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Gerry Dulac's Steelers chat: 11/28/18
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Gerry Dulac
10:44
OK kids, we're going to start our chat in just a few minutes, so get those questions ready. If you ask me about Le'Veon Bell, don't expect an answer.
10:55
OK, kids, let's get our chat started. Go....!!
WaldoJeffers
10:56
Do you think there’s any truth to this idea that Tomlin can, during weekly practices, teach or better prepare his players to not fumble (or not throw picks at the goal line for that matter)? It seems laughable to me given that these are pros.
Gerry Dulac
10:57
You can teach players to better tuck the ball when running -- i.e., carry it higher -- but, beyond the mechanics of that, it becomes a matter of concentration and awareness in games. So, not really
mtsteel
10:57
Hi Gerry, thanks for giving your time.  It seems that we are seeing Ben throw a interception all too often in the same scenario.  5 to 10 yds from goal line over the middle in traffic. Last year against NE, against Jax 2 weeks ago and against Denver.  Do you think its time to explore another play call option in that scenario? Thank you sir.
Gerry Dulac
10:59
I never like any pass in the middle of the field (end zone?) in those tight situations. The odds aren't very good for success. Too easy to drop lineman and LBs into those tight spaces where they don't actually have to cover as much as protect their area.
Harold H.
10:59
What is the status of the right tackle position at this time. If Gilbert and Feiler remain injured, are the coaches confident enough in Chuks’ play this past Sunday to start him again?
Gerry Dulac
10:59
Gilbert is expected to return.
matty lt
10:59
good morning Gerry   can the long standing relationship between Ben and Randy become a negative ?  i realize MT trusts Ben to do what he wants but i cant believe how many forced passes to AB  get picked
Gerry Dulac
11:04
No. As long as Ben is the QB, there aren't many negatives. Sure he throws a lot of picks, and some really hurt. And yes, he forces some throws to AB, but that is because he is trying to get the most productive receiver in the league the past 5 years the ball. But it is hard to argue with tghe results. He has been to three Super Bowls, won two, and is 36-14-1 since 2015. Only one QB of his era -- ONE!! -- can claim better, and that's Tom Brady, who is 44-11 since 2015 and won five Super Bowls.
SteelerSam
11:04
Gerry:   Forcing it to Brown against double teams is hurting the team.  9/12 Ben INT's are from targeting Brown; all 4 red zone INT's are from forcing to Brown; Ben to Brown this year is 71/122 (58.2%) for 874 yards (7.16 YPA) with 11 TDs/9 INTs; but to everyone else, Ben is 241/350 (68.9%) for 2,790 yards (7.97 YPA) with 13 TDs/3 INTs.   A huge difference - and not running makes it easier for Safeties to double Borwn.  Ben/Brown are great - but can't they be smarter here?
Gerry Dulac
11:04
Yeah, they're in deep trouble.
Harold H.
11:04
What is your impression of Conner’s confidence level after having some major gaffes at critical points in games this season?  Things happen and I, for one, still prefer him over the one who will remain nameless!  Thank you.
Gerry Dulac
11:08
Let's judge James Conner over the totality of his season, not a couple plays. And the reality is, he leads the AFC in rushing yards (849) and rush TDs (10) and is tied for second in the NFL with 5 100-yard rush games. It just so happens that he has made three bad mistakes the past two games -- two big dropped passes in Jax and an unnecessary fumble in Denver.
SteelersDan26
11:08
Why isn't Heyward Bey getting more reps on offense? I'd rather see a 1st round pick getting more chances than Switzer
Gerry Dulac
11:09
I think that speaks for itself.
Kevin P
11:09
Why are the Steelers abandoning the running game?
Gerry Dulac
11:12
You had a problem with the way the offense performed in Denver?? 527 total yards, 25 first downs, 35 minutes possession time, the punter didn't come on the field until the third quarter. 31 other coordinators in the league would take that every game, every year. It didn't matter how it was accomplished, just that it did. Abandon the running game?? If that's how you do that, abandon it.
matty lt
11:12
i think Ben saying that he was held is just covering AB because he wasnt looking for the pass
Gerry Dulac
11:12
Could be.
Rick
11:12
Gerry,  Any concerns with Washington?  Another Big 12 receiver who can't shine in the NFL. Thank you.
Gerry Dulac
11:15
Not concerns, just surprised, based on what I saw in the spring and summer. I think his problem is his awareness of the ball relative to his spacing on the field. I think the deep incompletion is a perfect snapshot of James Washington right now -- a player who is so gifted he can float acrobatically in the air to lay out for a pass, but also a guy who didn't have to dive for the ball because he was unaware of his spacing. I still think JW will break out...soon!!
Chad
11:15
Hi Gerry thoughts on Steelers giving Ben a contract extension after this season is over?
Gerry Dulac
11:15
That's what they call a no-brainer
Rahn
11:15
Any chance the Steelers go back to the block numbers full-time?
Gerry Dulac
11:16
Everyone seems to like them
SteelersDan26
11:16
Do you think Tomlin will take a page from the Ravens and let Dobbs take some snaps around the goalline? Would give them an some RPOs that Ben can't execute
Gerry Dulac
11:16
Nope.
norm
11:16
What do you think of going 5-wide in a short yardage situation, and giving Ben the QB sneak option?  The D can't overplay the middle without opening up someone outside, and the Steeler's ProBowl-ish line should be able to get some push. Thanks for the chats.
Gerry Dulac
11:16
I'll tell Fichtner
Tom
11:16
Why aren't the Steelers using their other RB's more with Conner going thru a tough stretch?  Keep hearing this OL is one of the best but at the goal line reluctant to hand off and punch it in.
Gerry Dulac
11:21
I guess everyone is unaware the Steelers have the second-best TD percentage in the red zone in the league (25 of 33, 75.8 percent). And seven of Conner's 10 rush TDs are from inside the 5. I wouldn't call that reluctant any more than i would call how they execute in the red zone troubling.
43yrsteelerfan
11:22
what is your opinion on James washingtons struggles other than he is just a rookie Its late in the season and he seems to not be getting better
Gerry Dulac
11:22
See above
Rahn
11:23
What's your sense of where the team is leaning re: Bud Dupree? For me he still disappears too much and feel like it's an area to address in free agency and (sigh) another pick. And is Ola an option next year?
Gerry Dulac
11:23
I agree. He had the Blutarski stat line the other day in Denver -- 0.0 across the board -- and has been inconsistent. I'd like to see what Ola has, when he gets a chance, though that probably won't be till next year.
gary
11:23
New England coming up...They sure have the Steeler's number but they wouldn't have homefield all these playoff years if they played in a real division instead of with The Little Sister's Of The Poor football teams ya think?
Gerry Dulac
11:24
I doubt they would. Amazing how bad that division has been. Then, again, ever think that division has a bad record because those other three teams are all but guaranteed two losses before the season even starts every year???
Retire 21
11:26
Will any remaining games like ME or NO be flexed?
Gerry Dulac
11:26
No
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