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Gerry Dulac's Steelers chat: 10.16.24
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Gerry Dulac
9:27
OK kids, we'll start our chat in about 20-25 min so get ready....
9:51
OK, let's get started..
Tony in Augusta
9:52
Is there a reason why Russell Wilson never really took time off to rest his calf and strictly rehab it? Was there ever any cause for concern from the staff that the way he was going about his injury recovery (aka continuing to take reps in practice even if they were limited) might have led to the length it has taken to rehab his calf strain? Tomlin has preached he would rather tell players to hold up instead of get going, but this just seemed like a reasonable time to, at some point, tell Wilson to hold up. Thanks!
Gerry Dulac
9:52
I don't know what you would call the last 6 weeks, but I'd call that rest and rehab
Lou
9:53
Morning Gerry. Do you have any insight/thoughts on if/who the Steelers could trade for as the WR still needs help?
Gerry Dulac
9:55
Lou, I wish I did, but nothing concrete at all. They inquired about Davante Adams, but they knew he wanted to go to the Jets with Aaron Rodgers or the Saints w Derek Carr -- quarterbacks with whom he played before. The reason Adams could control where he wanted to go is because he wouldn't work out a new contract with any other team.
Tony in Augusta
9:56
One more question. If the Steelers trade for a WR, let’s say Mike Williams for example, who will have their playing time affected the most? Likely answer is Roman Wilson, right?
Gerry Dulac
9:56
Likely answer is they're not going to trade for Mike Williams.
X Yunzer
9:56
Gerry - another question - will Russ have the ability to audible out of a bad play into a new play - either run or pass?
Gerry Dulac
9:57
Maybe not right away in a new system, but I would imagine eventually.
X Yunzer
9:57
Gerry - thanks as always for your chats - very insightful.  Yesterday you wrote that it's time to bring Russ in - and I get your point about the passing - Fields' passing has left much to be desired (though his running is a unique weapon for the Steelers- something they haven't had in years).  A couple of questions for you:  How is the locker room about Wilson v. Fields?  And will they open up the playbook with Wilson as the starter?  IMO if they don't and run the same conservative plays they've been calling for Fields, Wilson's inability to run will cost him and the team.
Gerry Dulac
10:01
I don't think there's any question what they will call in the passing game and how they attack will be different with Wilson. That's why they are contemplating the switch.  And I don't think the locker room really cares much. They just want to win. But I'm sure there are a few who are wondering why they're making the switch now being 4-2. But all you have to do is watch the Ravens -- with 4, 8 and 22 -- and ask yourself: Can the Steelers compete with that? It will help you better understand why the switch -- and why they acquired Wilson in the first place.
Man of Steel
10:01
Probably more of a comment than question, but thinking back over the first 6 games, Tomlinson and even more so Arthur Smith have managed the games brilliantly with what players they have had at their disposal, especially at quarterback. They have allowed Fields to display his best attributes while keeping mistakes he was prone to have in Chicago, so I understand why so many people think they should stick with him. Don’t you feel like I do that the offense can be so much better with a former pro-bowler and Super Bowl winner at the helm even if he is only 85% of his former youthful self?
Gerry Dulac
10:01
You are 100 percent correct
Tom
10:02
The Steelers offense hasn't had a qb pass for multiple touchdowns or 300yrd passing in more than 2 years. Do you think that the fans have gotten so used to mediocre QB play that they really see Fields as the best option? What if Wilson actually finds open receivers and hits them?
Gerry Dulac
10:02
OK, that's two sensible questions/comments in a row! What's happening here?!?!
Tom in TN
10:02
Good morning Gerry, sounds like Russell will start this week. From what you saw in camp can the other Wilson add to the WR corps when given a chance?
Gerry Dulac
10:03
We never saw him in camp, that's the problem
Bean Hunter
10:06
Hi Gerry, and as always, thanks for the chats. Any update on Corry Trice?
Gerry Dulac
10:06
I don't have one at the moment, but I'll check
Tim
10:07
Steelers stability rules due to ownership.  Cowboys, Browns and Jets are all a mess.  Common denominator is ownership.  Steelers set the bar on class and stability. Frustration by some sunday outcomes but never do i lose sight of the historic class and success of this organization.
Gerry Dulac
10:07
Bingo! Great examples
Yinzer Maguire
10:07
Helo Gerry, if there's not a big difference between how Wilson and Fields play, and the Steelers have a similar season like 2022, 2023, then who do you sign for a new contract? Or maybe neither of them gets a new one?
Gerry Dulac
10:08
That's what we're going to find out. And that's an answer they seek as well, don't forget that.
SDWC
10:08
Hi Gerry, off-topic but do you think Pittsburgh will ever get a regular PGA Tour stop?  And theoretically, what venue would be the most likely/attractive in your opinion?
Gerry Dulac
10:08
I do not.
Alan in Bama
10:08
Gerry, appreciate your chat and Steeler coverage, always taking a pragmatic view. As much as I enjoy rooting on the black and gold I don’t see the potential in this teams offense to make or go anywhere in the playoffs. Offense reminds me of my 70 year old golf game playing with the young guys. Keep it in play, chip and putt well and don’t come in last in the foursome but never come in first. Your thoughts?
Gerry Dulac
10:10
I think Alan that is why they brought in Russell Wilson and why it is time to play him. That was the plan all along and nothing has changed. They spent a whole offseason meeting and determining how to improve their offense. They're not going to let 6 weeks change their mind.
SMF
10:10
Hi Gerry:  Thanks again for the chats.  The Steelers as I recall were interested in Mike Williams for WR2 but he signed with the Jets.  He has not had a big year thus far in NY.  After the Jets trade for Adams do you think the Steelers are still interested in a trade to get him?
Gerry Dulac
10:10
Based on what I've seen from him so far,I hope not.
Upstate NY Fan
10:10
Do you believe that the Steelers are still talking with the Titans for a possible trade for Hopkins?  I think he would be the ideal candidate to instill some leadership and maturity in the WR room, while also being a legitimate offensive threat on the field.
Gerry Dulac
10:11
They are not. Don't think they ever were
Jeff M
10:11
Morning Gerry, Not a question but wanted to point out that I was listening to a national podcast yesterday and they were mocking local Pittsburgh reporters for insisting Wilson is the starter throughout camp and preseason. They were questioning why Tomlin hasn't officially named Fields the #1 QB. This was before the weekly press conference. Just more proof that national media knows nothing.
Gerry Dulac
10:11
The national media has no concept of what goes on daily inside the Steelers. None
Upstate NY Fan
10:11
Beanie Bishop had a rough outing against the Cowboys.  I didn't hear his name called much this past Sunday - did he redeem himself against the Raiders?
Gerry Dulac
10:12
I thought he was better in LV. Nonetheless, the Steelers can't wait until Cam Sutton can return
Dana
10:14
NFL practice squad players are paid a small fraction of what what the 53 man roster makes. I could surely live comfortably on that wage but I digress........ how much of a raise do they get when called up on game day and how does it affect the salary cap?
Gerry Dulac
10:16
I'm not exactly sure how it changes if they get elevated to the 53 for game day, but they are under a contract for the practice squad. And the practice squad players count approximately$3.7 million against the cap.
Tom
10:16
Is it fair to Broderick Jones that people say he isn't playing up to expectations when he had to switch positions? Dan Moore was so bad there they won't even attempt to put him there. Why does Jones get judged for this then?
Gerry Dulac
10:17
Of course not. But who are the people complaining?
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