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Steelers' mailbag Part I: has Dri Archer been a disappointment?

Great questions, and I got enough of them that a second mailbag will be posted later today. If you have a Pittsburgh Steelers question, please send to @ScottBrown_ESPN:.

And away we go ...

@ScottBrown_ESPN: I had a chance to talk to running backs coach James Saxon last week, and he said he is happy with Dri Archer and how he works. Saxon also said he does not think Archer's confidence has been shaken despite how sparingly the rookie has played. I don't think there is any question though the Steelers expected more out of Archer. After the Steelers raised some eyebrows by using a third-round draft pick on the scatback, general manager Kevin Colbert said the Steelers viewed Archer as a starter because of his ability to return kicks. Well, Archer lost his job as the primary kickoff return and is only No. 2 behind Markus Wheaton because the Steelers waived LeGarrette Blount. The release of Blount provides an opportunity for Archer behind starting running back Le'Veon Bell and it will be interesting to see if he can take advantage of it -- and if the Steelers can figure out a way to put his world-class speed to use by getting him the ball in open space.

@ScottBrown_ESPN: I'm a little miffed that Stephon Tuitt, who played just four snaps in a 27-24 win against the Tennessee Titans, has not gotten on the field more. But I don't think it is a reflection of a lack of growth on his part as much as the reality that Tuitt is simply blocked right now. The second-round pick is best suited right now to play in the nickel defense, but that would mean taking Cameron Heyward or Brett Keisel off the field when the Steelers use that package. Heyward is a very good inside pass-rusher, and Keisel has played better than the Steelers could have hoped as the 13th-year veteran is tied for third on the Steelers with 12 quarterback pressures. I think Tuitt is going to be a really good player, but I don't think he makes a significant impact until next season unless he starts siphoning snaps from Cam Thomas.

@ScottBrown_ESPN: It's hard to get a read on how much progress Josh Harris has made since the season started, since there is no hitting and the speed in practice isn't the same as it is in games. The undrafted free agent has a nice blend of size, speed and quickness, and Harris emerged from a group of young, unheralded backs that the Steelers had in training camp. One thing I noticed during camp is that coach Mike Tomlin stayed on top of Harris, which showed that he liked the potential of the Wake Forest product. Harris has obviously impressed the Steelers with what he has done as a member of the practice squad, as they moved just as quickly in promoting him as they did in waiving the disgruntled Blount last Tuesday.

@ScottBrown_ESPN: The Steelers have largely done away with number designations as far as their wide receivers. Antonio Brown is obviously their No. 1 wideout, but after that the order shakes out based on packages and situations. That said, I think Martavis Bryant has clearly emerged as their second-best wide receiver and is more of a weapon in the passing game than Wheaton. Consider that Bryant has six touchdown catches despite not dressing in the Steelers' first six games, compared to one for Wheaton. The 6-foot-4, 211-pound Bryant has an excellent blend of size and speed, and this kid is more than willing to work to get better. I think the Steelers have finally found the tall wide receiver that has too often been a missing component in their offense. As high as I am on Bryant, I am not giving up on Wheaton in any way. He has the physical ability and work ethic to be a very good wide receiver at this level. And given how much teams are throwing the ball now, you need at least three good wide receivers to thrive in the passing game, so there is room for both Bryant and Wheaton.

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