You are viewing the chat in desktop mode. Click here to switch to mobile view.
X
Gerry Dulac's Steelers chat: 01.08.20
powered byJotCast
Prev Page View Full Chat Next Page
DJPAULHOWARD
11:03
Hey Gerry. I've watched a lot more college football this year than ever before. My observation is that the NFL morphed into the college game. Especially on offense.  Am I way off base with that assessment or do you agree? I'm not a fan of this transformation btw if true....
Gerry Dulac
11:06
You're not off base so much as you're running out of the base path. Parts of the college game are morphing into the NFL with the types of QBs we are seeing (Lamar Jackson) and some of the plays being motioned in from the sideline before the snap. But, if anything, the NFL is morphing back to its old days, with more teams looking to be able to run the ball again.
DJPAULHOWARD
11:06
Why does everyone think it is a slam dunk that the Steelers will be on Hard Knocks this year???
Gerry Dulac
11:06
Because, of the available teams who haven't been on, the Steelers are easily the most desirable. Heck, the Steelers are the most desirable of just about ANY team in the league.
Rahn
11:07
How much blame do you put on coaching re: the disappointing season from the OL?
Gerry Dulac
11:08
While I believe the NFL is more of a coaches league than any other professional sport, I also believe the coaches can sometimes only do so much with some of these guys. But, if I had to choose, I'd side with your thought.
Steeler in Virginia
11:08
Money looks to be tight if Dupree is tagged, but Steelers still like to bring in one or two free agents each year. What position do you think they target for outside help this year before the draft?
Gerry Dulac
11:09
Cap money is always tight for them and they always find a way. But I wouldn't be surprised to see them sign a guard, safety or even tight end in free agency.
Rahn
11:09
Gut feeling: Will Roethlisberger's elbow injury be the final straw for his career a la Bradshaw?
Gerry Dulac
11:10
No. Bradshaw had surgery without telling the Steelers and he rushed his rehab back in training camp, further injuring his elbow. That wont happen w Ben.
Rahn
11:10
What's the staff's feeling on Buggs? Will he be in the rotation next year or is he just a depth guy?
Gerry Dulac
11:10
Well, that's one of the things they will watch as he jumps from year 1 to year 2.
Steeler in Virginia
11:10
Many people seem to want Barron cut to free up money. I personally would like to see him stick around. But, if Steelers need to move from him, wouldn't he be a trade candidate - maybe a fourth or fifth?
Gerry Dulac
11:11
I don't think you are going to see that.
Rahn
11:11
Based on your breakdown, you think Berry comes back? His botches in big spots with field position... there have to be better options coming out of college, no?
Gerry Dulac
11:12
Perhaps. And, if there is, I wouldn't be at all surprised if they go look at one. All I know is a punter never won or lost a Super Bowl, or determined a team's chances of getting there. If you think that's the case, you are not paying attention.
Jwandburgh
11:12
Dupree more likely to be tagged at 16M and take that. Or Steelers goal is to work on a long term deal even with looming huge extension for Watt in 2021?
Gerry Dulac
11:13
The long-term money is being earmarked by Watt. Even Dupree knows that.
Joe
11:13
Do you expect the Steelers to make a run at a starting quality free agent QB with no guarantee that Ben R. will return to form at his age?  For the only team that keeps 3 QBs having a 3rd stringer with better talent than Duck should have been hard to do.
Gerry Dulac
11:14
I think they will make a run at a QB, but not a quality free agent like Mariota or Bridgewater or someone like that. First off, those players will go somewhere where they can be the starter. Second, the Steelers look at Mason Rudolph as their No. 2 QB. Anyone they might bring in will be a third guy right now.
Rick Sunner in Orlando
11:14
With Barron and Williams on their way out do the Steelers need to draft an ILB or sign one through free agency?
Gerry Dulac
11:15
Who says they are on their way out???
BB
11:15
Gerry - would a non-conclusive update on Ben's progress in February be considered a negative?  I guess the proof in that pudding will be seen in what happens in free agency?  Thanks.
Gerry Dulac
11:15
I'm sure the update will be nothing but positive. I don't think anything that comes from that will be cause for any type of move.
Joe
11:15
The performance of Mason, at his age and team tenure, was fine.  What do folks expect?  Bringing in a quality veteran is fine but not a top 3 priority.  Agree?  We need a consistent TE, in-line blocker and explosive RB before we spend $ on 3rd string QB.  Mason was fine before he got clobbered (literary and figuratively)
Gerry Dulac
11:16
Yes, I agree. See earlier answer for proof.
Joe
11:16
Do you think Ben would or could restructure his new deal to provide 2020 cap space?  Extend a year with only a few million more?  He has a 2 year window and the Steelers can get close with a few moves.  Possible or fantasy?
Gerry Dulac
11:16
Of course it's possible. But this is also the first year that his new deal kicks in.
Batdog
11:16
What does it take for Tomlin to take special teams seriously and get rid of Smith and Berry?  I don't remember one kickoff return past the 25 and Berry just stinks.  I know you can give me stats that say he wasn't that bad but what do your eyes tell you watching the game?  I see a below average punter.
Gerry Dulac
11:18
Their longest kick return was 34 yards. And Berry's problem is his inconsistency and his failure to take advantage of long fields with big kicks. But I think all of you are overestimating the value of a punter. I'm not saying Berry is terrific, but he's not horrible either. Averaged 45.5 yards per punt and didn't have one blocked.
Gravel
11:18
Hi Gerry -  Thanks for the chats and your coverage via the PG.  How much say does anyone other than MT have on the coaching staff?  If you were in charge, would you add a QB coach or add a new OC and perhaps demote Randy?  Thanks.
Gerry Dulac
11:20
Yes, Art Rooney II has say over all matters, including deciding if they will hire a QB coach. But not only do I think they need one, they are looking into the possibility (likelihood?).
BB
11:20
Gerry - What is your best guess on what Kevin Colbert does following the completion of the draft?  Stay for awhile, stay for just a little while, or punch out....take a break?  Thanks.
Gerry Dulac
11:20
I think he will be back.
Kielbasa Head
11:20
Hi Gerry, if you were GM would you consider a different OC?
Gerry Dulac
11:21
I wouldn't decide that until Ben comes back. Because it doesn't seem to matter who is the offensive coordinator with No. 7. He has had 4 -- Whisenhunt, Arians, Haley and Fichtner -- and it doesn't seem to have bothered him at all.
Grossman R
11:21
This is reportedly a very bad year for tight ends? Does that making drafting one at 50 less likely? Gracias.
Gerry Dulac
11:22
I don't think that will be determined until after the combine. But maybe.
PM
11:22
Do you think next season is a big one for Juju in determining whether he really is a #1WR?
Gerry Dulac
11:22
I don't think the objective is to prove he's a No. 1 receiver. The objective is to show he can be a productive receiver like 2018.
Connecting…