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Gerry Dulac's Steelers chat: 05.27.20
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Gerry Dulac
10:13
Ok kids, we will start our chat in about 30 minutes, so get ready....
10:41
Well, I see a lot of questions already in the queue so let's get started.
DavieJ in WI
10:41
Hi Gerry, hope you’re well. If Conner and the O-Line stay healthy...Super Bowl champs. I’m calling it.
Gerry Dulac
10:41
I'll write it down.
DavieJ in WI
10:41
Can Devin Bush improve upon a really good season last year? What’s your viewpoint on him being a TOP LB....I mean top 3 linebacker.
Gerry Dulac
10:42
Where he has to take a big step is being able to call out the defensive sets for the front seven. I thought he had a really good rookie year, aside from several blown coverages, so I think he will be even better in 2020. I'll hold off on the top 3 stuff for now.
Mrs. Sue
10:43
Gerry I’ve seen that Brian, Ray and yourself have mentioned not having a rooting interest.. It is hard to believe you guys not rooting for the Steelers after interviewing this guys all season long, not to mention: living in Pittsburgh as well, going to their games, etc.. for me I have to think you guys either love them or hate them.. don’t tell me you guys wouldn’t be happy if they win the SB? Something doesn’t make sense!
Gerry Dulac
10:46
I don't love em, I don't hate em, because I have a job to do. Sure, I'd like to see them win for the guys I like, specifically the coaches. And, sure, it's always better for us and more exciting for everyone when they win and even go to the Super Bowl. Interest is through the roof. But I don't root to the point where I'm disappointed or devastated when they lose or am ecstatic when they win. Now, if I get bonuses based on wins and playoff advancement, I might root. But that is not the case.
Puddintain
10:46
In the middle of the D, Bush and Fitzpatrick patched two gaping holes, however without Hargrove that creates an uncertainty. I like the DL coach a lot and hope Buggs might blossom.  A penny for your learned thoughts please.
Gerry Dulac
10:48
They will miss Hargrave but not nearly to the point if they lost Heyward or Tuitt. It won't be as bad as last year when Tuitt missed 2/3 of the season. A bigger uncertainty will be how they manage the inside position next to Bush when Vince Williams isn't in the game. That's the real issue.
Retire21
10:48
Any picks for the MNF crew?
Gerry Dulac
10:48
Dandy Don, Giff and Howard
DavieJ in WI
10:48
Do you see Ju Ju as Steelers go to WR or do you see Washington stepping up (or another WR)?
Gerry Dulac
10:49
JuJu is the man, but you saw Washington and Diontae Johnson really develop last year. Ben's trust and reliance is with the guy he knows best -- JuJu
Retire21
10:49
Loved the golf Sunday. How about Mario and Gretzky with Justin Thomas and Books Koepka?
Gerry Dulac
10:50
I'll pass.
Freddie
10:50
I think James Washington is a little underrated/undervalued.. I really like this kid, he is so strong, works hard good attitude and just had a great season based on circumstances.. is it possible we keep our 4 top WR for a long time in your view? They all look very promising, we are well set at WR I believe..
Gerry Dulac
10:52
I agree with you about Washington, but there is no way a team can keep its top 4 wide receivers. Not even its top three. At least two of them will go free agent in seek of bigger and better money. It's a position that will rotate bodies every three years.
elcid1997
10:52
Hi Gerry! I read your piece on Minkah. He talks about being willing to move around the defense now that he knows the playbook better. I remember the reason he asked to be traded was Miami moving him around the time and not keeping him in his natural free safety position. Do you have a sense why he is willing to move around more now? A sense of trust with the coaches? Being on a team that contend? Knowing the Steelers aren't going to ask him to move around that much anyway?
Gerry Dulac
10:54
Well, one, I think he is just speaking the company line, but, more important, I think he would have said anything to get out of Miami. All of the things you suggested are in play in this instance, including the Steelers' intent to move him around. They do not have plans to do that other than maybe 1 or 2 different looks to confuse a defense.
Retire21
10:54
Odds someone will sign AB and have him for the playoff run after 8 gAme suspensions.
Gerry Dulac
10:55
There's always some dummy who thinks they can make it work with him.
The Die Hard Steelers Fan
10:55
Gerry, if #7 is 100% healthy, I think the Steelers young corps of WR's could be scary in 2020. I also think D. Johnson will push JuJu for the #1 spot. Could the Steelers have the best Offense in the AFC North this year?
Gerry Dulac
10:57
OK, maybe the AFC North, but I remind you not to forget how the Ravens can run the ball, much better than the Steelers. But the Steelers have the advantage with the passing game, provided Ben is healthy, because they have better receivers with the addition of Chase Claypool and TE Eric Ebron.
Paul
10:57
Gerry I really appreciate your great work and insight especially during these times. The only comment I have is that I am not 100% sold on the quality of some of our assistant coaches. Seemed as though Cowher had more impressive staffs. Miss Munchak.
Gerry Dulac
10:59
Well, I don't think there is any question about which staff had the better assistants. All you have to do is look at the number of Cowher assistants who went on to become head coaches in the NFL (7). Tomlin, though, did bring in Munchak, who might be the best assistant hire ever.
J-town Johnny
10:59
Gerry,  with a lot of weapons on offense & BB returning do you think this offense is a top 10?
Gerry Dulac
11:00
It has a chance, but let's not get too ramped up about it. Let's see what happens when Ben is back.
Sam
11:00
Gerry -- Love the chats.  If the season is played without fans, will the players be asked to take pay cuts to offset the revenue losses ?
Gerry Dulac
11:00
Not this year. But it might affect the salary cap in 2021.
Paul
11:00
As much as I love Cam Heyward and believe he is a great guy and player, a big contract would be rewarding him for past performances at his current age. A 2 year deal should be offered at a reasonable salary without breaking the bank.
Gerry Dulac
11:02
Uh, hate to tell you, contracts are typically awarded on what  you have done, maybe more so (though hopefully) than on what you might do. Cam Heyward deserves every penny and length of terms he can get.
'Double Divot Dewey'
11:02
Steeler's had a solid draft and helped themselves in free agency, but I still think that the season hinge's on the play of Ben.  He can improve just about all the positions on offense and help the defense as well with ball control.  Am I dilusional?
Gerry Dulac
11:02
You are not. Every season -- this one, past ones -- all hinge on Ben.
CoalportKid
11:03
There is a bit about Minkah F. in the news these days and how defenses stopped throwing his way after he was settled in at FS. How much of that was because opposing coaches knew the Steelers couldn't score and therefore saw no need for risky deep plays regardless of the FS?
Gerry Dulac
11:03
I think that might be part of it. By the same token, teams are looking for ways to get a lead, not keep the game close.
Steeler fan in Ohio
11:03
Hi Gerry -- Do you see any circumstances where Coach Tomlin would ever  leave for another job ?
Gerry Dulac
11:04
I can't answer that. Of course, it's possible. Maybe he will won't like the money he gets offered, though he is among the top paid coaches in the league now. Or maybe he won't like life after Ben. But who knows?
JIm
11:04
Seems like we are putting a lot of eggs in the Ben/Mason baskets. What if Ben can't come all the way back and Mason isn't the answer ?
Gerry Dulac
11:05
You are living in your fears. And what if TJ, Cam, Bud and Minkah all get hurt???
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