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Gerry Dulac's Steelers chat: 12.20.23
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Bill
10:17
Mike Tomlin wore a shirt that said “equity” on it during the Colts game. This is the social justice call to elevate minorities to important job positions, regardless of merit. I think that explains why the offensive coordinator job was split between two people, one black and one white, and it also explains why Tomlin has clung to the novelty of a black punter who is not very good for years. The result of “equity” over “merit” is you get worse results, you lose. Tomlin is now a social justice coach, rather than a football team coach. What percentage chance do you think the Rooneys will move on from Tomlin this off season?
Gerry Dulac
10:17
I don't think they will.
Michael
10:17
Gerry, do the Steelers part ways with Cam Heyward this offseason - salary vs value / production?
Gerry Dulac
10:19
I don't think they are going to cut him, if that's what you mean. But he is going to cost them a lot of money at age 35 in 2024 -- $22.4 million against the cap -- so there will be some type of adjustment/move in the offseason.
Matt from LA
10:19
Considering how often we are told that his players love him and love playing for him, isn't it ironic that those same players seemed to have quit on him and the team the past three weeks?
Gerry Dulac
10:22
You can't indict all players, but I get your point. It isn't hard to identify the players who quit on the field. And it is indefensible that is allowed to happen by the person in charge
Guest
10:22
Will Keanu Neal or Minkah return to play this year?
Gerry Dulac
10:22
Minkah might. Maybe for Baltimore.
Ryan
10:22
Do you think Tomlin will wear a more motivational top this week to help encourage his players to work harder?
Gerry Dulac
10:22
You mean like "Play Harder?"
Guest
10:23
Hi Gerry.  Thanks for the chats and your insight.  Dan Rooney was always about competing for and winning Super Bowls.  That was his and the team's stated goal each year.  After the failed Canada experiment that set the team back several years and all the other Tomlin flaws (player development and accountability, lack of game planning and adjustments, other poor coaching hires to name a few), do you think Dan would have made a head coaching change by now?
Gerry Dulac
10:24
That's a good question. I'm not sure he would have done anything with Mike Tomlin, but he sure as heck would have forced a lot of other changes on the staff and on the roster
Yates
10:25
Gerry -  any insights on 39’s injury?   Not seen any particulars anywhere.
Gerry Dulac
10:25
I have been told it's not good, which I take to mean it might be at least two games. But we'll see.
The Real TP Hunter
10:25
Assuming this team does not make the playoffs after high preseason expectations, how many years away are the Steelers from being a Super Bowl contender if Tomlin remains in charge?
Gerry Dulac
10:29
In the NFL, you're never as far away as you might think. That being said, I don't think it's any time soon.
SMF
10:30
Hi Gerry:  Thanks for the chats.  The OL has generally escaped major injuries, and the play has gone from bad to worse.  The horrific pass protection is a major contributor to the bad QB play.  I saw the Browns beat the Bears last week and was amazed how much time Joe Flacco had to throw downfield.  Don’t you think this unit still needs a major over hall in talent and coaching.
Gerry Dulac
10:31
I hear ya, but I will say this: Several years ago the O-Line was built to protect Ben more than run the ball. This line is built to run the ball more than protect the QB. That's not an excuse, but I think a lot of lines are better in one area than the other, depending on the objective
Guest
10:31
In your opinion, who was the last good coordinator or assistant coach hired by Mike Tomlin?
Gerry Dulac
10:32
Mike Munchak. Brian Flores.
Guest
10:32
Will Teryl Austin be back as DC next year?
Gerry Dulac
10:33
I believe his contract is up after this season and I don't think any of Tomlin's assistants should be considered safe. Though I don't blame Austin because, for the 1,000th time, Tomlin controls the defense.
Guest
10:33
Good morning Gerry - what’s more egregiously bad, our offensive play sheet or the attitudes of our top two WR’s? I’m flabbergasted by both! Love the Steelers, but this is painful to watch. Someone needs to step in to ensure this is rectified next season, wouldn’t you think?
Gerry Dulac
10:33
The attitude of the WRs. And, again, that it is tolerated is even more inexcusable.
Dave
10:34
Hi Gerry, I might be wrong but past Steelers defenses were designed so that DL occupied blockers so the ILBs could make the tackles.  Has that remained their approach?  If so, the current state of the ILBs might explain the run issues as much as anything.
Gerry Dulac
10:35
That's correct. They were a two-gap front that used the D-line to engage the OL and create room for the LBs to make plays. That approach has changed over the years, primarily because you don't have a Casey Hampton in the middle.
Guest
10:35
Pickens is done as a Steeler.  Tomlin's reform efforts now are only done with the goal to get something for him in a trade.  What say you?
Gerry Dulac
10:35
I'm not ready to say he's done. But I'm ready to say he should be.
Michael
10:35
gerry, I read yesterday that there were 2 to 3 individuals that have the “me first” attitude.  D Johnson, G Pickens, and…..?
Gerry Dulac
10:36
Don't know who said that. But let me say today's athlete is all about that -- stats and money. You would be surprised at some of the players who are like that.
Ken
10:37
Looking ahead to next year.  It seems obvious that we do have the talent, but lack motivation on offense.  What can be done over the off season to improve next year?  Change of coaches?
Gerry Dulac
10:37
I would not, by any stretch, say they have the talent. I think it is obvious they do not.
Illegal Infraction
10:37
Hi Gerry.  I can’t believe all the sudden hoopla to fire Coach Tomlin. Under his endless cliche regime, this team has been quietly eroding since they lost their last Super Bowl to Green Bay. Is mediocrity invisible to see? Does it take a sudden catastrophic collapse to see it? Isn’t it time to allow Mr. Andy and Mr. Omar and a bright young coach the opportunity to reconstruct this broken franchise? Things are so bad right now that with a few exceptions even the good players are either not developing or playing rather poorly, which may be one of the reasons Coach Tomlin finally admitted that he is dumbfounded. Thanks so much Gerry and much peace and happiness during the holiday season.
Gerry Dulac
10:39
It's going to be seven years without a playoff victory. It's going to be four times in the past six years they didn't make the playoffs. That is not a good look for a franchise that says -- says! -- their annual goal is the Super Bowl.
Tom M.
10:39
The Steelers WR room is a mess. Johnson and Pickens have regressed and Austin has not progressed. There’s been lots of discussion about Tomlin and the OC  but not the WR coach. Why does Frisman Jackson (I had to look that up) seem to get a pass? Do you have any idea what he’s been doing to try to fix the situation?
Gerry Dulac
10:40
He doesn't. Nor do several other assistants. Rest assured, many changes will be made -- told to made -- after the season.
Guest
10:40
Will Broderick Jones be moved back to LT this week or at any point this season?
Gerry Dulac
10:40
Not this week or this season, unless Dan Moore gets injured.
SMF
10:40
Hi Gerry:  Thanks again for the chats.  In terms of route running, effort, blocking, and team camaraderie none of the current Steeler WRs can hold Hines Ward jockstrap.  Serious question—do you think this WR crop ever watch HWs game film, or just Mr. Big Chest’s Social Media?
Gerry Dulac
10:40
I seriously doubt it.
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