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Gerry Dulac's Steelers chat: 11.7.18
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Gerry Dulac
10:47
OK kids, we're gonna start our chat is just a little bit so get those questions teed up.
11:01
OK, everyone, let's get started...
Stillers4Life
11:01
Publicly, players (except DeCastro) are saying they’ll welcome Bell back with open arms. Obviously, they’re going say that, but without naming specific players, do you think most of them really don’t care if he really does come back, and if he does, has he burned too many bridges? I just get the sense that they really have moved on.
Gerry Dulac
11:03
I think your sense is correct. I don't believe there will be any open animosity, but there's no way anyone with any level of intelligence and commitment who have been worked together since April will not harbor some resentment for a player who selfishly shows up in November to protect himself for future earnings.
Stillers4Life
11:03
It was one pass. Can we stop the ‘Dobbs is the next Brady’ talk? But, yes, it was impressive. That said, the season rides on Ben, and if he goes down, they’re not even sniffing the Super Bowl. You see the backups in practice, and aside from his nice completion Sunday, would you be comfortable with Dobbs handling things were Ben to be out for an extended period?
Gerry Dulac
11:03
Anyone who says "Dobbs is the next Brady" fits into that description I gave in the previous answer
Nick in Long Beach
11:04
Is there any room in the Steelers playbook to get Josh Dobbs a play or two besides of course replacing Ben for a snap when he gets the wind knocked out of him?
Gerry Dulac
11:05
I have not seen evidence of that happening at any point in the last 5-10 years, though there might have been one or two wildcat plays back when that scheme it was in vogue.
clemente21
11:05
Reports had the Steelers interested in pass rusher B. Irvin can you  deny or confirm?
Gerry Dulac
11:05
Nope. Not sure where you're getting these reports
clemente21
11:05
If LevBell comes back I see no problems in locker room- you always want good players for the stretch run!  Your thoughts?
Gerry Dulac
11:06
You are sadly mistaken. I'm not saying there will be problems, but I don't believe they will all be sitting around the campfire singing songs.
Stillers4Life
11:06
Lots of speculation, but do you think PIT just played Harbaugh for the last time?
Gerry Dulac
11:06
Nope
Rob
11:07
Are you surprised that the Steelers tried to sign Bruce Irvin? What does that say about how they feel about Ola?
Gerry Dulac
11:07
Who says they tried to sign him??
Heath Miller Fan
11:07
Gerry, how does this team keep the offense’s momentum & James Conner’s success going if Bell does show up?  Hasn’t Conner earned the starting job?
Gerry Dulac
11:08
Yes he has. I don't think they are going to change what they're doing just because Bell comes back, if he comes back. Not as long as they are having success.
Nick in Long Beach
11:08
Care to comment on Ryan Switzer’s contributions this year?
Gerry Dulac
11:08
Yeah, he's been a nice addition to the special teams. Solid, dependable, knows how to handle punts and kicks
Angelo
11:08
Any ideas why kickers have seemed to struggle so much league-wide this year?
Gerry Dulac
11:09
I know, and I'm not sure. Maybe they're getting too technical and trying to be too perfect.
James Ryan
11:09
Thanks for the chats! If the Steelers are willing to admit they need help with pass rush by offering Bruce Irvin a contract, why not just use Ola Adeniyi? Sounds like hes healthy.
Gerry Dulac
11:10
I don't think they need help with their pass rush. Actually, it's been more than good the past 4-5 games. They could probably use another body at OLB for depth. And Ola is getting close.
Tim fromTyrone
11:10
Good Morning Gerry. I wish the Steelers would be more active before the trade deadline. If you look at New England they seem to be wheeling and dealing all the time. I'm not saying to be as aggressive as the Pats but at least try to help the team in some way. The clock is ticking on this great group of players. Your Thoughts.
Gerry Dulac
11:10
I would say you raise a good solid point
Tprod
11:11
Gerry, how much will Burnett replace Edmunds as the Strong Safety? Edmunds has done okay especially for a rookie, but he just late for a lot of plays—reacting versus playmaking.
Gerry Dulac
11:12
I think you will see Burnett back in the starting lineup soon, though that is no reflection on Edmunds. I think they would just prefer to not put so much on Edmunds' plate right now.
Me
11:12
Washington did a little better last week but it still seems like Ben has to move him around a lot.  Almost like he still does not have a good grasp of the offense.  How do you see he development so far?
Gerry Dulac
11:13
His production to date is not what I expected, but I also expected to see his production flourish more in the second half of the season because he's a rookie. Kinda like what happened last year w JuJu
DIRTY Dave the Love Slave
11:14
Gerry, Still holding out hope that James Washington kicks it into gear the second-half of the season; after all, Martavis was completely obscure until 1/2 way thru his rookie season. Do you see the same scenario playing out with James?
Gerry Dulac
11:14
See above
Stillers4Life
11:14
Should there be legitimate concern about Boswell? He’s going to end up costing them a game. Or is it still ‘he’ll be fine, don’t worry’ from the media?
Gerry Dulac
11:15
He'll be fine, don't worry
Alan in Nashville
11:15
I have to say that with the "Team Turmoil" stuff quieting down, it all starts again if Bell comes back. The cameras will go right to him every time the offense starts out slow. I'd rather they pay him to stay home and activate him and see what he's got only if Conner is injured. Your thoughts?
Gerry Dulac
11:15
Good plan
tyler
11:15
prediction for tomorrow?
Gerry Dulac
11:16
Check out my predictions online at post-gazette.com.
BB
11:16
Gerry - How do you see the rest of the schedule playing out?  Some very tough games out there....some on the road.  Does 10-5-1 work for the division but will not get a bye?  Thanks.
Gerry Dulac
11:17
I would agree. At beginning of year, I predicted 11-5, 12-4 with a little bit of luck. Obviously, the tie precludes any of that from happening, but I still think it will be in that ballpark
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