JotCast | Gerry Dulac's Steelers chat: 05.15.24

Gerry Dulac's Steelers chat: 05.15.24

Gerry Dulac

9:55

OK kids, happy schedule release day. Let's get our chat started....

Mr. Rooney

10:02

Gerry, truly appreciate the chats and your keen insights. Steelers keep stacking bodies for Summer camp. Any of these guys Averett, Scotty Miller, Beanie etc. Any of them peak your interest as legit contributors this upcoming season?

Gerry Dulac

10:02

Uh, not really. They are what you said -- bodies.

Bill in LA

10:03

If Russell Wilson has a good year and Justin Fields doesn’t see the field, what are the chances another team will sign Justin Fields away as their starter for 2025?

Gerry Dulac

10:03

I don't think that is the Steelers intention. But that's what we're going to find out.

Frank

10:04

Are the Steelers still interested in acquiring a receiver?

Gerry Dulac

10:05

I think they're always interested, but only a No. 2 receiver. not just another body. But just because they would be interested doesn't mean it's going to happen

Bill in LA

10:05

I'd like your opinion, with 10 being the best, how would you rate the skill level of quarterbacks: Wilson, Fields, Rudolph, and Pickett?

Gerry Dulac

10:07

That's a good question. Keep in mind, skill level is different from performance level. But since you asked.....Wilson 9, Fields 8.5, Pickett, 8.5, Rudolph 8. But, based on performance level, it would be Wilson 9.5, Rudolph 9, Pickett 8, Fields 7

Guest

10:08

Hi Gerry, My Seattle friends claim that Russell Wilson has always had difficulty throwing over the middle to his tight ends, because of his height and limited visibility seeing over the line. Is this incompatible or take away weapons that our new offensive coordinator's likes to run an offense?

Gerry Dulac

10:09

Always is a strong word, considering he has been a Pro Bowler nine times and won a Super Bowl. Maybe they think because he has been such a very good, accurate deep thrower.

SMF

10:12

Hi Gerry: Thanks for the chats. I just don’t get the Steelers not adding the 5th year to Nagee. It’s only a one-year commitment. He has been a loyal hard worker, playing behind a poor offensive line and horrible OC. The Ravens signed Derek Henry for 2 years 16mil and he is 4 years older and declining. Henry and Nagee had virtually the same stats last year—Henry 25 more carries and 130 more yds. Avg 4.2 yds/carry, Nagee 4.1.

Gerry Dulac

10:15

What you fail to realize is the Ravens signed Henry to a contract that is backloaded in the second and final year of his deal, meaning he will cost them only $5 million this year. The rest is in 2025, meaning they can cut him after 2024 and only be on the hook for the pro-rated portion of his signing bonus. Give it time. Doesn't mean the Steelers are walking away from Harris

Mr. Rooney

10:15

News out of the Windy City that Fields didn't play nice other veteran QB's is a bit concerning. I'm sure the hope is he can learn from Russ, him being a former SB champion and all. Hard to accomplish with a young guy resistant to instruction...no?

Gerry Dulac

10:15

Correct. Good guy to learn from.

Guest

10:15

Good morning Gerry. Let's talk about Cam. He seems like a great guy. He seems like a true leader. He has had a great career. However, paying him what he is being paid for this season is not only ridiculous, it is very irresponsible. the Steelers have released players much greater than him in the past. Is Art II softer than his ancestors? This organization used to be about winning first. Now it seems as though that takes a backseat to people's feelings.

Gerry Dulac

10:16

As long as you don't have to pay his salary, I don't think you should be so concerned about it. I think they know what they are doing.

Danny

10:16

Is there still a chance the steelers trade for a wr

Gerry Dulac

10:16

Always a chance, but I wouldn't hold your breath

Danny

10:17

Who is your favorite all time steeler

Gerry Dulac

10:17

Too many to list and wouldn't know where to start, but I will tell you James Farrior would be a good starting spot.

Guest

10:18

What do you expect from Johnson in Carolina? I think he will have better on field performance and will act more mature. It seems like players improve their play after leaving here recently. It wasn't often that way under the last two regimes. A change of culture and staff seem to help departing players. Heck, even JuJu grew up and stopped his antics once he left an enabling coach and played for Belichick!

Gerry Dulac

10:19

His on-field performance here was pretty good when you look at the numbers. I think Carolina would be satisfied with some of the same production. As for JuJu, he never had the same production in KC and NE that he had here.

Takoma Tom

10:19

Should Kenny Pickett's records at Pitt have an asterisk like Roger Maris since Kenny played 5 years? Just trying to be accurate.

Gerry Dulac

10:19

That's been the case in college football since Covid

7 year drought

10:19

Gerry, rumor has it the Steelers will open with Atlanta. What does it say that Tomlin is 0-7-1 in his last 8 games against rookie Head Coaches? Does this make Raheem Morris and the Falcons favorites?

Gerry Dulac

10:20

As you know, I don't respond to rumors

Andrew from Johnstown

10:20

Good morning Gerry! Everything is looking like the Steelers are going to move Broderick Jones back to LT. Does that mean the Dan Moore era is over and Troy Fautanu starts right away? Thanks!

Gerry Dulac

10:20

That is not a news flash. The Steelers have been very open about that. The only question is when will it happen.

Art from NC

10:20

Hey Gerry- Living in Eastern NC, I saw a lot of NC State games- If he can stay healthy, IMO Wilson will be a great addition to the LB corps- fast, can cover, and roams from side -to-side like his hair is on fire! Do you think he gets more time in the coverage packages than Roberts?

Gerry Dulac

10:21

I'm with ya there. And I would expect that to be the case.

Jason

10:21

Thanks for the chats. I knows its subjective but who do you feel is currently the best positional coach on the team? Who do feel is the best in the past 25 years? I'd go Karl Dunbar D-line currently. Maybe Dick Hoak RB's or Munchak O-Line.

Gerry Dulac

10:22

Dick Hoak a good one. John Mitchell tough to beat tho

Guest

10:22

A Chicago writer talked about how Fields doesn't have it from the neck up. That doesn't come as a surprise. Many of the athletic quarterbacks can run, but they don't have the pocket presence or vision to read a defense. We've seen it with so many quarterbacks. With that being said, why does Tomlin cherish the athletic/running quarterback so much? Does he think he can teach football intelligence to them? It hasn't worked so far. I think we are going to see Vick #2 with Wilson and Haskins #2 with Fields.

Gerry Dulac

10:23

I don't think Russ Wilson's resume should be compared to Mike Vick. Not then, not now. Not even comparable

Guest

10:23

We all know the streak talked about with Tomlin. There are some other streaks though. Seventeen seasons without forming a coaching tree. That points to leadership and development. Seven seasons without a postseason win and an overall losing postseason record. That points to coaching ability. Lack of leaders, maturity, and accountability on the part of the players. That points to culture. Wouldn't it make more sense to bring in a guy that emphasizes leadership, development, hands on coaching, and culture?? Even if means a losing regular season or two?

Gerry Dulac

10:24

That all sounds good until the Steelers actually have a losing season. You think the complaining and hollering is loud now...???

Tampa Too

10:24

Gerry , who do you like for the PGA? Who is your dark horse pick too

Gerry Dulac

10:24

Koepka. Dark horse: Ben An

Tampa Too

10:25

Gerry. Do you think Freiermuth should be extended?