Gerry Dulac: OK kids, let's get the chat started. Go...
Kevin in Punxsy: It seems that M Tomlin has a propensity to lie to reporters re questions asked about the team and/or specific players. Example: Haley and others said that Rogers didn't play in the Pats game due to serving time off for "lack of attention", but M Tomlin said he was not being punished. Your thought? Thanks.
Gerry Dulac: I would agree. But, iIt becomes a matter of semantics with him. For example, Tomlin was asked if Rogers was punished for an off-the-field issue. He said no. Technically, he is correct. It wasn't anything off the field. It had to do, it appears, for how Rogers has been preparing.
Bring Back Weegie: Besides Ben, who is the most important starter to be returning to the field this weekend?
Gerry Dulac: I don't think there's any question it's Cam Heyward. The defense hasn't stopped the run or been able to pressure the QB the past two games, and Heyward does that better than any player they have.
Dylan: Realistically, how is Dupree looking? And when do you think he'll start practicing?
Gerry Dulac: There's nothing to look at, other than see him walk through the locker room. And that he looks lighter than he did at training camp. Not sure when, or if, he will start practicing. But he is eligible to do that now.
me: If/When they activate L. Green, would they cut one of the other TE's to make room?
Gerry Dulac: I really don't think they will carry four tight ends, but because Green will be used almost like a wide receiver it wouldn't surprise me if they kept all four. They need David Johnson as an inline blocker. But, if they were to cut one, I think it might be Xavier Grimble, even though they kinda like him
Jon: Hi Gerry. The Steelers are now 3-8 (ouch), including 1 playoff loss in their last 11 meetings vs Baltimore. In your opinion, would you credit Baltimore having better players/team or do you think it is more of a coaching/coaches issue for Pittsburgh?
Gerry Dulac: I think it's neither. I think it's more that the Ravens know how to beat the Steelers. If you want to call that coaching, then credit John Harbaugh. I don't think they have better players, maybe on defense, but there's still no reason for the series to be so lopsided recently
Greentree: Is Coates playing this week? Will he return to his role before he hurt his hand? Not hearing much about him lately.
Gerry Dulac: He will return to his normal role, yes. It's tough to have a hand injury (broken finger) when you're a wide receiver.
Brett: Why is the defense so much worse this year. Swapped out Burns/Gilbert for Blake/Boykin and Davis for W.Allen. All would "seem" to be upgrades, yet sacks, turnovers are way down and pass yards are even higher than their record year last year.
Gerry Dulac: I don't think the problem is in the back end, Yes, the lack of interceptions in the secondary is a concern, but that is not the problem with their defense. The bigger issues lie in the front seven: Little pressure, fewer sacks, can't stop the run. The secondary is the least of their worries.
Ryno: Based on what you have seen so far, how is Jesse James doing, in your opinion, and what kind of potential do you see in him?
Gerry Dulac: I think Jesse James has been dependable and is exceeding everyone's expectations. He is a sit-in-the-zone type of tight end whose main job is to catch the ball, and he has done that. He's not going to make any Pro Bowls, and he's not Heath Miller. But he has been reliable.
Stuck in Bmore: Local sports personnel still giving tons of props to Bell and Brown even if Ben doesnt play. I dont see the dominance out of any of them I was expecting headed into this year, especially Brown. Is AB just a really hard worker who had a super year last year or a special receiver?
Gerry Dulac: Let's see, 48 catches -- third in AFC. Five TD catches -- second in the NFL. 592 receiving yards -- fourth in AFC. Double covered every week. Not too bad I'd say. Are his numbers below last year's pace? Yes, a little. But I will remind you that after seven games last season, Brown had 46 catches, 671 yards and only 2 TDs. Let's hold on a little here.
Guest: Do you think Ben will suit up this weekend? Or is he still a few weeks away from returning? Thanks
Gerry Dulac: I'll know a little more after watching practice later
Guest: Has anyone seen Troy P since he retired? I know he said football wasn't his whole life but I didn't expect him to disappear so quickly.
Gerry Dulac: No. Never comes around, not to the facility, not to any of the games when other former players are honored.
Alex: Is the Sammy Coates finger injury something that will give him trouble the rest of year? his hands aren't the strongest point of game to begin with.
Gerry Dulac: I don't think so. And when you say strong, I'm sure you refer to his ability to catch the ball. Because I will tell you he has very strong hands, as in powerful.
Ryno: The ownership is the definition of stable and patient, so with that said, do you ever think Tomlin has ever been even close to the hotseat?
Gerry Dulac: No.
Jon: True or False Mike Tomlin will get fired if Steelers miss the playoffs this year with very poor 2nd half of season?
Gerry Dulac: See above
Steelcity6: If the defense does not improve is Butler's job on the line
Gerry Dulac: No. Let's remember now, he has played without his best lineman, his best inside linebacker, his best outside linebacker and a projected starter in the secondary. I'll hold off on the firing squad
Thomas J: I just heard Jim Wexell say he was be surprised if Ladarius Green palyed at all this year. Have you seen him practice and what is your take?
Gerry Dulac: That would be in contradiction to what Mike Tomlin said yesterday. I have seen him on the practice field and he looks like what they thought he was when they signed him.
Ryno: Your thoughts on Jarvis Jones so far this season?
Gerry Dulac: Playing much better. Three of the last four games he has been one of their most active linebackers. But still no sacks. And, ultimately, that's how he will be judged, especially in this defense.
Bring Back Weegie: Coming off his career game, does Jarvis continue to play the lion's share of the snaps at OLB?
Gerry Dulac: He should. If he doesn't, something is wrong. Her is their most athletic OLB who needs to feed off confidence. Turn him loose.
Denis: With Baltimore's injuries and inexperience on the left side of the O line, do you see us being able to finally put some pressure on a QB this week?
Gerry Dulac: Like cousin Eddy said on "Christmas Vacation" -- You better take a raincheck on that, Art.
Myrtle Beach Guy: Who is the better QB, Big Ben or Cam Newton?
Gerry Dulac: That's a new one by me
matt: while i appreciate the coaching stability the steelers have, at some point the defenses lack of production needs to be analyzed from position coaches to coordinator, there is good enough talent but scheme and use of personnel is questionable, how long does this get ignored?
Gerry Dulac: Probably when they start missing the postseason on annual basis
Kevin in Punxsy: In my opinion, Ben R has played at a less than "confident" level during away games, for the last 3-4 years. Miami, this year, is a good example. B4 he was injured, he was making bad throws and overlooking wide open receivers. What is your opinion on Ben's play during away games? Thanks.
Gerry Dulac: Kev, there is no question is has not been great, certainly nothing close to what he does at home. The disparity is almost numbing. I'm sure that's probably true with most quarterbacks because of comfort level of field, depth perception, wind gusts, all that stuff they are more aware of at home.
Kevin in Punxsy: In my opinion, the best thing the Steelers can do, re L Bell, is to "franchise" him next year and play him till the wheels fall off (as M Tomling likes to say). What are your thoughts? Thanks.
Gerry Dulac: That might not be out of the question.
Brett: RE: defense being worse. The front 7 is pretty much the same group as last year, so why is the production (sacks) so much worse? Does Butler need to blitz more like they did last year?
Gerry Dulac: It is not the same. Steve McLendon is gone, Heyward has been out, Shazier has been out, Bud Dupree is on IR, But, he is going to have to do something -- and that likely means blitz more -- to generate pressure because it isn't happening.
Gerry Dulac: Speaking of pressure, we're out of time. Thanx for the questions. We will have at it again next week.
First Published: November 2, 2016, 1:46 p.m.
Updated: November 2, 2016, 3:47 p.m.
