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Gerry Dulac's Steelers chat: 07.22.21
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Gerry Dulac
12:32
OK kids, we're going to start our chat in about 15 minutes so get your questions ready....
12:47
Ok kids, let's get started...Go!!
Ted
12:48
Gerry.  What’s your expectations for 55?   Game changer? Awfully loud for not doing much so far.
Gerry Dulac
12:50
Well, we'll have to see how he comes back from his ACL surgery. I have been told he looks great and has been cleared for full practice, so that's the good news. That being said, I'm sure they will still go easy on him throughout camp, wanting to be extra cautious.
Bernard
12:50
Impact on playing time and roster construction post the Williams' retirement?
Gerry Dulac
12:52
The impact isn't going to be as significant as not having Bud Dupree, even though the Steelers have a young, promising replacement for Dupree -- something they don't have for Williams, at least not now. Robert Spillane will step in as the starter next to Bush, but it will also be a big opportunity for rookie Buddy Johnson to step in. That's what they will determine once the pads go on.
Bernard
12:52
Will Derek Watt be used more under Canada? I've never understood this signing (at this price) other than an incentive to keep TJ long-term.
Gerry Dulac
12:53
I really don't think you will see Watt a whole lot more, then again, you really can't see him any less than you did in 2020. It was a big price to pay for a sledom-used FB, though he is a quality special teams player.
Bernard
12:53
What are the odds Layne or Pierre are really starting CBs opening game?  Are you confident they'll be able to hold the line so to speak?
Gerry Dulac
12:54
They will only be the starter if the Steelers open with their nickel or dime package and Cam Sutton is lining in the slot. But opening game is still a long way away and anything can happen
Utah Jim
12:54
The last time the Steelers had the toughest schedule in the league and a suspect OL they won the Super Bowl. Why all the teeth gnashing? That team had a young Ben but if memory serves the panic was the same.
Gerry Dulac
12:55
The panic is the same every year among the fan base. Either that, or it's the delirium that they have a Super Bowl roster and should win it all.
Guest
12:56
Vince Williams and Mike Hilton were my 2 favorite players. Vince Williams was great on and off the field. Who is going to replace these guys on the team this year?
Gerry Dulac
12:56
For right now, it will be Robert Spillane and Cam Sutton.
Utah Jim
12:56
Is Haskins eligible for the practice squad?
Gerry Dulac
12:57
I'm never sure who is and who isn't anymore with all the different rule changes, but, under last year's system, he is.
Jarvis Ragdoll Jones
12:57
What is your gut telling you about why V.W. retired? Was it not worth the vet minimum to go thyrough camp or did he feel he was being squeezed out by Spillane and maybe even UG - 3?
Gerry Dulac
12:58
I don't think it was the latter at all, otherwise he would have never agreed to come back for a pay cut nor would have the Steelers bothered to bring him back. I think it's possible, for several reasons, he had just had enough and didn't think he could help the team.
Utah Jim
1:00
Tomlin runs the Defense and over the last three playoff games they have allowed, on average, 43 points per game. Yet they are on their third OC and Tomlin gets an unusually long extension. Why?
Gerry Dulac
1:00
Now THAT is a good honest question!
Sunner in Orlando
1:01
What was the real reason Williams retired? Was it the pay cut or was it the probability he was not going to start? Do the Steelers wait for other team's cuts to add another ILB or does Ingram fill the need at OLB and ILB?
Gerry Dulac
1:03
Neither of those was the reason. I'm sure they will look around to see if they can find some veteran help, but for now it will be Robert Spillane and see how Buddy Johnson develops. I like Buddy Johnson. Ingram is an outside guy.
JB
1:03
John Clayton put out report he thought Nelson is coming back to Steelers. Your thoughts?
Gerry Dulac
1:05
Wouldn't shock me, especially if he's not getting any other offers he likes. Would help solve a lot of questions that might exist at corner.
Guest
1:06
Not a good look for what Haskins has been involved with lately.  How do the Steelers look at those things?
Gerry Dulac
1:06
He has not had a lot of good looks since last season.
Sunner in Orlando
1:06
Does Ben look more fit this summer or does he look thinner because he is not in full gear with a flack jacket on and other protective gear that he wears on game days?
Gerry Dulac
1:08
Ben has come to camp in great shape the last 3-4-5 years. But he looks especially trim and fit this year. Despite what some people who have no idea think, he has worked hard on his conditioning and diet for several years now.
MrCJJr
1:08
Hello Gerry, thanks for the chat. This will probably be asked a lot today....Any word on why Vince Williams retired so abruptly? He seemed eager and ready to resume his career. Thanks
Gerry Dulac
1:09
Without talking directly to him, I can't tell you accurately why he changed his mind. I have to admit, I was a little surprised.
Fineline
1:10
When I visited training camp my strongest impression was how much Tomlin loved his job. As he bounded the fields of St Vincent he looked like a kid on the last day of school running to the playground. Do you think he’ll be a coaching lifer like a Bear Bryant or Paterno? Or can you seem him burning out or getting tired of the grind?
Gerry Dulac
1:11
I don't think any coach wants to be a lifer these days, not with the amount of money they pay them. But there is no question he absolutely loves what he does, loves working with young people, loves watching film, loves the competition. He is a football junkie
PGHfaninCALI
1:11
Thinking the defense should be good, Most important to team success this season, Offensive Line, Running Game or receivers not dropping catches?
Gerry Dulac
1:11
Well, that about covers it.
PGHfaninCALI
1:11
Who do you think has a better season. Ben or TJ?
Gerry Dulac
1:13
Is that kinda like asking who would win in a fight -- Batman or Superman??
Dmaven
1:13
How many regular season games will it take for the Steelers’s offense  to fully integrate Canada’s new system?
Gerry Dulac
1:14
Well, because you said "fully," probably a large part if not most of the season. But I think you will see them catch on and apply sooner than you might think.
PGHfaninCALI
1:15
Do you think the Steelers will one day have their own network so you can pay to watch games like the Yankees and Other sports teams have?
Gerry Dulac
1:15
You ask a lot of hypotheticals
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