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Gerry Dulac's Steelers chat: 12.09.20
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Linebacker Lounge
10:16
Gerry, WHY are we paying a Derek Watt contract to not ever BLOCK? To much to only play ST’s - Thanks
Gerry Dulac
10:17
I can't answer that question. And then they don't even line him at FB
Dave
10:17
Our inability to get 1 yard is a serious problem.  The fact that we are throwing to backup linemen and 3rd string RB's on 4th & 1 is troubling.  Is Pouncey's absence contributing to this inability to run, even to just gain a yard?
Gerry Dulac
10:18
It was a problem even w Pouncey. It just gets worse without him. Most of their problems have to do with their technique
Alan in Nashville
10:18
Good morning, Gerry. I realize it’s too late to bring in outside help for the offense but do you think it’s possible they turn back to Matt Canada to see if he can help? Clearly, his influence has been phased out, my guess would be by Ben, but anything has to be better than this Mason Rudolph offense that we’ve been watching for 4-5 weeks. Thanks.
Gerry Dulac
10:19
You can't name me the last time you saw some pre-snap shifts, motion, misdirection, jet sweeps -- all the things they were talking about employing this year. They have disappeared, I'm guessing, because Ben isn't comfortable with them.
574Fan
10:19
Thanks for the chat, Gerry.  I saw this brought up in Ray's chat yesterday and I'm probably not the only one who will ask it today, but is there any chance they would consider inserting Dotson in the lineup at this point?
Gerry Dulac
10:20
No, not unless there is an injury. Look, like it or not, their top No. 1 priority is protecting Ben when he throws, and they do that better than any line in the NFL. So they're not to change that just to run the ball better.
jwheaney
10:20
Gerry, The run game has been terrible, especially with the offensive line...Can this problem be corrected prior to the playoffs?
Gerry Dulac
10:21
Nope. It's a mindset/philosophical/commitment/technique/talent issue that will not change overnight. Or in the next month or so
Linebacker Lounge
10:21
Gerry, Why so few snaps with #11 on the field? (Less than half) Thanks
Gerry Dulac
10:21
I was surprised myself
574Fan
10:21
11-1 is fantastic!  Laying an egg in your first two games in December with 3 very solid opponents ahead...isn't.  How far is Tomlin willing to go with playing time/depth chart changes at this stage?
Gerry Dulac
10:22
I think you answered your own question -- 11-1.
VaSteelersFan
10:22
Hi Gerry, now that Vance McDonald has basically been turned into Matt Spaeth, do you think the Steelers are wasting of his receiving and route running talents?
Gerry Dulac
10:22
Ha. He's a better blocker than Matt Spaeth
Absolutely norungame
10:22
Hi gerry, i see alot of doom and gloom around here, do you think we can turn this ship around?
Gerry Dulac
10:22
The ship is fine. Choppy waters, but full steam ahead
No mystery
10:23
Gerry, hope you can hit the links this week with mild weather for some pure fun! Anyway...Steelers have picked their poison: Bet on Ben, or Run the Ball Effectively. Without "hands in the dirt" (per Craig Wofley) we can't run effectively with this O-Line and RB corps. Any chance that changes at this point? Should they change it up? I think not.
Gerry Dulac
10:23
There is no choice in this matter. This offense is built around Ben and rightfully so. And the run issue is not going to change anytime soon.
Absolutely norungame
10:23
I think we sorely missed pouncey the last two games, and guys are missing blocks. Is our offensive line the sole reason our run game sucks?
Gerry Dulac
10:25
No. There are many issues and, like I've said I think a dozen other times already in this chat, it's because of how this offense is built to operate -- and that's around BR. And that's the way it should be. Doesn't mean they can't run the ball better. I mean, can they run it any worse? The answer to that is no.
Cburg Stiller
10:25
What is the main issue with the run game - scheme or execution or are these players just not physically capable of winning one-on-one battles?  It can't be the last one can it?
Gerry Dulac
10:25
Read the above 20-30 answers
Tim Z
10:25
How comes we are not using derrick want to run the ball on short yardage situations. I am baffled
Gerry Dulac
10:25
Let's just settle for lining him at FB maybe 6-8 times a game
Donna
10:25
Gerry, do you anticipate Dotson starting at left guard with Feiler moving to right tackle?  Thanks.
Gerry Dulac
10:26
I wouldn't have a big problem with that except that Chuks Okorafor has played as well as any of their O-linemen this year.
Tommac48
10:26
Gerry:  Is my imagination or is Big Ben having more of his passes batted down this year than in previous years?  If so, what can it be attributed to?
Gerry Dulac
10:26
yes, and it's directly attributable to shorter passes that have a lower trajectory
BB
10:27
Gerry - Is too much being made of the absolute necessity of getting the one conference bye?  At this point, it seems more important o fix some glaring problems and get some players healthy.  Thanks.
Gerry Dulac
10:28
Well, getting players healthy and avoiding injuries is not something they can control. And it has become apparent the one glaring problem is the flow of the offense, caused by a total reliance on a passing game and having no faith (or ability) in the running game.
Tony in Baltimore
10:29
Gerry, thanks for the chats!  Helpful in a pandemic to have something of interest to read.  My concern for Mike Tomlin is very specific. I think he is a very good coach overall but he does seem to gamble when not always necessary.  For example, the game is tied, we are driving and in FG range. I'm ok if he doesn't want to kick the FG but there were 4 min left.  The Steelers don't have one play that gives them a good chance of making 3 yards, get a first down, and hold the ball?  Maybe you only gain another 5 yards after that but knock off a few minutes of clock then kick it?  Even if we had scored on that horribly designed throw to the RB, WFC would have had 4 minutes to work with and tie the game.   Play the best odds?
Gerry Dulac
10:33
Tony, thanks, but I think that was the problem. After being stopped 7 times when they had 1 yard to gain, I think he thought they couldn't gain it there, either, which is why they went to that play. Now, that being said, I didn't mind the play -- attacking down the sideline -- I didn't like doing so with you third-team running back who is a rookie. It was also a poor throw by Ben. If he throws the ball ahead of McFarland, it's a touchdown, at worst a long gainer and a first down. And one more thing -- if you know you're going to throw the ball on fourth down, why not do so with five receivers whose job it is to -- ahem -- catch the ball? Don't bring in your "big package" with a FB, extra OL and a rookie running back.
VT61
10:33
Hi Gerry, when we will know if the team brought anyone in for a tryout this week?
Gerry Dulac
10:33
Why, you think they want to sign someone. They don't. They are not looking for players at this point.
Linebacker Lounge
10:33
Concussion protocol and short week... Any chance 23 can play Sunday? Thank you
Gerry Dulac
10:34
Going to be tough, but we'll see.
Linebacker Lounge
10:34
Gerry, Do the upside splash plays outweigh the drops and will block attitude for Ebron? History proves he can not catch and will not block! Enter McDonald or play Washington in 4-wide! Thoughts? Thank you
Gerry Dulac
10:34
They just have to be more selective when they use him, and short-yardage situations isn't one of them
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