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Gerry Dulac's Steelers chat: 01.08.25
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Gerry Dulac
9:55
OK kids, we will start our chat in just a couple minutes, so get ready....
10:02
OK, let's get started..
Guest
10:02
if the Steelers get blown on Saturday Night, what happens? I know Mike T will be the coach in 2025. Although I think and many others do as well, it’s probably best for the Steelers and Mike T to part ways… we all know that’s not going to happen unfortunately. I love Mike T but it would finally be time. People can say “the grass isn’t always greener on the other side” but I’ve been saying that in 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019, etc…
Gerry Dulac
10:04
I don't think you will see any changes at the top, meaning Mike Tomlin, but I hear you and I get it. But there will be more roster upheaval for sure in the form of regulars being let go. And that won't be a bad thing
Guest
10:04
I predict Arthur Smith stays because it was his first year. Austin gets fired. But is that it? Put the blame on Austin? Randy gone, Canada gone, Smith under performed as OC( at this rate he will get one more year and then gone), Butler gone, Porter gone…. There is a common denominator and we all know who it is. How much more can we take?? I keep going back to what Art said at the end of the year last year, is there any chance for Mike to be gone at the end of year specifically off of what Art said?
Gerry Dulac
10:07
I agree -- Smith will return because I don't expect him to get a head-coaching job. And if Canada got three years, Smith certainly won't be one and done. And let's not forget who is really in charge of the defense -- the person to whom you refer as the common denominator
Pittfan
10:07
Hi Gerry. I've been on and off the fire Mike Tomlin bandwagon for some time now. My question is, if the Steelers were to relieve Mike of his duties (I say that tongue in cheek) would the new coach be able to solve the offensive issues the Steelers have without a franchise quarterback and weapons?
Gerry Dulac
10:10
Well, that would have to change, too, especially the weapons part. There are only a few, and only one at WR, and his shelf life here will be short. I think you will see them sign a quality WR in free agency, draft another in the first three rounds and -- at least in my opinion -- get a RB with the speed to get around the edge.
Tim
10:10
Here is what I don't get: These teams famously have a history of playing close games. They played a close one earlier this year, and then one that was close until it wasn't when we weren't at full strength. I don't have a lot of confidence that we will win, but making the Ravens 10-point favorites feels like a dramatic departure from what we've seen. What am I missing?
Gerry Dulac
10:11
Agreed. I think 10 points is a little steep.
Tony in Augusta
10:11
Gerry the end of this regular season has been frustrating to all parties understandably. From your point of view, can you give us your own top 3 reasons why it feels like this team is imploding at the worst possible time?
Gerry Dulac
10:12
1) Very few playmakers on offense, 2) Defense not what it was the first 3 games, 3) Not good enough to consistently play with the big boys
Tony in Augusta
10:12
Second question Gerry. Does it annoy you (and other members of the media/Front office) when Tomlin says the same things over and over at his weekly press conferences? For example, hearing how he wants to get Mike Williams more involved every week and then to only get a fraction of snaps week in and week out feels like we’re all going insane. I get he isn’t the level he used to be but when he is targeted in games (so far), majority of the time he has come up with a big time play.
Gerry Dulac
10:13
Hey Ton, it doesn't annoy me. Not my job to be annoyed. But I know it annoys the heck out of the fan base.
Rich
10:13
Gerry are the Steelers a poorly coached team?
Gerry Dulac
10:14
I think it's more about the players than the coaches. Just not enough play-making talent on offense and the defensive live, other than 97 and 95, is a wreck.
NY Steeler
10:15
Good morning Mr D. We cannot ignore the woeful end to the season, which really started with the debacle against the Ravens with a chance to wrap the division and rest up for possibly two weeks. So is it pie in the sky to think they have more than a puncher’s chance considering the Steelers will have an all hands on D this time around and they clearly know how to beat the Ravens and Jackson? To me, it should all come down to our QB and offensive play calling/execution. Thoughts?
Gerry Dulac
10:16
Hey, there is always a chance. This isn't like going to Buffalo or KC. They have had success there and they know the Ravens. This isn't pie in the sky. But, it ALWAYS comes down to the QB, one way or another.
Guest
10:16
Hey Gerry- I’ve been a Steelers fan since 1973. I firmly believe the biggest issue with this franchise is ownership. Pains me to say that. However, Art II is NOT his grandfather or father. He cannot continue to run this franchise like it’s 1977 or even 2007! We watch year after year these Steeler teams flounder in mediocrity. Who really cares if Tomlin has never had a losing season!  It’s about winning in the post season. Chuck Noll
Gerry Dulac
10:17
Yes, and those are questions ownership will really have to seriously ponder if it's another short postseason. Eight years with six straight playoff losses is not something to easily dismiss.
Stairway to seventh seed
10:18
Gerry: do you agree with this point?  Evaluating any coach from a purely coaching perspective (not including a coach's involvement in personnel selection) is difficult because it depends on the talent at hand.  However, regardless of talent level any good coach should typically have his team playing better at the end of a season.
Gerry Dulac
10:19
I do agree. I do not dispute whether Mike Tomlin is a good coach. He is an outstanding coach. Will be in the Hall of Fame one day. But, when things are doing the way they are going the past eight years -- late-season collapses, no playoff wins -- serious consideration has to be given to determining a future path.
Tom in Chadron
10:19
When the Broncos won the SB years ago, Manning would shout out "Omaha" during his signal calls. It must have worked for him. What if the Steelers try something similar with Russ and have him call out some Pittsburgh area town- maybe, "Myoma!" It would confuse the heck out of the Ravens, and maybe we finally get a win.
Gerry Dulac
10:20
I'll tell him.
Alan from Bama
10:20
Good morning Gerry, thanks for the great chats. The salary cap no doubt hurts every NFL team with the Steelers seeming unbalanced with more cash invested in the defense. Should or would the NFL ever consider exempting the QB position or possibly other skilled positions to negate the loss of players? Also, please have PG let you do a golf chat!
Gerry Dulac
10:21
They pretty much already do. That's why the salary cap has increased every year the way it has -- to account for QB salaries. And I'll tell them about the golf chat!
marty
10:22
Why are we still dressing #83 and #84?  The Ravens normally have a FB blocking for #22, if we are serious about running the ball, wouldn't it be beneficial to have a FB in our lineup?
Gerry Dulac
10:22
Somebody find this guy some cash!
Rich
10:22
We have seen three offensive coordinators all essentially implement the same game plan since Haley was run out of town. The constant is Tomlin.. when will we realize what we don't loke falls on his shoulders?
Gerry Dulac
10:23
The game plans being formed by the OCs are done under the theme being set by Mike Tomlin
Stairway to seventh seed
10:23
Gerry:  Another week after HCMT talks about making changes and virtually none are made, I wonder if he doesn't just threaten changes as a motivational tactic with no intention of ever making any.  If this is the case, isn't this a classic example of how a coach's message can go stale after so many years?
Gerry Dulac
10:24
That's because they don't have any real changes to make that would make them better. The only ones are schematic.
Rich
10:24
Gerry Happy New Year. With their stubborn insistence on doing things one way until it works, are the Steelers possibly the easiest team for teams to game plan against?
Gerry Dulac
10:24
Now we're getting somewhere....
Jack Splat
10:25
In your humble opinion is MT’s time in the Burgh coming to an end?  It seems his outdated approach to this day’s NFL and the need for an innovative offense is hurting this team.  This not having a losing season is way overrated.  To me it shows his inability to get this team to the next level and be legitimate contenders.  Thank you.
Gerry Dulac
10:26
I have learned never to say that.
Tom in Chadron
10:26
Gerry, I watch your post game talks with Ray and really appreciate your professional insight, and analysis into what took place in the game. I always learn something from them. Thanks for the work.
Gerry Dulac
10:26
Thanx for that Tom! That Fittipaldo, he's a budding star.
stlslash
10:26
Thanks for the chats and the great writing Gerry...means a lot to this lifelong Steeler fan. I could ask a million questions after Saturday night but I’ll start with Mike Williams. Why do you think they don’t use him more? He’s made plays when given the chance. He seems to be an upgrade over Jefferson. They traded for him, he made one of the biggest plays of the season in his very first game. It’s just baffling. Thank you.
Gerry Dulac
10:28
Agreed. I will point up he's not the type of route runner who is going to come out of his breaks and get wide open, so he's not always a desirable target in coverage. Nonetheless, throw him the ball. None of the other guys (with the exception of 88 and sometimes 14) are open either.
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