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Gerry Dulac's Steelers chat: 08.20.20
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Gerry Dulac
1:48
OK kids, we will start our chat in just a couple minutes....
1:51
Ok, here we go....
Rob H.
1:51
One of the beat writers this week said he thought Ben's throwing motion looked different to him, although the pace of the ball looked good. What's your take?
Gerry Dulac
1:53
Completely, totally inaccurate. The writer might have thought so, but the people who work with him told me that is complete you-know-what.
Buzz
1:53
Have any of the Running Backs caught your eye yet? Is a Shuster signing absolutely essential?  Thanks
Gerry Dulac
1:54
Yeah....McFarland. You can see the burst and big-play ability, though keeping in mind it is practice. And Shuster???
Michael
1:57
Hi Gerry: do you expect this defense to be as dominant and turnover-based as it was last year? I feel the secondary is at its strongest since 2010.
Gerry Dulac
2:00
I don't know if they will get as many takeaways as last season but I think the defense has a very good chance to be better and more dominant. And, yes, the secondary is very good -- two good corners and a big-play free safety. And they all can run.
Mark
2:00
It has seemed that most fans disliked pre-season games and only the clubs/coaches themselves valued them.  Do you think this season--with the lack of real-game experience for rookies, warmups for vets--will change that attitude much (especially if the overall play in Sept is poor/sloppy)?  <and thanks to you and the other writers for the chats!>
Gerry Dulac
2:02
I think you're on to something, especially about the sloppy play early. And watch out for a lot of early injuries, too, especially knees and Achilles. A lot of fans don't like preseason games in general, but now that there aren't any I bet a lot of those naysayers would love to watch a preseason game.
Nitro
2:02
Hi Gerry -  Given circumstances with no pre-season games, what changes with strategy for Steelers - both sides oft the ball?  Over/under D has as many turnovers as last year?
Gerry Dulac
2:06
No strategy change at all, but maybe personnel changes. By that I mean, you have seen -- and will see -- Mike Tomlin rely on proven veteran players more, especially early in the season. I think a guy like veteran G Steve Wisniewski will eventually work his way in the lineup once he gets acclimated. And you will see Chase Claypool and Alex Highsmith get playing time. Eric Ebron, I think, is the exception. I think you will see a lot of him. But as far as strategy, nothing different.
AK
2:06
Do you think the uncertainty from the salary cap for next year is the main reason Heyward hasn’t been signed?
Gerry Dulac
2:06
That has something to do with it.
KN
2:06
Hello. Thank you as always for the chat. I wanted to ask you your opinion so far , of the DT Carlos Davis , in the limited padded practices ? I know it will be hard for him to make the team as a 7th round pick . But just wanted to ask your opinion that how he has looked so far ? . Thank you very much.
Gerry Dulac
2:08
Unfortunately, because the media is limited how many days we can watch practice. I haven't worked my way yet to watching Davis. So it would be premature for me to say anything about him. But two things I have observed about the defensive line -- Dan McCullers looks 20-30 pounds lighter and Isaiah Buggs looks 10 pounds heavier.
FineLine
2:08
Has the NFL acquired,or in the process of acquiring,these quick Covid saliva tests?
Gerry Dulac
2:09
I don't know, but whatever tests they are using (the nose swab), they are very quick.
AA
2:10
Players must be cut before they can be signed to the practice squad and other teams can sign players from other team’s practice squad, correct?  I think some fans think players can be stashed on the practice squad and are safe.
Gerry Dulac
2:12
You are correct. But I will add, any team signing a player from another team's practice squad has to put that player on their 53-man roster. A team cannot sign a player from someone else's practice squad and put him on their practice squad.
Guest
2:12
any chance ben will throw less td passes than int'S, he's a terrible qb without reps, i think he's finished, washed up, old and broken down, just in it for the money !!!! what do you think genius ?
Gerry Dulac
2:12
Next.
Joe Momma
2:12
Our offense should definitely be better than last year with Big Ben’d return. Our defense will also likely improve with most starters returning, and guys like Bush and Fitzpatrick expected to make second year leaps. Special teams may improve as well with the addition of Watt. Is my assessment correct, or am I missing something? I don’t see any area regressing from last year.
Gerry Dulac
2:13
Well, I think you are correct. They should be better in all phases. Now all they have to do is go out and prove it.
Guest
2:13
From your perspective, do the Roethlisberger era Steelers have an identifiable Offensive Scheme or has it been more about finding groups/collections of plays that maximize their current roster (whatever that makeup may be/have been at the time)?
Gerry Dulac
2:15
Yeah, it's give the ball to Ben and let him decide what he wants to do with it. Will he stick with the play? Will he audible? Will he change the protection? Will he go deep? Will he throw short? Look for JuJu? Dump to Conner? Ben's in control -- that's the identifiable aspect of their offense. Nothing else.
J-town Johnny
2:15
Gerry,  Love the chats.  Is Big Ben as good as advertised?
Gerry Dulac
2:16
If you listen to the players and coaches -- the people who see him every day -- yes he is.
Joe
2:16
I can't believe they are letting Switzer take up a roster spot. But then again, I'm not surprised. Why????
Gerry Dulac
2:17
Why are you not surprised? He has a good relationship with Ben, on and off the field, and Ben looks at him as a dependable checkdown receiver who will always be in the right spot.
KN
2:17
Hello. Thank you for the chat. I wanted to ask you about Mason Rudolph as well. Has he looked better to you , compared to last year , in the camp so far ?  Thank you very much.
Gerry Dulac
2:18
I like Mason as a backup. He is better than people give him credit. He looks decisive, his arm is strong and he knows where to go with the ball. I don't have any problem with him as the No. 2 guy.
MD
2:18
Gerry:  Has Bud Dupree's grievance been resolved?  If he signed the contract already, how can he go back for more?  If he is awarded more, will the team have the ability to revoke the tag since maybe they didn't want him at the higher price?  I bet if they could get out of the Dupree deal, they could sign Clowney for $6-$8 million less, be no worse off, and have the additional cap space to roll forward into next year.
Gerry Dulac
2:19
That all sounds good, but there is no grievance and he signed his franchise tag. All a moot point. That idea that he wanted to be listed as a defensive end to get more money had NO chance of working.
Jimbo
2:19
How are the rookies looking?  Any really standing out other than Chase?
Gerry Dulac
2:20
Highsmith looks good. You can see the ability. But I need to see him in something more than practice.
D S Fischer
2:20
Gerry it seems we have a plethora of WRs do you think anyone of them could be on the trading block?
Gerry Dulac
2:20
No. The WRs who could be in a danger of not making the team would command nothing in a trade.
Tim
2:21
Best stick amongst Steeler players and coaches in your time covering the team.  Coach LeBeau has to make the list as i have had the pleasure of teeing it up with him.  Great player and even better company on the course.  Your thoughts Gerry.
Gerry Dulac
2:21
Agreed. But there have been others, such as Ken Whisenhunt. Todd Haley was very good. Tommy Maddox was very good too.
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