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Gerry Dulac's Steelers chat: 08.20.20
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MD
2:24
Given the cap problems coming in 2021, could next year's O-line configuration exclude both Pouncey and Villanueva after both had poor 2019 seasons?  That would free up significant cap space.  They could go Okorafor-Dotson-Wisnewski-DeCastro-Feiler.  Feiler I think though is also unsigned for next year.
Gerry Dulac
2:24
You're correct in one aspect -- Feiler is a free agent after the season. I think Big Al might have a problem coming back, but Pouncey will be back. His deal expires after 2021 and they aren't cutting ties with him.
Alex B.
2:25
I think if Ben is healthy the Steelers will lean on the passing attack and I feel these young receivers can truly make a differenne. Diontae Jouhnson was Impressive and James Washington isn't being talked about enough. Who do you think will be in the starting lineup opposited JUJU.
Gerry Dulac
2:26
It depends on their formations -- could be DJ, could be Washington, who might be the most explosive of all their receivers. There will be formations where JuJu is not in the game. It all depends.
Mfinn
2:26
Mr. Dulac, in all your time covering the Steelers, who was the biggest surprise player to you to make the team out of training camp? And what are chances of there being another big surprise in this crazy time with no OTAs, no preseason games etc.?
Gerry Dulac
2:29
I'd have to think about the first part of your question, but, as for the second part, the chance of one of those surprise guys making the team are more slim this year because there are no preseason games to evaluate the young guys. And they're not going to take a flyer on a guy just because they think he might be a contributor. That's the problem. Willie Parker would qualify as one of the top training camp surprises I've seen. I'll tell you, Duck isn't far behind either.
Bedford
2:29
Haven't heard anything about highsmith?  Has he shown any flashes in practice yet?
Gerry Dulac
2:29
Yes he has. You can see his natural ability. But he needs to get game experience to properly evaluate him.
Hinkle
2:29
Is this our last year to win number 7? 2021 a rebuild?
Gerry Dulac
2:30
The Steelers do not rebuild. Ever.
Hugh DeMann
2:30
Will a Heyward extension get done before the season starts?
Gerry Dulac
2:30
I still think it will.
Zack B
2:30
We are weak at safety depth.  Think an Eric Reid or a trade could be something we do? If one of the starters goes down we are screwed.
Gerry Dulac
2:31
Nobody is screwed if a safety goes down. But it won't help if it's Minkah Fitzpatrick. And they aren't about to make any trade for depth, not now.
rcc prof
2:31
I was reminiscing last night while watching the Mendoza all-stars and got to thinking. If I were as bad a student in grade school as Nutting has been as the Pirates owner, Sister Philip would have had me at the board writing "I stink" 100x. Feed my psyche and tell me the Steelers have a real shot at the playoffs this year!
Gerry Dulac
2:31
Of course they do. More than just a real shot.
Tprod
2:31
Gerry, will we see more base 4-3 this due to more run heavy opponents.
Gerry Dulac
2:32
No, they are not built for that. Oh, you might see it once a game (if that), but that's it.
Nitro
2:32
Hi Gerry -   What is a realistic expectation to have about the impact of Canada on the 2020 offense?
Gerry Dulac
2:33
Well, we shall see. He will bring a lot of pre-snap shifts and motion and misdirection, all in an attempt to free up his own players, especially WRs. But it will also be designed to help confuse a defense.
Most Valuable Chatter
2:33
The football God comes to Mr. Rooney and says you have to get rid of either Colbert or Tomlin. Who is harder to replace?
Gerry Dulac
2:34
To quote Bill Cowher -- I don't play the what-if game.
KN
2:34
Hello . As a follow up to my earlier question about Mason Rudolphh, Have you seen anything from him in the camp so far, early I know, that makes you think that he is showing improvement to take over for BR, some day ? Thank you
Gerry Dulac
2:35
I was getting to you....I think Mason Rudolph can be a decent NFL QB. I've said before, I think he is Neil O'Donnell -- you can win with him but you're always looking to see if there's someone better.
Nitro
2:35
Hi Gerry -  Obviously early but all the reports on McFarland sound promising.  Does his history with Canada give him a better chance at more touches in his 1st year?
Gerry Dulac
2:36
I don't think he's going to get many touches, maybe 1 or 2 a game, unless there are injuries. But they will get him in there and give him the ball because they are just as curious as you to see what he can do in a game.
Most Valuable Chatter
2:36
McFarland is a smaller back. Was he able to protect in the backs on backers drill well enough to help out this year ?
Gerry Dulac
2:37
He will not be in there to pass protect for Ben, rest assured.
Jesse
2:37
Gerry, with the better nutrition/workouts, could you see Ben extending his contract a few more years to help with salary cap issues, etc.  This is assuming 1) he wants to play longer and 2) his elbow is fine.
Gerry Dulac
2:37
Perhaps. But the team may not want to extend him already because they just gave him a new contract. Let's see what happens after a year.
kevin in Punxsy
2:38
Hi Gerry.  Is this the last year for Lefty to play "Regular" golf tournaments or does he have another year in him?  Thanks.
Gerry Dulac
2:38
Like Ben, he does not think he is done just yet
OK kids, we're out of time. Thanx for the questions and see you next week.
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