every gap with a hat to stop the bus and the running game. Isn't the best option to force Garrard to beat us? Even if it means selling out vs. the run?

Ed Bouchette: Yes

Pickman: I just wanted seek your opinion on the reasoning behind Ben not getting the Team MVP. My theory is of several factors, 1. that perhaps the defensive players pulled together in their votes for James and the offense may have been divided among Willie, Ben, and Hines possibly 2. That some players that had their loyalties to Ken and Russ didn't appreciate the vocal manner in which Ben had jabbed verbally about his former offensive co-ordinator and 3. Ben for some reason isn't as popular with his teammates (which stuns me for a guy who credits his offensive line for a lot of his successes for as poor as they have played)

Ed Bouchette: I stated mine last Sunday in the paper.

PhillyMarty: Ed: Are practices closed to beat writers like you? If so, then perhaps you would have more freedom to answer the first of two obvious questions: How do you expect the Steelers to modify their defense to stop the Jax running attack? Do you think 8 in the box and challenging Garrard to beat us will work?

Ed Bouchette: yes, we can watch practices. No, on agreement, we don't reveal what strategy they are using.

PhillyMarty: Ed: Second obvious question is how do you expect the Steelers to attack Jax with Davenport and Essex among the starters?

Ed Bouchette: They'll mix it up and see what works. I think they'll have to pass more often in order to do it. Jerome Bettis just said he thinks they'll have to run and control the clock.

Tom_Bober: You mentioned awhile back that Big Ben has taken on role of changing pass blocking schemes at the line of scrimmage this year. Have you seen any indication that this is contributing to our poorer protection of him in the pocket? Or would things be even worse if he couldn't make adjustments? Do most experienced QBs take on this role eventually?

Ed Bouchette: No, in fact I'm told he's done a good job in that area.

Ed Bouchette: I don't know about most QBs taking on that role, but the line has always done it here, as far as I know.

Loopy: Ed, do you sense a blowout in this game or a more closely contested game than a few weeks ago? The previous meeting wasn't as close as the score indicated.

Ed Bouchette: I don't expect a blowout either way.

Art_Vandelay: What is your general feeling about the outcome of the game? I think the Steelers have a decent chance, they usually play better as underdogs.

Ed Bouchette: I think they will win -- and as you know, I try to be as objective as I can. I thought Jax would win the first game. This time, i'm picking the Steelers.

heal_fast_willie_p: Any off-season talks or possible moves coming soon if the Steelers lose on Saturday?

Ed Bouchette: I'm sure there will be some offseason stuff. we'll save that for when the offseason arrives.

Tom_M.: I think the Steelers should come out in the no huddle and pass, pass, pass to make Jax have to play catch up and throw the ball too. Your thoughts?

Ed Bouchette: That would be OK with me.

woodym112: Ed, do you think the Steelers should take the reigns off Ben and just let him throw the ball all over the field? I do not think the Jags could keep up in a high scoring game, do you?

Ed Bouchette: I don't know about throwing the ball all over the field, but I can see throwing it more often than normal.

pleasetackle: Ed, Troy still not practicing? Take your chances with an injured Troy or put Anthony in and hold your breath?

Ed Bouchette: Troy Polamalu will play.

In_Ben_We_Trust: Del Rio openly admitted they've been working on the Steelers since last week. Think the Steelers have been game planning on the Jags for the past couple weeks?

Ed Bouchette: Maybe a little.

Will_from_Freehold__NJ: Hello Ed, this is Will from Freehold, NJ I was able to log into your chat room today, I'm very excited! My question is: Do you think the Steelers should blitz and try playing some more base defense? I noticed against the Ravens how they tend to leave the middle open especially when Foote and Farrior blitz. Thank you

Ed Bouchette: Hello, Will from Freehold, NJ. Yes. I think they should blitz, but blitz to stop the run. It's a more disciplined blitz. Put more around the line of scrimmage, blitz to stop the run and force Garrard to get rid of the ball early if he's passing.

Chunkles: Ed, you had mentioned that the Steelers need linemen and a receiver in this years draft. Dont you think they should also look for a back-up QB to groom? I mean, with the line they have, and even if they draft a couple good linemen, Ben is going to be running for his life for the next couple years and probably will not play a full season. Nothing against Batch but he is getting old and when the O line is struggling, you need a guy who can scramble.

Ed Bouchette: Is there a playoff game in Heinz Field Saturday night?

GjSteel: Hi Ed...Don't you believe if Dick Lebeau tries that 2 man defensive lineman front again they will run everytime?

Ed Bouchette: Yes. That's why I expect something different.

woodym112: Ed, Whats the field surface looking like these days?

Ed Bouchette: I haven't been over there, but I understand it's held up OK. Won't look pretty, though.

Fred_Taylor: Is Mike Peterson out for this game?

Ed Bouchette: Don't know yet. He did not practice yesterday with his hand injury.

heal_fast_willie_p: How can you pick the Steelers to win with the injuries we've had since playing them the first time?

Ed Bouchette: Easy. I just did it. Try it. Really. It's not that hard. The Steelers will win. OK, here's my thinking: Yes, Jacksonville piled up a bunch of yards on the ground and yes they built up a nice lead. But the Jaguars played out of their mind and the Steelers did not play well. The final was 29-22. So, if Jacksonville expects to win, they better play out of their mind again while the Steelers play poorly. I don't see that happening. Plus, it's a playoff game and the Steelers have more experience at it. Remember 2004? Steelers whipped Patriots in regular season; Patriots whipped Steelers and their rookie quarterback in AFC title game.

Bag_the_Jags: Several players and the head coach have commented on a "lack of discipline" and poor gap control as the cause for the problems in the running game. Who are the main culprits that are over-running their lanes or free-lancing on these big plays?

Ed Bouchette: Don't know the names. Just the numbers. No, I think it's been team-wide.

PhillyMarty: Were you surprised Billick was fired? Are you surprised Marvin Lewis was not?

Ed Bouchette: Not really. Billick's time just ran out in Baltimore. Too much sniping by the players. Mike Brown does not normally fire people who have a bunch of years left on their contracts.

Fred_Taylor: Do you think the Steelers should have shown at least a little interest in the Ravens game on Sunday? A little momentum wouldn't have hurt them this week, right?

Ed Bouchette: I don't believe in momentum.

PhillyMarty: Forecast is not ideal, doesn't a sloppy field hurt us more than the Jags?

Ed Bouchette: I don't think it matters in this game.

heal_fast_willie_p: What is your take on Verron and Russell? I thought they picked up some tough yardage towards the end of the Baltimore game.

Ed Bouchette: I liked Russell in the preseason. But he hasn't done much lately. Verron was always a solid, all-around player.

linda: Super Bowl prediction?

Ed Bouchette: I haven't given it a thought. How about Patriots over Cowboys.

SC_Steeler: Do you see Russell getting any carries or any at all on Saturday?

Ed Bouchette: he could. I think it depends on how Davenport is doing and if he needs a blow.

Dave_C: Ed, How are the field conditions? Any better? Are the Steelers brass going to make a decision on field turf soon?

Ed Bouchette: I would look for artificial turf next year.

pleasetackle: Ed, what are the chances the D will tackle Taylor and MJD this game?

Ed Bouchette: You mean, after he picks up 15 or before?

Bag_the_Jags: How is Woodley's hamstring? Tomlin indicated that his playing time has been a result of health more than anything else late in the year. Can we expect to see him put some pressure on Garrard this week?

Ed Bouchette: They say he's healthy. I would look for him a little more on the field Saturday.

Will_from_Freehold__NJ: Ed, I've read that Alan Faneca is getting reps at left tackle. At what point, besides an injury to Trai Essex, do the Steelers move Faneca to LT?

Ed Bouchette: I would not look for Faneca to move unless things completely fall apart.

JimL: With regards to the recent difficulties stopping the run, how much do attribute to the loss of Aaron Smith?

Ed Bouchette: Plenty.

In_Ben_We_Trust: Ed, I believe the Steelers are in a great spot here. Not only do the Jags appear to be overly confident, but I think S.Holmes is healthier this time around and can give the Steelers some big plays in the passing game and H. Ward will not drop the passes this time around. I think playoff football is about QB play, don't you like our guy in this spot?

Ed Bouchette: As I said, I'm picking the Steelers to win Saturday.

Ed Bouchette: Thanks again for participating in this special playoff edition. We'll have one next week as well. If the Steelers win, Tomlin's press conference will be Monday and so will the chat at 1:30. And I hope to have my real name next to my answers by then.