Gerry Dulac's Steelers chat transcript: 09.04.24

Gerry Dulac / Pittsburgh Post-Gazette

Gerry Dulac: Don't you just love the smell of regular-season football in the morning? Well, get some coffee and get ready because our chat will start in about 5 min.
Gerry Dulac: OK kids, let's get started. Locker room opens at 10:45 so I have to be gone by then. Fire away....

Bill in LA: Does the fact that Rusell Wilson was jettisoned by two teams in recent years give you any concerns about his abilities at this point in his career, and what concerns do you have if any about him?
Gerry Dulac: This is just so shocking .... Bill in LA the first one in the store -- and with a QB question to boot. Well, Bill, that's what we're going to find out. Apparently, that's what a lot of national "experts" think. Is he the QB who threw 26 TDs and only eight interceptions and beat four consecutive playoff teams last year? Or is he the guy who's going to be 36 in November and on the back nine of his career?

Bill in LA: Do you think Zac Wilson could succeed as a QB1 if he got another chance? He seems to move well and have a great arm.
Gerry Dulac: Well, I agree with you there. Obviously, something is amiss and I'm not sure what it is.

Bill in LA: I think the Steelers should trade Justin Fields to the Eagles for Kenny Pickett and make him QB2. Then if Russell Wilson falters, they should let me start again to prove I never should have been traded! Agree?
Gerry Dulac: Now there's the Bill in LA we all know and, well, you know....

Dr. Sardonicus: I am hoping for a great game from our defense on Sunday. Is that just another dream?
Gerry Dulac: No, not at all. After all, Heyward, Watt and Highsmith will all be playing for the first time.

RAM: Hey Gerry, it’s perfect golf weather and yet here you are answering questions from a bunch of schmucks like us! Given that, do you believe either of our QB’s are the answer going forward? What do you think the long term plan at QB is? Thanks, and I hope you have a Tee -Time later today!
Gerry Dulac: It is perfect for that, for sure. I really can't say definitively they are the answer before getting to see them in this offense. I think Wilson is a short-term answer, obviously, at his age. I don't see more than 2 years out of him. And Fields is an enigma. His talent is obvious. But so, too, are the measly 10 wins he managed in three years in Chicago. There's a reason for that...and don't tell me it's because the Bears stink. They said the same thing about the Texans heading into 2023

SteelDan: Hi Gerry thanks for the chats. Do you fully expect the Steelers to extend Freiermuth before the game Sunday? If not will it be because of his injury history? Would they see how he plays this season and if he does well and avoids injury try to sign him after the season?
Gerry Dulac: I do expect them to extend him. They are getting closer to an agreement. But until it's done.....As for the injury concerns, I think that is playing a small part.

SMF: Hi Gerry: Thanks for the chats. I think the Brandon Aiyuk saga ended well for the Steelers. Would you trade the equivalent of a #2 (Zach Frazier) and #3 (Roman Wilson) plus sign Aiyuk for $30million a year x 4 (Equal to TJ Watt)? I wouldn’t. It would also have turned Pickens into “Young Money” x10.
Gerry Dulac: You raise some salient points. Still, he would look good in Arthur Smith's offense

Steelers2005: The Steelers saved 9 million against the cap this season with Heyward's new deal, of which they are already under. Wouldn't it be better to move the dollars into this season so they have more money next year when they'll have to pay a quarterback and some other players on offense?
Gerry Dulac: I think they know what they are doing. They prove it year after year with the way they manipulate the cap.

Commissioner: With the additional cap space gained from Heyward’s contract, do you expect the Steelers to still add a wr and/or a cb? Thank you
Gerry Dulac: If they do, it won't be because of Heyward's deal. I'm a bit surprised they haven't add a CB yet. Doesn't mean they won't.

TxSteeler: While it was later corrected, when you did your initial 53 man roster last week you originally left the WR Wilson off. Was this with intent or a mistake? If intent what changed?
Gerry Dulac: Mistake. And it was corrected, yes

James Ryan: Thanks for the chats, Gerry. Do you believe Omar had a backup plan for WR once the Aiyuk deal fell through? Or was it too late? Without that trade, our WR room may be one of the worst in the NFL.
Gerry Dulac: JR, there was and is no backup plan in place. As long as you have George Pickens, the WR room is not one of the worst in the NFL

Gettysburg Don: Hello Sir; At one time the Steeler D-Line job was to keep linemen busy in order for the LBs to make plays and tackles. Statistics such as sacks etc. were not as important. Recently, when discussing the D-Line these stats seem to matter more. Does this signify a difference in scheme. It seems I also remember that the Steeler 3-4 defense was structured to stop the run more so than the pass, while other 3-4 teams used the scheme as more of a pass defense. Can you discuss this. Thank you Also #23 Mike Wagner should be a strong candidate for the Canton HOF.
Gerry Dulac: You are correct. Their 3-4 defense was designed for the linemen to keep blockers off the LBs to allow them to make plays. But, with the Steelers using sub-package defenses (with just two DL) the majority of time in today's NFL, that concept does not work as well. Also, with the advent of the quick passing game, DL can't sit back and read and play two-gap as they did in the old 3-4, they have to play one-gap and get into the backfield as quick as possible. That has all hurt the run defense.

SMF: Hi Gerry: Thanks again for the chats. Fields would seem to be the perfect QB for 2-point conversions. As I recall Tomlin was all in on 2-point conversions a few years ago. Did the Steelers emphasize that at Latrobe training camp?
Gerry Dulac: He would appear to be the perfect guy for that, but I will point up Wilson has always been very good at that in his career. Plus, Fields could be inexperienced at that. The Bears never scored a lot of touchdowns with him. Ba-dum

Steve: Sir, considering the calf injury to Wilson and the many injuries incurred by the players, has Tomlin been asked about the new strength and conditioning staff? It seems these injuries are somewhat avoidable and excessive.
Gerry Dulac: Touche

wiscoken: Perhaps not isolated to just Tomlin, one criticism is that he tends to hold on to drafted players who don't pan out a season or two too long before cutting bait. Numerous examples where failed draft picks have been given a season 3, sometimes 4... Loudermilk could be the latest example.
Gerry Dulac: I get the Loudermilk example, but the bigger picture is the Steelers haven't done enough to bring in quality defensive linemen to force him out

wiscoken: Hi Gerry, so much concern about wide receiver, but if the Arthur Smith scheme elevates the use of Pat Freiermuth and the RB's (which he has in the past), we could be just fine. We have plenty of weapons, it's the o-line gelling that could be our biggest obstacle in the first half of season.
Gerry Dulac: I don't know about plenty, but I get your reasoning

B1: Good morning Gerry, am I the only one who thinks that Russell Wilson is a big improvement over Kenny Pickett? What I’m concerned about is the young and un tested offensive line. Can you give us the starting lineup and your thoughts? Thank you!
Gerry Dulac: You are not alone. The O-line may be a work in progress in the short term because of their youth, but they will be fine eventually

JR: Gerry: betting you are relieved that Niners have signed the wideout and as a result you will no will be asked to comment on this issue!
Gerry Dulac: I am though I'm not sure all the questions relative to BA are over

the real guest: Gerry, I like the Falcons/Steelers match up right out of the gate. The Falcons aren't elite but they will probably make the playoffs (sixth or seventh seed in the NFC). How the Steelers perform against the 12th or 13th best team in the NFL may tell us a lot about the Steelers. I am not optimistic about that outcome. What say you?
Gerry Dulac: I say I'll wait and see what happens, and not just based on one game.

Tom M.: What’s the logic of Cam’s extension? They don’t seem to need the cap savings this year. I do understand he’s only guaranteed the $16M he was going to get this year. But if they bring him back next year, he would be getting $15M per year which seems way too much for him at this stage of his career. They could ask him to take a cut but that would be a PR problem they wanted to avoid this year. Do you really think he’s worth $15M per year?
Gerry Dulac: That's why another decision will likely be made next year. As of right now, they are only on the hook for the $16 million they were going to pay him anyway this season

7 year drought: Gerry, how can so many members of the national media be critical of the Steelers (predicting 5-7 wins) and yet continue to praise Mike Tomlin? Doesn't that seem counterintuitive?
Gerry Dulac: Pay the man!
Gerry Dulac: SteersFanInCincy10:17Gerry, now that Cam is signed. What do you think Muth gets signed for?
Gerry Dulac: I don't know, maybe something like 3 years, $30 million

SteersFanInCincy: Gerry, when do you do your weekly picks?
Gerry Dulac: Tomorrow

SteersFanInCincy: Gerry, ever play a Snell golf ball? The new 4.0 is really good.
Gerry Dulac: I hear that. The guy who designed the ball used to work for one of the major ball manufacturers

SteersFanInCincy: Gerry, how concerned are we to be about the O-line? It needs health and quickly.
Gerry Dulac: Are you kidding? With all those high draft picks? They will be fine.

SteersFanInCincy: Gerry, everyone is worried about the offense but i think we'll be running down peoples throughts. Thoughts?
Gerry Dulac: That would appear to be the plan

TT: Curious if coaches in the booth have access to replays as quickly as viewers do on the telecast. Seems a consistent game-changing problem, wondering what obstacles exist to allow resolution?
Gerry Dulac: Not sure if they have a direct feed or not.

Guest: While I try to be optimistic heading into each season it seems like too many AFC teams have passed us by in terms of talent and scheme on offense - interested to hear if you agree or not. Thanks
Gerry Dulac: That's what everybody seems to think, but I don't exactly think the Steelers sat quietly this offseason and did nothing.

Sweaty Ken: Do you believe the team will look for help at the trade deadline at WR? That room is very bad and has to be concerning to them. Thanks!
Gerry Dulac: I hate to tell you this, they are not concerned like you suggest. https://www.post-gazette.com/sports/steelers/2024/09/03/mike-tomlin-le...

Mark: Do you think we will do anything with all the cap space we have to improve the team?
Gerry Dulac: Maybe, but I don't think they are actively thinking that way right now

Magichat: Thought the chat started at 9 am. I d be fired if I showed up 50 minutes late
Gerry Dulac: You read wrong. 10 am every week

Tim from Canada: Hi Gerry thanks for the Chats. Lots worried about #2 WR but what about depth at ball catching TE? I'm worried if Muth gets hurt. I don't see the other TE's as being able to fill the gap. Thanks.
Gerry Dulac: Hey, you can't have quality backups at every position. But, before you panic even more, let's wait and see what happens

Atlanta Dan: Hi Gerry. Thanks for the chat. With the offensive line injuries, striking out on a #2 receiver, and the underwhelming preseason QB play, national media sentiment on the Steelers has gone from borderline playoff team to bottom third of the AFC over the last month - do you still see a minimum 10 win season with stacking wins in September & October looking more difficult?
Gerry Dulac: I do.

Tampa Too: Gerry I know that the rosters are 53 players. But why does the NFL limit dressing only the 46 for the games? It seems like with a concern for injury and concussions that all 53 players should be able to dress for a game. Your thoughts
Gerry Dulac: I agree 100 percent

Jeff M: Morning Gerry, How would you rate Kahn's second offseason as GM? It seems like he had another solid draft and signing Queen was a great move. However, he may have misjudged the WR market and not built enough veteran depth to protect from injury.
Gerry Dulac: As the Monkeys once sang, second verse better than the first!

Ryan: What are your thoughts on extending Pat Fry? I've sent a large portion of fans totally against it but I'm thinking it's a smart move. He's not likely asking for nor getting Kelce level money, he's an excellent receiving tight end. Last year he was hampered by injuries but prior to that he played excellent despite Matt Canada and poor QB play.
Gerry Dulac: Not sure why anyone would be against it. What or whom are they expecting?

the real guest: Gerry, How many Steeler fans do you think were surprised to hear that Russell won the "competition"?
Gerry Dulac: You mean disillusioned fans?

Eddie: When can we see a Dan Moore Jr extension?
Gerry Dulac: When they bring back Ben

Deb: Good morning Gerry. Will all the money saved by Cam’s contract be spent on Friermuth or other players as well? Thank you.
Gerry Dulac: Cam's deal has nothing to do with any money that might be spent on extending current players or signing new ones

Jeff M: The way Pickett whined his way out of PGH is definitely a bad look. However, when I read about how all the team leaders (Hayward, Watt & Fitzpatrick) recruited Wilson he had to feel like the coaches, front office and teammates had no faith in him. Was he right to want to move on?
Gerry Dulac: Well, you can either choose to hang around and fight or you can choose to leave. He made his choice, which is his right.

Charlie in Charleston: Hello Gerry, The Steelers CB room is not talked enough about how abysmal it is (you cover it well) Who right now is Coach T and T.Austin planning to put out there and what/if any options do they have in case of injury? or is a trade/signing for a CB still possible?
Gerry Dulac: We know the starters, Porter and Jackson, and that is an upgrade over what they had last year. Cory Trice right now is No. 3, and while he has the measurables and looked good in the preseason he has never played in an NFL game. Neither has their slot corner. So, yeah, I think adding a veteran is still a possibility

Jim_Bow_Dean: When did WR2 become the most important position on the field? Apparently even more important than the QB given all the angst.
Gerry Dulac: Someone get some money to pay this guy. By the way, I love your breakfast sausage

Jeff in Blawnox: Do you believe the team honestly thought Aiyuk was always going back to SF? If that’s the case, why didn’t they make any other moves at WR to bolster a very subpar room.
Gerry Dulac: Yes. They thought the 49ers would not let him leave, and they didn't.

John Meyers: Do you think the Steelers offense has improved enough to average more than 20pts a game?
Gerry Dulac: I do.

Cousin Eddie: Have there been any numbers associated to what a potential Friermuth deal could be around? and any indication how close one is?
Gerry Dulac: They are getting closer. And, as I stated earlier, I'm guessing 3 years, $30 million, but I don't know that.

Lucas: Hey Gerry. Do you see Mt. Washington greatly improving in an Arthur Smith offense?
Gerry Dulac: If they throw him the ball, yes. And based on what I saw at training camp, I'd say they will

Tom: Do you think Cam plays this contract out and retires a Steelers?
Gerry Dulac: I think he retires as a Steeler

Mike P.: How much value do you think should be placed on having Cam around another few seasons to teach future DL picks how to become Steelers?
Gerry Dulac: That sounds nice and is not a bad thing, but that's not why they are keeping him around

Steelbeav: Good morning, do you think the Steelers will actually use the 3 edge rushers (watt, highsmith, herbig) on some third downs? If so who plays inside, highsmith? Thx
Gerry Dulac: Maybe. Be a different -- and good -- look

willie wood: Any updates on the severity of Cory Trice groin injury?
Gerry Dulac: Not yet. Will know more at today's practice

marty: I live in Georgia. For the past few months I have to listen to the local sports talk shows about how the Falcons will have no trouble beating the Steelers. You would think the Falcons were the defending Super Bowl Champs. If the Steelers only win one game this year, please let it be this one to shut these jerks up. They don't seem to realize that the Falcons have been playing for 58 years, and have yet to win anything !
Gerry Dulac: Gee, are you telling me talk shows talk a lot of nonsense???

Guest: What is the ultimate desired offensive line lineup, and what is the more realistic offensive line we can expect, in terms of who is starting and at what position? (Brian, Chicago)
Gerry Dulac: Desired is Jones, Seumalo, Frazier, Daniels and Fautanu. But for Atlanta, I'm guessing Moore, Anderson, Frazier, Daniels, Jones

Cousin Eddie: Mr. Dulac, What is the Steelers plan with Najee? Are they truly committed to trying to make a deal at seasons end or will they make one proposal and only one and if he walks so be it?
Gerry Dulac: Maybe a little of both. But I believe they will want him back, but only at the right price.
Gerry Dulac: OK kids, that's all the time we have today. Thanx for the questions