JotCast | Gerry Dulac's Steelers chat: 08.24.22

Gerry Dulac's Steelers chat: 08.24.22

Gerry Dulac

10:52

OK kids, we're going to start our chat in just a few minutes so get ready .....

10:55

OK, here we go....

Doug Frobel Fan Club

10:55

If the Steelers keep Rudolph, and it seems like that's going to be the case, who will be the number two QB on game days behind Trubisky? And who gets the second team reps in practice?

Gerry Dulac

10:59

That's a good question....I don't think there's any question they will continue to give Pickett reps during practice because everything they do is geared toward developing their No. 1 pick and getting him ready to play, whenever that is. But, to your question, it might be a good thing for now to keep Rudolph involved in the game plan because he might be the short-term, in-game answer if there is an injury to Trubisky.

Guest

10:59

hey dulac,whats up with you lately, no ben and your sad,,,poor little boy,,maybe you should retire and go women chasing with ben

Gerry Dulac

11:00

I just like to show everyone the type of questions I get from time and time.

KN Phoenix

11:01

Hello. Thank you as always for the chat. Are you surprised that Avery got released yesterday ? We do not have any depth behind Watt and Highsmith. Even if Hamelcar arrow is pointing up, to borrow a phrase from Tomlin, it does not make sense to let go of Avery who played decent in the last preseason game. Is there someone coming via trade or cuts ? Thank you very much.

Gerry Dulac

11:01

I was to a degree and I haven't found out the reason yet, but I will. To me, he seemed to be a better answer than what they have for OLB depth.

Hi Gerry

11:05

What's the purpose of keeping Green on the roster when it's not working? Give the kid a chance to land elsewhere and use those reps on other options. Why delay the inevitable?

Gerry Dulac

11:06

I don't think it's inevitable, to use your word, that they will not keep him on the roster.

Hi Gerry

11:06

Is there anyone out there who is worth a look at OL? Some guys hold out for injuries to create better comp rather than sighing for the vet minimum to be on a roster in May. Anyone?

Gerry Dulac

11:07

I'll be honest, I haven't studied the available OL pool that is still sitting out there. Maybe after the final cuts. But I don't think they are going to go sign a player who will be a starter, not at this point, not unless there is a major injury.

GPT

11:07

Any chance the Steelers move Mason Cole to one of the Guard positions and let Hassenauer place center (or bring in someone like JC Tretter)?

Gerry Dulac

11:07

No.

Steelers Fanatic

11:08

Hi Gerry, I watched Bush play on Saturday. He is a complete bust. The man avoids contact, which is not a good thing for an inside linebacker. Was he so contact adverse at Michigan? Was this draft selection a triumph of skills over production?

Gerry Dulac

11:09

I think what you suggest is a good possibility. I never thought at the time he was worth the 10th overall selection in the draft, even though I applauded their attempt to go find a Ryan Shazier-type player, which, we have seen, Bush is not.

Hi Gerry

11:09

Similar to Green, Bush has not worked out. I also wonder how his teammates perceive his willingness to fight. Cut your losses and move on? Keep for depth? Thanks

Gerry Dulac

11:10

I think they will tolerate it for one more year. And the film doesn't lie. They see it too

Hi Gerry

11:10

Is this the time for the Steelers to be even bolder, given their QB's room is on small contracts? I don't think pulling forward talent (trading draft picks, restructuring contract for more cap room) should be off the table. This OL is historically bad.

Gerry Dulac

11:12

I keep searching for a question in your observation, but I would venture to point out they have been more bold the past couple years than they ever have been, both in free agency, trades, big contracts, et al.

Hi Gerry

11:12

Did Daniels play left guard or center when he was doing well for the Bears? Same with Cole. JC is a service center if the other two can play guard. No?

Gerry Dulac

11:13

He was better at guard. I have to think Cole was better at center, which is why he ended up there.

Teddy

11:13

Any chance we could see an extension for Cam Sutton or Zach Gentry before the season?

Gerry Dulac

11:14

I don't think there is any urgency to extend a backup tight end. But Sutton is a very real possibility. In fact, he's the only player they will consider extending before the start of the regular season.

Dave

11:14

At what point will the Roony’s wake up and fire Tomlin? Are they content with getting blown out in the playoffs year after year?

Gerry Dulac

11:14

That seems to be a popular question.

Stuck-in-Philly

11:18

Good morning, Gerry. I will offer you a reprieve from questions relating to the OL, D Bush and the QBs. My question is as follows: I know its is only year #2 for N Harris, but if you were part of the Steelers brain-trust, would you be concerned that if his touches in years #2-4 are as high as they were in year #1, that he'll having left for year #5 or a second contract? He seems to be a leader and a hard worker and someone who may have enough intangible value to warrant a second contract assuming the Steelers do not take all of the tread off of his tires prior. I mean, what is the point to drafting a RB that high and using him ALL the time if your ceiling in any given year is a blowout loss in the wild card round?

Gerry Dulac

11:18

I think a lot of NFL teams have discovered that second contracts for high-usage RBs, given their wear and tear, are not financially advisable. So they run the wheels off the guy while they can, understand they're going to take a beating, and get as much as they can out of them now. Just look at the number of RBs who are let go to move on to other teams. I'm sure the Cowboys regret giving Zeke Elliott what they paid him. RBs can have a short shelf life in the NFL

artie bridge

11:18

Gerry, If the protective helmet padding players have worn during camp provides additional protection against concussions, why not adopt if during the regular season? Any downside?

Gerry Dulac

11:19

I'm going to guess they are too cumbersome, but I'm not the expert.

Hi Gerry

11:19

I love the receivers. Keep Austin on the short-term IR so he can ease back in, and hang onto Simms for a few more weeks? Increase his trade value?

Gerry Dulac

11:19

Not suren you're going to see happen what you describe....or hope for.

Hi Gerry

11:19

I'd trade with Mitch or Mason for a "varsity" LT or LG. Would you?

Gerry Dulac

11:20

Nope.

TruSteel

11:20

Based off of how close Trubisky and Pickett are, it seems to be a no brainer to start Pickett?? If Mitch starts the season and stays in "playoff contention" w/o Pickett getting a game, then he is looking at 25 years old in 2023 with zero reps. Wouldn't this be a wasted year in his development?

Gerry Dulac

11:20

Who says they are close??

Retire21

11:20

The 4 majors are not run by the PGA tour. Do you think they be in solidarity and ban the Saudi tour guys?

Gerry Dulac

11:20

I'd be surprised if they did.

Kevdog

11:21

Why not sign JC Tretter to play center and move Cole to Leftguard