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Gerry Dulac's Steelers chat: 06.24.20
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Gerry Dulac
10:34
OK, kids, we're gonna start our chat in about 15-20 minutes so get your questions ready....
10:53
OK, let's get our chat started....go!!
Bigedbarr71
10:53
If the NFL would start the season, but have to abandon it after a few games because of the virus, would you expect players’ stats to count?
Gerry Dulac
10:54
No, unless the season was merely postponed for a later re-start. Otherwise, if season is canceled, I imagine the stats would be also.
Doug from Raleigh
10:54
Are Steelers players being tested regularly now, or will there be some unpleasant surprises when "training camp" opens?
Gerry Dulac
10:56
Well, the players aren't around to be tested. They're not allowed at the facility so no group testing is being done. Now, some might have done it on their own, but the team is not conducting any tests.
lamberto
10:56
after eading tomlins staement about mccullers getting a crack at nose tackle I cant help but wonder - why????
Gerry Dulac
10:57
History speaks for itself. He can get all the cracks he wants, it won't change anything. Have I ever mentioned he has 41 tackles in six seasons??? But, to your point, the bigger question is -- why would he even be given a crack. What, six years of evidence isn't enough??
lamberto
10:57
he's done nothing in the time he's been here, I don't think he has 10 tackles total over his time here
Gerry Dulac
10:58
As I just said -- 41. That averages to just under 7 a season.
Eric L
10:58
Hi Gerry, thanks for your time and thoughts!  Who will be 2-4 among these receivers in yards?  Johnson, Washington and Claypool?  Does Johnson have a chance for more yards than JuJu?  If JuJu has 1k or more yards would the Steelers tag him for 2021?
Gerry Dulac
11:00
Well, with the addition of Claypool and Eric Ebron, I think the numbers will be even more spread around this season.  I still think JuJu will be the main target with Ben back and will have more yards than any of the others, barring injuries. And I don't think the Steelers will tag him, I think they will extend his contract.
Bigedbarr71
11:00
Gerry, do you think before games they should just have the national Anthem while the players are in the locker room to avoid any negative feelings in general?
Gerry Dulac
11:02
I thought they should have done that after the 2017 season, like they used to do. But, if they do it now, it will look as though the league is trying to sweep the problem under the carpet. So I wouldn't anticipate that happening.
Bigedbarr71
11:02
Do we know who was tested positive for Covid19 in the spring?
Gerry Dulac
11:02
No. I was told it was two periphery players, not any of the regulars
Jacque Strap
11:03
Tomlin says Feiler will get the 'first snap' at LG. Ramon Foster stated that Feiler could possibly be resistant to a permanent move to LG, because he's established at RT and guards get paid less. His agent could get involved. I guess that is a behind-the-scenes reality?
Gerry Dulac
11:06
True, but I think the move is just for the short-term. The problem is, none of the new guys -- Stefen Wisniewski, Kevin Dotson, Chris Wormley -- have had a chance to be on the field and work with their new teammates. So, for right now, Tomlin will go with guys who are familiar with what they do. I don't expect that to be the way they begin the regular season.
TPhunter
11:06
Hi Gerry. Should the NFL be forced to delay the season, what is your guess as to the absolute latest that the Super Bowl would be played?
Gerry Dulac
11:08
I don't think there is any drop-dead point as to when the Super Bowl has to be played. Of course, if it goes to late February, it will butt up against the combine. Then again, they can always delay the combine I suppose, which, given the state of the virus, could be a very real possibility.
TPhunter
11:08
Gerry, any thoughts about Big Ben's admission to alcohol and porn addictions?
Gerry Dulac
11:08
None
Grip
11:08
Do u think? McFarland. Will shine this year?
Gerry Dulac
11:09
It's going to be tough for any rookie, with no OTAs, minicamp and maybe no preseason games, to have any kind of impact this season.
Tim
11:09
Asked brian the other day this question and interested in your opinion.  Better front office draft day move?  Moving up considerably in first round for Troy or trade with Rams for The Bus?
Gerry Dulac
11:10
Good question, but I'd have to say the move up to get Troy, though you could certainly make a case for the Bettis trade.
ALB
11:15
If the other major sports start playing next month and one or more leagues find that they just can’t do it because of the virus, would that signal the end of football for the fall?
Gerry Dulac
11:16
It could. I think it will be a litmus test for them.
Jim
11:16
Gerry-really enjoy the chats. The Steelers appear to loaded with high quality receivers between the WR's and TE's. It takes balance however. Do you think the  team can run the ball adequately to chew up clock and win games?
Gerry Dulac
11:17
I think having Ben back and the potential of having so many diverse receiving threats will automatically help the run game. So will having a QB who can get in and out of plays, change and slide the protection, audible, run the no-huddle. All that will make the run game better.
Steeler in Virginia
11:18
If you got a free, top 10 player that you could insert anywhere into the lineup, what position would you target?
Gerry Dulac
11:19
Gee...let's see now...Which do you think?
Ralph LA
11:20
I was surprised to see several Steelers on the field praying before the game. A season ticket holder told me that he’s seen members of both teams praying on the field after games, sometimes together. Is that typical?
Gerry Dulac
11:22
Yes, happens every game, every week. Some members of both teams get in a circle and pray after the game. I don't know why you would be surprised.
Jim
11:25
Thanks Gerry. With so much up in the air, when do you think you will you have access to the players? Always thought you guys did a good job with the interviews and added insight.
Gerry Dulac
11:29
We're still not sure. We have had access through periodic zoom calls with some players and even Mike Tomlin. But, I can tell you this, the days of the media getting in the locker room during the week and after games are gone for now, and maybe for a long time. The ability to talk to several players, to gain perspective and insight, whether on or off the record, is gone. As a result, you will see more and more players using their social-media platforms to convey their thoughts, feelings and news happenings, though that has already been going on for a while.
Ralph LA
11:30
Praying is only surprising since you don’t see it on TV. Just the pre   and postgame summary.     It’s obvious if the offensive line as a whole is doing well but from your position are you able to discern how individual lineman are doing?
Gerry Dulac
11:32
Ralph, I am not qualified to evaluate offensive linemen and how they perform, nor is any media person unless they played the position in the NFL. But what I do is find out from the people who do evaluate them -- the coaches -- how they performed.
Jeff
11:38
have you heard how they will handle fans?  Im not a scientist but this isnt going away anytime soon and whereas i agree things need to open up we will have waves.  Having said that i think you need fans.  2 seats between all seats unless with immediate family?  seems no one has a clue
Gerry Dulac
11:44
If they do have a clue, nobody has said how they will handle the possibility of fans attending games. I'm certain the league and their teams have all discussed ways to allow this to happen, but I don't think anyone is going to say how until it has been determined whether fans can or cannot attend games. I agree, the games will not be the same without fans. And I think your point about having two seats open between fans sounds good, but I don't know how that will be applicable. That would mean only 1/3 of all tickets would allowed to be used, or roughly 22,000 people per game. I think a lot of people who come to games -- if they can come -- will seek out spots in the end-zone walkways to watch games.
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