Ed Bouchette: Welcome back, all. Mike Tomlin just finished his press conference about an hour ago. He said Troy Polamalu will try to participate in practice this week but it's too early to tell if he can play vs. Detroit. On with your questions:

Will_from_Freehold__NJ: Greetings Ed! What impressed me the most about Mendenhall's performance was how he was hitting the holes "BOOM" and not "tap-dancing". Did you notice that? Was it Mendenhall finally getting it or was the offensive that dominating on Sunday?

Ed Bouchette: Well, it was both because the passing game dominated as well. But surely that was a different Mendenhall than any of us have seen since he was drafted. It shows he can do it. Now all he has to do is continue and not be a one-game wonder. His blocking also was impressive.

Jacque_Strap: Whether he wants to take credit for it or not, Tomlin seems to at least have partial credit for motivating Rashard to play well against San Diego. But do you think that Mendenhall has what it takes to motivate himself on a consistent basis, without help? That's the only way he'll become a great player.

Ed Bouchette: I agree and the only way any of us will know if he continues to do it. I thought his lack of attention to "details" as Tomlin described them was a red flag before last week.

Hobo_Bill: Regardless of what Mendenhall did on Sunday night, do you forsee the Steelers keeping Willie Parker next year? He'll be a year older & he has been injury prone that last 3 years now.

Ed Bouchette: The fact they did not try to sign him to an extension before this season tells me they probably are ready to let him go into free agency.

UruguayanSteeler: Hello Ed, From Uruguay (South America), Rashard is the best RB in NFL history.... all our problems are solved.... hmm... ok... just overreacting... I guess FWP would have done a good job too with the lanes opened by the OL, but for the first time (at least for one game) Mendenhall looked like a first rounder, do you think Mendenhall will take FWPs place anytime this season?

Ed Bouchette: Hello, from Pittsburgh (North America). Overreactin' in Uruguay too? Must be a Steelers fan. I think Mendenhall could take FWP's place as early as Sunday in Detroit. Mike Tomlin will do what's best for his team and gives them the best chance to win. That may require going with the hot hand who also is the healthiest right now.

Taz: Hi Ed. Thanks for chatting. So, how long does a runner need to be stopped before the refs consider forward progress concluded? I thought the whole point of that rule was to prevent was happened to Logan Sunday night.

Ed Bouchette: Yeah, me too, but how often do you see it called anymore? Not like it used to be. What's he struggling for anyway at that point? Go down. That's 2 fumbles for him in 4 games and no touchdowns, unless you count the one scored by San Diego.

James_Taiwan: What do you think are the most important remaining games on the schedule? I think that the Minnesota and two Baltimore games are the most important.

Ed Bouchette: Yeah, unless you lose to a team like Detroit or Cleveland. Then, THOSE can become the most important.

Fullbacks_Need_Not_Apply: Ed, who do the Steelers want to face in Detroit? Stafford, a rookie with a bum knee or Culpepper, an angry vetern who wasn't signed by the Steelers last year?

Ed Bouchette: I can tell you the Steelers are probably hoping for the angry Culpepper rather than the more talented Stafford.

Hinestheman: Ed, has the OL quietly become a stout unit? They looked elite on Sunday night and quite frankly, they have looked very good all year long.

Ed Bouchette: And, from what I hear, you should have seen them on Monday night on WWE Raw.

ironcitypat: Coach Tomlin said they opened the play calling both vertically and horizontally and he thought this helped open running lanes. Do you think this was something that will just work for the Chargers or do you feel this is somethimg we will see work in coming weeks?

Ed Bouchette: I'm waiting for them to open it up diaganally. You do things against certain teams that you think will work, and those sometimes do not work against others. I believe the more you see this team, the more they open up the passing game. It does not mean they won't use the run, but they have shown that with Ben completing 73.2 percent of his passes, that's a pretty safe way to go too.

ZACKB: Why can't we keep leads late in games? Is it the cover 2 /prevent defense that we are playing?

Ed Bouchette: The Steelers never trailed vs. San Diego, never tied, never closer than 7 points in a game they were favored by 6.5 and won by 10. The defense allowed 21 points total, not 28. I think it's human nature to ease up a bit when you're leading late in the third quarter by 4 touchdowns -- even most of the fans left Heinz field by then.

Hinestheman: Ed, too bad Rashard's performance overshadowed an almost flawless performance by perhaps the very best QB in the NFL. Really, Ed, I can't think of another QB I would rather have in any situation on my football team - Have I lost my mind?

Ed Bouchette: No, you are a fan and many would agree with you. I would have to say, though, that many also would take Brady and either Manning, but it's a good ongoing debate.

Hinestheman: Ed, Jamal Williams' absence had a lot to do with Mendenhall' (wee need a nickname for this guy - his name is too long) success... But as you pointed out, he ran hard and played Steelers football all night long - BA seems to have solved our third and short problems - are they permanently fixed?

Ed Bouchette: Nothing is ever permanently fixed. And what is wrong with Rocket Rashard? Before Sunday, you could not really use it, but it kind of fits a little better today.

Give_the_ball_to_Mendenhall: Ed, is it me or does it seem that Woodley is dropping into coverage more this year?

Ed Bouchette: I have not noticed him dropping into coverage more. In fact, I have not noticed him much at all.

country1: Hi Ed- Why won't the NFL go back to allowing players to play the game the way it was meant. Stop with all the pattycake calls on QB's. The next thing we will see is Brady coming out on the field in a skirt!~ your take is....

Ed Bouchette: I think they should do away with the facemasks too.

rbird: Ed, I keep hearing how T. Polamalu is going to make all the difference when he comes back. Do you think fixing our 4th quarter defense is that easy?

Ed Bouchette: I think whenever you take your best players out of your lineup, it's a hinderance. Getting them back is a help. Does that mean that the Steelers suddenly will return to the defense that dominated last season? Not necessarily, but I like their chances better with TP.

Give_the_ball_to_Mendenhall: Ed, I thought it was pure genius putting Doug Legursky to block as a fullback. Do you see the Steelers doing this more in goal line situations?

Ed Bouchette: No, David Johnson is back and they looooove him, so I would expect you'll see them put him back there.

rbird: Hey Ed, Is C. Kemeatou okay? I know he was a little shaken up near the end of the game. Any reports?

Ed Bouchette: He was well enough to travel across state for WWE Raw Monday night. He has a left ankle problem that will not prevent him from playing Sunday.

2_Hand_Touch: Ed, considering the Steelers next 2 opponents, do you think Tomlin will consider resting Troy until the Minnesota game?

Ed Bouchette: I think he will play him when Troy is healthy. That could be this week or next, but I would expect him to play absolutely no later than Cleveland. You cannot start thinking that way or one of those teams will up and beat you and then what?

rbird: I think Carey Davis was important in our game Sunday night. Will the Steelers cut him when F. Summers and D. Johnson get healthy?

Ed Bouchette: Johnson is healthy. Summers is not. He is on injured reserve and cannot return. I think Carey Davis is on the team for the season.

DJSWSP: I love your chats. A few of questions: Is Isaac Redman back on the Practice Squad, how come we could not get Sonny Harris back from Carolina and who gets the start if both are healthy: Fast Willie or Rashard?

Ed Bouchette: Isaac Redman, as of this moment, is not on the practice squad as far as I know. I have not yet asked today and I will right after this chat, and will post it if he returns.

rbird: Hello Ed, Ike Taylor has been awesome so far. Do you think this is the year he makes the Pro Bowl?

Ed Bouchette: It could be. he will cover Detroit's Calvin Johnson Sunday.

sean_ferris43: Good afternoon Ed, love the chats. Do you agree that Logan should have fair caught the ball the he fumbled. The Steelers had a sizeable lead at that point.

Ed Bouchette: Looking back on it, yes he should have signalled for a fair catch. But Mike Tomlin has put Mewelde Moore back there in crucial situations; maybe he should have been the punt returner on that one too.

Steeler_in_the_Bayou: Nick Eason vs. Redman: did the Steelers make the right call releasing Redmen again for a D-linenman who may not even dress again?

Ed Bouchette: I don't think it's that big of a deal. They must believe Willie Parker is healthy enough that they do not need Redman.

Fullbacks_Need_Not_Apply: Ed, what's your opinion on players losing their starting positions due to an injury?

Ed Bouchette: I have no problem with that. Tough luck, I would say, but I'm going with the guy who I believe gives me the best shot at winning, no matter who.

rbird: Ed, Our offensive line was unbelievable Sunday night. Do you think it's because of the weak San Diego defense or are they just getting better?

Ed Bouchette: I do believe they are getting better. But that was no the Baltimore Ravens.

SteelersPSU: Ed, I don't want to underestimate the Lions or Browns, but if it were my call to make, I would not play Troy Polamalu against either team unless I was sure his knee is back to 100%. Otherwise, why risk it?

Ed Bouchette: How about this reason: You lose to either team because of, oh, some tight end passes down the middle. Then, you will have the fans and media crawling all over you for taking them for granted. If he's ready to play, he plays, no matter the opponent. And if you want to know how MT thinks, remember last year's "meaningless" finale against Cleveland when Ben was carted off the field.

Amos_P_Swanson: Ed....What happened to Stefan Logan on sunday night (and Adrian Peterson last night) has become a growing trend in the NFL. Standing someone up and crazily ripping at the ball? I don't remember it to this extent in the past, and I feel like I'm watching a bad wrestling more than football when I see it. Any chance of the NFL looking at this rule wise?

Ed Bouchette: Just what they need in the NFL, more rules to make things less exciting.

BringBackLeeFlowers41: Ed, do you see Hood playing at all this year even barring no injuries?

Ed Bouchette: He's been playing a little bit each game. I just would rather see Aaron Smith on the field instead of Ziggy Hood right now.

UruguayanSteeler: Hi Ed, from Uruguay (South America), I loved what Legusky gave on that TD play, I think he made a great block, do you see it as a good option on the short yardage plays, or you think it will be just a once in a lifetime thing?

Ed Bouchette: Hi, from Pennsylvania (North America), I believe once you do one thing well, you get more opportunities. David Johnson is back and they'll probably use him there but Legursky will be in the back of their mind too.

Amos_P_Swanson: I'm a huge Ben Roethlisberger fan....But is he becoming a bit unapproachable in the locker room these days?

Ed Bouchette: You mean, he once was approachable in the locker room?

jameson_staley: Ed, I agree with you that FWP is still a great back. Given Mendenhall's outstanding performance last week, how do you expect the coaching staff to divide snaps between the two of them once FWP is healthy?

Ed Bouchette: That's the great unanswered question that only the coaches can answer and right now they're not providing one. I will bet they lean more toward Mendenhall because he did it Sunday night and Parker still is not 100 percent.

ch3: Ed, why is it that Sir Tom "The Chaste" gets touched by a defender and gets a flag thrown. Yet Ben gets killed after the whistle and nothing. Ben hasn't had a roughing the passer called for him in the regular season in over 1 and 1/2 seasons.

Ed Bouchette: You do not think the NFL has different rules for different players do you? That would never happen.

BringBackLeeFlowers41: Ed, can we now dub him Ben RAWthlisberger?

Ed Bouchette: You could Monday night and I'm surprised the rasslin' people did not.

jameson_staley: Even though football is a team sport, and the Steelers' mature understanding of that has led them to many Super Bowls, I cannot help but be bothered by the absurd non-calls when James Harrison is held. He could be breaking all-time records. Do you think anything will change?

Ed Bouchette: If things were going to change, we would have seen it by now because the Steelers and Harrison certainly had to bring it to their attention between the end of last season and the start of this one.

Mwarren18: Ed, saw Ron Cooks article on the texts today... seems that texting the the new motivational tool of 2009, any chance we might see a number where fans can text you questions and you provide insightful responses?

Ed Bouchette: Haven't I suffered enough?

Mwarren18: Ed, how underrated is Heath Miller as a TE?

Ed Bouchette: I think he's a Pro Bowl tight end in the true sense of the word. Problem is, the popularity of tight ends usually goes in hand with the number of receptions/touchdowns they have. No one even considers their blocking ability.

wardfan86: Why was everyone criticizing Ben and the line for doing WWE? Did people really think they were going to wrestle?

Ed Bouchette: I think they believe he could have devoted that time to better pursuit, like going on Letterman.

sean_ferris43: Ed, it looked like the pink gloves helped Santonio hang onto the ball Sunday. Any chance he wears them the rest of the year?

Ed Bouchette: He had another dropped pass Sunday, giving him five in three games, if that's what you mean.

sean_ferris43: Ed, Chris Collinsworth kept mentioning the fact that Mendenhall stands too tall when running the ball. Is this a concern of Tomlin's?

Ed Bouchette: He looked OK to me Sunday night. If that's what you do as a tall runner, I'm all for it.

praveen: Frank Summers going on the IR was the best piece of news for our running game. Comments?

Ed Bouchette: I think you're going a little too hard on the rookie.

SteelersfaninAustin: Ed, saw your update in PG+ that there weren't any significant new injuries, does this mean Clark is OK? Saw reports he may have a rib injury.

Ed Bouchette: They're calling it a strained back. He'll be all right, if you can read Mike Tomlin.

Mwarren18: Ed, is the next big measuring stick for this team going to come against Brett Farve and the Vikings?

Ed Bouchette: I would say so, provided one of the next little measuring sticks don't up and whop them between the eyes the next two weeks.

Ed Bouchette: That's it for another chat. Thanks, all. I will again recommend PG-Plus to you. I'm not trying to sell you anything, just telling you that for the money, you get a lot of extra stuff, including my daily blog, Dulac's Wednesday chats, Smizik's Tuesday chats, etc. See you here next Tuesday.

Ed Bouchette's blog on the Steelers and Gerry Dulac's Steelers chats are featured exclusively on PG+, a members-only web site from the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette. Our introduction to PG+ gives you all the details.