Boswell takes aim at keeping job after stellar 2015 season

By Mark Kaboly

Good job, kid. Now, let's see if you can do it again, but this time with a veteran breathing down your neck.

That was the basic message conveyed to kicker Chris Boswell during the offseason when the Steelers decided against releasing veteran Shaun Suisham in what could have passed as a money-saving move.

Instead, coach Mike Tomlin ensured himself of at least one position battle when the Steelers report to training camp at the end of July, although it might be slanted in Boswell's direction.

Boswell is younger, healthier and much cheaper than Suisham, who is 10 months removed from an ACL tear. That will give a decisive advantage to the once-obscure kicker who made everybody quickly forget about Suisham, Garrett Hartley and Josh Scobee.

Boswell doesn't quite see it as decisive as you might think.

“Just because I did what I did last year, you can't forget what (Suisham) has done for the past 10 years of his career,” Boswell said. “He's been one of the best kickers in the league for a long time, so who am I to come to in here and have an upper hand on him. I don't.”

READ MORE: http://triblive.com/sports/steelers/10535018-74/boswell-suisham-steelers

I like Boswell. He did very well for us, and he's younger, and likely cheaper than Suisham. But, at the same time, I want the best chance to win, so a competition is only going to get us the best kicker in the end.

touchback kickoffs - like a bos
make field goals - like a bos
starting kicker - like a bos
half the cost - like a bos
sweep the ravens - like a bos
super bowl - like a bos
win the championship - like a bos

Fire Arians wrote:

touchback kickoffs - like a bos
make field goals - like a bos
starting kicker - like a bos
half the cost - like a bos
sweep the ravens - like a bos
super bowl - like a bos
win the championship - like a bos

Ah, there it is!

Suisham's knee 'not there yet,' hopes for training camp return

By Mark Kaboly

Chris Boswell is looking forward to the impending roster battle with Shaun Suisham for the Steelers' placekicking job during training camp.

At this point, it might not be much of a fight because Suisham might not even show.

Suisham on Tuesday said he has yet to recover from a torn ACL of his left knee he suffered during the Hall of Fame Game 10 months ago. He has yet to attempt a kick.

Suisham isn't sure if he will be ready for training camp at the end of July. He hasn't participated at all during the past three weeks of organized team activities other than an occasional view from the sidelines.

READ MORE: http://triblive.com/sports/steelers/10594784-74/suisham-camp-yet

Wallace108 wrote:

Suisham's knee 'not there yet,' hopes for training camp return

By Mark Kaboly

Chris Boswell is looking forward to the impending roster battle with Shaun Suisham for the Steelers' placekicking job during training camp.

At this point, it might not be much of a fight because Suisham might not even show.

Suisham on Tuesday said he has yet to recover from a torn ACL of his left knee he suffered during the Hall of Fame Game 10 months ago. He has yet to attempt a kick.

Suisham isn't sure if he will be ready for training camp at the end of July. He hasn't participated at all during the past three weeks of organized team activities other than an occasional view from the sidelines.

READ MORE: http://triblive.com/sports/steelers/10594784-74/suisham-camp-yet

So much for trading Suisham for a 5th or 6th round pick rather than just release him - unless Boswell gets hurt in preseason (helpful hint - run straight for the sidelines after every preseason kickoff) no way Boswell is cut and a kicker who has not even attempted a  kick since tearing the ACL in his plant leg stays

Tough break for Suisham - his kickoffs were weak but he was a reliable field goal kicker after being brought in midseason in 2010 after Jeff Reed imploded

I will miss Suisam, but Boswell is by far the better choice budgetarily, longevity, kickoffs, and just plain winning. He is cold as ice under pressure too, which is why he is so reliable.

An older, experienced kicker coming off major knee reconstruction OR a young, promising kicker with a stronger leg and a smaller salary........I think we call these decisions "no-brainers."

As Dan mentioned, the worst part of it is not being able to use Suisham as trade bait.

I heard that Carnell Lake said Suisham is ahead of schedule on his rehab and its his job to lose.