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Q: Ed, do you think it was right for Coach Tomlin to throw Ike Taylor under the bus like he did? I didn't like it when Coach Cowher did it and I don't now, either.

Sal Giglio, Rochester, N.Y.

BOUCHETTE: I do not believe he threw anyone under the bus. He talked about playing both rookie cornerbacks. Someone asked him about William Gay and I asked if Taylor belonged in the equation. Mike Tomlin's answer to that: "Certainly. I think that's appropriate that we look at giving guys some opportunities to see if they can play. What that means or to what extent that means changes will be made I think is a little premature, but I acknowledge that that's taken place." He did not even say he would demote Taylor. He also said Taylor had position on that 23-yard pass on the winning drive and did not defend it. These are grown men who are paid good money to do their jobs. I do not think that kind of mild comment should hurt their feelings or performances and I would not expect Taylor to react that way. Indeed, after Bill Cowher demoted Taylor for five games in 2006, he responded with better play in 2007 and 2008.

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