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Gerry Dulac's Steelers chat: 09.22.21
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Gerry Dulac
10:47
OK kids, we're going to start our chat in just a few minutes, so get your questions ready....
10:58
Ok kids, let's go....!!
Gregg from Shaler
10:58
Hello Gerry - are my eyes deceiving me or are the run schemes we are trying at the beginning of the games very vanilla, ie runs up the middle, more or less, looking to squeeze through a hole. Are the days of "pitches" that attempt to gain a corner a thing of the past? Seems with our line issues it might be worth a try to get Najee outside occasionally. He has the speed and the ability to cut back, presumably?
Gerry Dulac
11:00
Gregg, I don't know enough about intricate run schemes they are using during a game to comment, probably because I don't sit there and study them. And, as for pitches, I disagree. We're actually seeing more misdirection tosses than we've seen for a long time around here. I'm willing to give the run game a little more time, given all the new faces and rookies.
Joe from Philly
11:00
Why do so many fans and media types pay attention to PFF? I don’t understand why
Gerry Dulac
11:02
I don't either, but I'll tell you why they probably do -- because they are really the only outfit putting our grades. Don't forget, that's how Mel Kiper got started. He was the only person who took the time to put out evaluations of college players, whether he was right or wrong.
Bill
11:02
Last week I asked you why I felt Tomlin would again lose close games this season by failing to challenge, poor clock management, or not going for it on fourth and 1. You answered that I "live in my fears". In fact, Tomlin did it again! You were wrong and its Mike Tomlin who "lives in his fears". Agree?
Gerry Dulac
11:03
Hey Bill, I have accused Mike Tomlin many times of living in his fears, and, yes, Sunday was another example.
kevin in Punxsy
11:03
Good mornin', Gerry.  Why is it that M Canada has not been able to implement "his offense" in two games, except for one 75 yard drive that ended in JuJu scoring a TD? All other drives looked like last year's OC's drives.
Gerry Dulac
11:04
I do recall four consecutive scoring drives in the second half to win the game in Buffalo. Or am I dreaming???
Chris Gossett
11:04
Is it justifiable to start in shotgun and hand it to a flat footed player with no FB?  Does it make sense to throw behind the l.o.s., so often, when you consider the player with the ball is asked to run eight yards on third and 5 for instance?
Gerry Dulac
11:05
Look around, it happens a lot in the NFL. More than you realize. How many times you think Lamar Jackson lines under center
Tony
11:08
Why don’t the Steelers use screen passes anymore?
Gerry Dulac
11:08
They never really did, mainly because they never really seemed to be any good at it
Tim
11:09
The national and local sports media have essentially written our Steelers off after 2 games.  I say we are exactly where we thought they would be at 1-1.  Hamstrung (no pun intended) by 4 defensive starters out, all former 1st round draft choices btw, a new OC, a young developing o line and an exciting new running back. I say we pump the brakes and enjoy the next 15 weeks and see how it goes.  Here we go….
Gerry Dulac
11:10
I agree with you on your outlook. I disagree that the local and national media have written them off. And if someone has, I suggest you stop listening to/reading them.
REID
11:10
Hi Gerry, Ben's arm looks strong as ever but he's going to be beaten to a pulp if O line doesn't improve. Realize they are " a work in progress" but can this group get it together in time to protect Ben's health and get the offense where it needs to be to compete for playoff spot?
Gerry Dulac
11:11
I think they will be better as they evolve. After all it is only two games and I like the young guys on that line.
redsteeler69
11:11
Gerry I feel sorry for you today. Will you be giving out kleenex to the fans that ordered Super Bowl tickets after the Buffalo game ?
Gerry Dulac
11:11
Yeah, I already placed a big order with Amazon
Utah Jim
11:11
Ben looked annoyed a few times after calling a time out. Were the plays not being called fast enough?
Gerry Dulac
11:13
I don't know if that was it, but he did look bothered. Maybe by the lack of protection, some missed assignments. And maybe he didn't like some of the calls
Scott in Georgia
11:13
What’s your Ryder Cup Prediction
Gerry Dulac
11:13
Same as it is every year -- Euros. Their lienup is just as strong
Utah Jim
11:13
Is it possible the Raiders are simply a lot better than we thought?
Gerry Dulac
11:14
They are a good football team. You don't beat the Ravens and Steelers in back to back weeks and not be good
Atlanta Dan
11:14
Good morning Gerry - NFL NextGen stats show continuing problems with throwing downfield (4 completions on 14 passes on Sunday) along with more throwing to the sidelines on deeper passes (1 pass over 10 yards attempted between the hashmarks in first two games) - mainly a pass protection problem or also a sign Ben simply does not have the arm strength to throw deeper routes, particularly in the middle where tighter windows and multiple defenders lurk?  https://nextgenstats.nfl.com/charts/list/all/pittsburgh-steelers/2021/...
Gerry Dulac
11:18
There's no question there is still too much emphasis on a short-passing game. But the only way that is going to change is by running the ball better, which will make play-action more effective, which will slow a pass rush and open up the middle of the field. That's what is missing most from this offense -- the 15-to-18 yard pass in the middle of the field, which was always one of BR's strengths
REID
11:19
Hi Gerry, the current receivers group has been touted as one of the best in NFL but I don't see it even close to Tampa Bay or KC, to name just two. Claypool for all his size, speed and strength does not win many one on one deep battles, Johnson continues to misread route adjustments, the tight ends are non existent and the entire group still drops several passes per game. What does this group need to do differently to make the passing game better?
Gerry Dulac
11:22
Well, let me start by saying it's not me who touts them as one of the best, though I think they are very good. And the two teams you mention as the best have Brady and Mahomes as the QB. But let me also say you are being way too critical of the group, though I agree with your observation DJ has some misreads from time to time
george
11:23
Do you feel Najee will play a larger role in the passing game?
Gerry Dulac
11:23
I think a little, but that's not the answer. The answer lies somewhere in the middle of the field, about 15 to 18 yards off the line of scrimmage
Gene
11:23
The Steelers defense is great unit and I understand they were short handed Sunday but my question is why are there so many missed tackles?
Gerry Dulac
11:24
Honestly, I haven't noticed anything beyond what we see in the NFL -- a lot of missed tackles. It's not practiced at all in the NFL.
Krugerrand
11:24
Would a flea-flicker in the Steeler's playbook help to open up the running game by forcing the defenses to hold up on attacking the runner?
Gerry Dulac
11:25
They have plenty of those in the playbook and you might see one sneak out here soon. But that's not the answer.
Where's My Clark Bar?
11:25
Good morning Gerry, Fingers can be pointed all day, but this offense does not look like it has adjusted to what a current NFL offense needs to be successful. Like an amateurs golf swing, it can be successful on some days but not consistent over time....who actually holds the key to save this season? Is it Ben or Canada?
Gerry Dulac
11:26
A successful NFL offense needs to be able to run the ball, and the Steelers haven't been able to do that for several years now.
Joe
11:26
Everyone talks about the running game being ineffective but from what I’m seeing opposing teams have 8-9 players in the box daring Ben to throw it down the field. Don’t you agree that we can’t know how good the running game is until the Steelers start out the game throwing down the field and complete some and take a lead for a change?
Gerry Dulac
11:28
That would help too. But might I point up that the Steelers threw it many times last year -- Ben had second most attempts in the league -- and still couldn't run the ball.
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