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Gerry Dulac's Steelers chat: 01.03.24
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Gerry Dulac
9:56
OK kids, happy new year!! Let's get started....
Ken Ward
9:57
Happy New Year Gerry! I love your chats and insight. I am struggling with the current offense. We now have the third best QB running things. The OCMC was fired because his playbook was JV and was too late in the season to change it. I also read numerous times that MR2 was the best QB in camp. Not all these things seem possible, as the Steelers are fielding the best offense of the year. Was MR2 the best QB all along? Was MC much better than folks gave him credit for? Or is this some act of god that none of us will ever make sense of? Thanks!
Gerry Dulac
9:58
I think it's more the latter Ken -- nothing in the NFL ever makes a lot of sense. I think the Steelers are like a lot of teams: They're trying to find what they have and who they are and sometimes you stumble on it by accident, or by lapses in judgement.
SMF
9:59
Hi Gerry:  Happy New Year and as always thanks for the chats.  Did you pick up how Tomlin showed smug indifference to Rudolph at the last 2 post game pressers after wins?  When asked to comment on Rudolph’s play; he said 2 words each time.  “Nice Job.”  Did you think like I did that was pathetic?  The Steelers could have had a 6-game losing streak (7-10 record) to end the year if not for Rudolph, hardly the backdrop for Tomlin’s coveted contract extension.
Gerry Dulac
10:01
Not sure I would call it smug, but yes I did. But, if you have noticed over the years, Tomlin is typically short with his responses and trying not to throw too many individual accolades after a win. He is more conciliatory and somewhat expansive after a loss, as though he is doing something he says he never does -- seeking comfort.
Tom
10:01
Hi Gerry - Happy New Year. How much of Mason's success is do to Maturity and being in the building for a while now? and do you think we can expect the same jump from Pickett at some point. People seem to forget Pickett was playing better once Canada was let go and before he was injured.
Gerry Dulac
10:03
Pickett played well only one game after Canada was fired and that was the first one in Cincinnati. He never played to the level Rudolph has performed the past two games. Yes, a lot of that has to do with maturity and understanding offenses and defenses better than a second-year guy.
Coach15
10:03
Why do Steelers(& possibly media), continue to "BOTCH"/make fools of themselves, with the fiasco of Pickett refusing, or nor refusing, to be backup QB?  It doesn't seem like that difficult of a question or interview-!
Gerry Dulac
10:04
You used the proper word in your question. I'll let you figure out which one
Joe TronzoBFalls
10:04
Under what conditions do you think Mason Rudolph would agree to remain a Steeler for 2024?
Gerry Dulac
10:04
The condition of money
Joe TronzoBFalls
10:04
Will the offensive line remain wholly or substantially as-is for 2024?
Gerry Dulac
10:07
Okorafor will be released because he is due $8.75 million in 2024 in salary and roster bonus, which is real money the Steelers will save. Otherwise, everyone else should be back, pending what may happen in the draft
Tim
10:07
Is Mason at least offered a contract as our #2 in the offseason and is he given an opportunity to compete for starting role?
Gerry Dulac
10:09
Absolutely he will be offered and brought back as the No. 2 QB after what he has shown. Unless he takes them to the Super Bowl, however, I don't think there will be an open competition for the starting job at training camp. And even then I don't think there will be. Kenny Pickett will be their QB in 2024.
Josh
10:09
Is the Kenny Pickett era done in Pittsburgh? Do the Steelers believe he’s not the long term answer at QB now that they have seen better numbers from Mason than they have from KP and Mitch?
Gerry Dulac
10:09
No.
D
10:09
Did Pickett refuse to be a backup?
Gerry Dulac
10:10
Here's my answer -- did you see me write it??
Alan in Texas
10:10
Happy New Year Gerry! Being a long time Steeler fan, I remember the days of Hanratty, Gilliam and some hillbilly goof from Louisiana named Bradshaw. I can’t recall any Steeler QB ever receiving the patience and fan support that Kenny P has. I should have mentioned Kordell also.
Gerry Dulac
10:10
Hey Alan, that is a great observation from so far away!
Tim
10:10
Second parter, Mason seems like a really good dude and well liked by his teammates.  Someone to root for, yes?
Gerry Dulac
10:11
Yes he is on all fronts.
Zamo
10:11
In your opinion, does Cam come back next season or call it quits?  I’m sure he would love a crack at a ring but Father Time is undefeated. I hope he gives it one more season and brings along a new young DL to help Benton.
Gerry Dulac
10:13
I think Cam has earned the right with the Steelers to come back for the final year of his contract, if he so chooses. However, if he does, there is no question he will have to re-do his contract. He is scheduled to earn $16 million salary and count $22.4 million against the cap, so he likely will have to accept a LOT less money for his last season.
tom
10:14
Gerry, Unlike many Owners during the broadcast of the games you never see Rooney.  Are the networks instructed to not shows certain owners, as opposed to Jones, Kraft & Lurie for example always on screen?  Thx
Gerry Dulac
10:14
I didn't know that. But, to answer your question, there are no instructions I'm aware of. Unless it's to make sure to zoom in on Taylor Swift
Armchair OC
10:15
Gerry, thanks for the chats.  How much stock do you put in Wonderlic scores?  Kenny's score was a well below average 17 while Mason's was an above average 28. The test is timed and apparently measures the ability to diagnose and problem solve which translates to reading and diagnosing defensive coverages.  Mason seems to be much better at that than Kenny so are there any concerns about Kenny's football intellect at this point?
Gerry Dulac
10:17
I'm not aware of the Wonderlic scores so thank for educating me. But I am not aware of any concerns about Pickett's football IQ, nor do I think there should be. Any of his diagnostic development is simply a result of being a second-year QB in the NFL.
SMF
10:17
Hi Gerry:  Thanks again for the chats.  One new wrinkle with Rudolph to my eye has been his throws that “lead” the receivers—hence all the YAC.  Pickett and Trubisky seemed overly dependent on jump ball combat catch fall down stuff.  Do you see that too and was that the result of Canada play calling?
Gerry Dulac
10:18
Agreed, but I don't think it had anything to do with Canada's play-calling. You can't pin THAT on him.
Zamo
10:18
HNY Gerry!  I’m so happy for Mason and believe he has done everything right over the years. Been a true team player, never outspoken or complains (outwardly at least) and good teammate. We all know Kenny will get first crack next season but would love to see MR come back as #2 and sign a 2 year deal.  The third QB will come via draft or FA. Are you good with this?   Sink or swim after week 18 but really happy for Mason. He seems like a likeable good guy.  Thoughts?
Gerry Dulac
10:18
I'm not only good with it; I agree with it.
Stairway to seventh seed
10:19
Gerry: given that competing for the 7th seed in week 18 has become "the standard", do you think AJRII will misread the season and latch onto a 9-4 record when someone other than Trubisky is the QB when a game was decided as an excuse for not making significant changes?
Gerry Dulac
10:20
I do not
Mike in Maine
10:20
Hey Gerri, long-time reader.  And just a comment; I know Seattle's defense is ranked low in the run, and Cinci has their problems as well now.  But Warren's block last week and Harris' stiff arm Saturday were epic.  It was nice to see the effect with that with both the players and coaches, both in hostile environments.  Not to mention (with all that's been said lately) with the hands of both Johnson and Pickens.  It's still that kind of stuff that sets the tone... Good to see again. (Gave me a flashback to the '70s)
Gerry Dulac
10:20
Yes it was. And don't forget the job of the offensive line. That was kinda epic too.
JJ
10:20
What do you gradeTomlin as a talent evaluator.  A, B. C, D, or F.
Gerry Dulac
10:21
B.
RAM
10:21
Happy new year Gerry! Hey, what do you think the QB room will look like next season? Mitch has to be gone and Rudolf is a question mark. Free agent, trade or draft pick?
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