Gerry Dulac: Good morning pregame kids! We will start our chat in approx 10 minutes so get ready....
Gerry Dulac: OK here we go.....
Artie Bridge: Gerry, This question was around early in the season, but I haven't seen it asked or answered recently. If cap limits next year make signing both Bud and Juju impossible, 1) which would YOU sign? 2) which do you predict the Steelers will sign? and 3) who is easier to replace?
Gerry Dulac: The reason it hasn't been asked is because it's irrelevant right now. And you only get one question, not three.
Robin Cole: Do you think Steelers' players have reached their boiling point, and will really want to bury the Ravens today?
Gerry Dulac: That has nothing to do with anything. If they bury the Ravens, as you suggest, it won't be because they're mad, it's better they're focused, they're prepared and they're better.
redsteeler69: Can everyone quit whining about the ravens and enjoy some afternoon football.
Gerry Dulac: Pay the man
Salvatore: Hello Gerry, hope everything’s fine! Do you think the team is extra motivated for this gamr because of what has happened the last 6 days??
Gerry Dulac: No. What has transpired has nothing to do with motivation. Now, it could make them antsy, wanting to play the game. But they are professionals, and they are an unbeaten team because they are professionals and don't let stuff like what we've seen the past six days affect them.
Joe: It appears that the Ravens got concessions from the NFL for practice time ahead of the game today for their Covid outbreak that other teams didn’t get. Did the Steelers management/ownership cave in yet again to the league office and let Baltimore dictate what would happen in this situation?
Gerry Dulac: That is conspiracy nonsense and I suggest you save it for the talk shows that engage in conspiracy nonsense. I can suggest several right off the bat
Marcellus Wallace: For all the talk of an 18th week, that isn’t really an option, is it? Would only a few teams play, giving other playoff teams a bye! And some bubble teams wouldn’t know if they were in or out.
Gerry Dulac: It might become an option once the bye weeks end, and that is after this weekend. The 18th week is there in the event cases begin to spike even more.
Tony: are the Steelers as hood as the Chiefs tight now ?
Gerry Dulac: Their record says they are better. That's what I go by. Me and Bill Parcells.
Carol: So how can the Ravens have their 2 running backs play today. I thought part of the NFL protocol was that the team flew in and quarantined the day before the game in a hotel. They are flying in today.
Gerry Dulac: There is no such quarantine protocol that you suggest. And those two RBs are not scheduled to play today anyway.
GM: Morning Gerry, with all that's happened with the Ravens breaking protocols how can/will the NFL adapt moving forward? The team reportedly had people test positive on Saturday, but didn't add them to the covid list until Monday! That in itself seemed like rigging protocol. It's almost like the "what is a catch" debate a few years ago. Too hard to keep up!
Gerry Dulac: Anyone trying to understand the machinations of the league's protocol is wasting their time. Like the virus itself, there are too many moving parts to have an accurate barometer.
GM: A way to early draft question, if Najee Harris and Etienne (RBs) are available when the steelers pick do we take either? Or do you see a different draft need with the 1st round pick?
Gerry Dulac: I'd jump on one or the other. Immediately
Nick: Any word on the RB status of Ravens for today's game?
Gerry Dulac: According to Michele Tafoya and NFL Network, they are not playing.
greg in lewisville, tx: Jerry, All of the fines that are handed down by the NFL for this Covid-19 infractions, where does this money go? Hopefully for more re-search into this disease? Thank you.
Gerry Dulac: I don't know that answer, but your suggestion is superb.
Keith: On a kickoff the ball dies in the end zone. The receiving team does not down the ball. Can the kicking team down the ball getting a recovered on side kick?
Gerry Dulac: Not anymore. Once a returner gives up on the idea of returning the ball, the play is blown dead, no matter where the ball ends up.
Scott: Gerry, has anyone asked the league why the Steelers have to turn around and play Washington on Monday while the Ravens get an extra day to rest/prep for the Cowboys on Tuesday? The Ravens caused this mess. They should be playing Monday. To me, this is the most unfair aspect of the whole thing and nobody is talking about it.
Gerry Dulac: My dad taught me a long time ago, don't worry what the other guy is doing or what he has. Worry about what you have to do and what you have.
PGH Sean from Cape Cod: Is there still a chance that Stephon Tuitt will play vs Baltimore and if so when will we find out? Thanks!
Gerry Dulac: No, none.
Stephon: When are Conner and Tuitt eligible to come off the COVID list? Will they be available for Washington?
Gerry Dulac: They have 10 days with back-to-back negative tests from the time they tested positive to return.
Mark: How in the world are Dobbins and Ingram eligible today after both testing positive and playing a game vs the Titans while covid positive?
Gerry Dulac: They had to wait 10 days (22with back-to-back negative tests from the time they tested positive, and they did. They are eligible, but they are not playing apparently.
Jeff: As poorly as Conners has played, I don't think him being out today hurts at all. He hits the holes slow and has seemed to have lost a lot of speed. What do you attribute that to?
Gerry Dulac: Trust me, he hasn't lost his speed. But maybe indecisiveness causes that. Maybe lack of holes causes that.
Covid: Where have the other chats been so far this week? Out with covid? Wrong time of the year to be doing less work
Gerry Dulac: I believe they were active and played.
John: Any chance the left-wing, activist Governor allows fans for Pittsburgh home playoff games?
Gerry Dulac: My guess is this isn't changing anytime soon
Timmy Colorado Springs: I need a good excuse to leave work early (1pm here) so I can watch the game. Any suggestions or ideas?
Gerry Dulac: Covid test
Mike: Any surprise inactives expected for today? Like maybe Haden?
Gerry Dulac: Maybe
San Diego Steeler Fan: Good Morning Gerry, A quick question what would have happened if a ravens player or palyers tested positive yesterday,would it have gotten
moved again or would the game just be cancelled or frfieted
Gerry Dulac: They would have been eligible to play. Look, games aren't changed because of the number of players on the Covid 19 list. They are changed because of concern about the virus spread. If the league determines the spread is contained through tracing, they play. If not, they don't.
Sandra: Pitt has a chance to bury the Ravens today. What's your prediction?
Gerry Dulac: I made my prediction days ago. You will have to check it out.
Monty: Thoughts on Pittsburgh now having back-to-back short weeks as a result of the Ravens ineptitude?
Gerry Dulac: Oh well. Gives Mike Tomlin an added reason to rest his veterans, which, at this time, is always a good thing to do. He knows what he's doing. Relax.
Hannah: Was Wright brought in just as insurance? If so, where's he been the 11 other weeks of the season? Wasn't insurance needed then too?
Gerry Dulac: When you start wondering about that, it times to seek help from someone, maybe Jack Daniels.
Hal: What Steeler assistant coaches are out today and how relevant are they to the success of the Steelers short-term?
Gerry Dulac: With all due respect, they are not.
Heidi: Who will take Hawkins job as the extra lineman? Dotson?
Gerry Dulac: More than likely. Though he has been out for a while and hasn't had much practice time
Jack: Will Williamson get more playing time as the season goes on, especially against a run heavy team like Baltimore today?
Gerry Dulac: I don't think the plan is to get him any more playing time than he is seeing already, unless there are injuries, of course.
Alan in Nashville: Hi Gerry, JuJu seems to be elevating his status on the team as more that just a talent but as a leader that reaches rarified air as a guy that is worth more than just money. I thought before that his leaving after the season is a done deal but now I’m not so sure. If you’d have to bet money, would you guess that he stays or leaves as a free agent? Thanks.
Gerry Dulac: He is staying. But I'd hold off on that leader, rarified-air stuff
Benson DuBois: Was there ever any concern that Gov. Wolf and Dr. Levine would disallow the Ravens to enter the state?
Gerry Dulac: I think Gov. Wolf's pregame chat is at noon. Ask him there
Tyler: The running game woes are obviously well-documented. Any insight as to where the problem is occurring? If on the o-line, any chance Dotson gets a longer look at a starting role? Tonight should be telling with a depleted defensive front and Snell/McFarland getting more run.
Gerry Dulac: It's not about personnel, its about a change in philosophy, technique, mindset. And with BR at quarterback, that ain't happening. Nor should it.
Tattered and Ragged: Per your article from 11/27, do you still think the Steelers' frustration with how this game has played out is the product of selective memory? This seems like blatant manipulation by the Ravens. But maybe I'm being selective in my outrage.
Gerry Dulac: I think you are too.
Jay Daven: Harbaugh is a big whiner, do you think he excessively complained to the league about postponing the game? Also, do you anticipate more surprise or trick plays from the Ravens due to their depleted team?
Gerry Dulac: I'm sure he did. But so did the Broncos. And, yes, I'd be on the lookout for every trick in the book.
KR_THREE: Hello Gerry. Do you expect Mr. Rooney to address the media/fans regarding all the game changes so far that seem to put the Steelers at a disadvantage?
Gerry Dulac: There is a better chance of Trump attending Biden's inauguration. And what disadvantage??
V. Fontaine: I still don't understand the decision to kick off at 3:40 PM when it seems like NBC was willing to broadcast the game in prime time and show their Christmas show on a different network or pre-recorded on Thursday.
Gerry Dulac: Apparently NBC is not doing that.
Tyler: Many people have expressed their belief that Juju will re-sign with the Steelers this off-season. With the cap crunch in full effect, what might a contract for him look like, and do we really think he’s going to turn down more money elsewhere? He hasn’t been a world beater, but he could certainly command more money elsewhere if he chose to.
Gerry Dulac: Maybe, but he won't command the type of money that some other receivers in the league would fetch. Especially in a cap crunch
YinzerinVa: Is it time for Williamson to get some significant playing time?
Gerry Dulac: No, why?
Mr. Mizer: Gerry, you like me have been around a long time. In my humble opinion, Mr. Goodell is the worst commissioner in the history of the NFL. No where near the others. What say you?
Gerry Dulac: I say you're wrong. So do the 32 owners
Craig Peterson: Do you think we will pass more with Conner out and what is Ju Ju 's status for the game
Gerry Dulac: I don't think their game plan for the Ravens is affected one bit not having Conner.
Wisconsin Winters: How does the Landry Jones situation work now that the XFL is debunked? Is he available as a FA?
Gerry Dulac: As Bruce Arians once said on draft day when asked if Matt Spaeth was like Matt Kranchick, 'Lord I hope not.'
Tyler: Any chance Dotson gets a longer look at G if the run game continues to struggle?
Gerry Dulac: No. That won't be the reason. The Steelers are worried about protecting their 38 year old, $100 million, franchise quarterback. Not getting 4 yards behind Dotson
Craig Peterson: How is joe Hadens knee
Gerry Dulac: We'll find out in a couple hours.
Steeler in Virginia: How does Benny Snell compare to Conner when it comes to picking up blitzes?
Gerry Dulac: Conner does that very well. We'll see
Jazzeppi: Hi Gerry, thanks for your insight. Have you heard whether or not Dobbins and or In gram are out of COVID Protocol? Thanks.
Gerry Dulac: They are eligible to return, but according to several national reports they will not play today
Wisconsin Winters: Gerry, did the players get a day or two off during this whole debacle?
Gerry Dulac: Three actually, for those whiners who are worried the Steelers didn't get a mini-bye.
Thomas D.: Gerry, will any Ravens players who would have had to miss the game on Thursday night, now be permitted to play due to the multiple postponements?
Gerry Dulac: Yes several. But the same with the Steelers. This isn't a conspiracy folks. Please.
Steeler in Virginia: I've seen it written that after a team's first COVID violation, draft picks can be docked upon further violations. So does the fine Tomlin received earlier this season count as the first violation, and the next could cost us a late pick? Cause with the salary cap looking to shrink, the Steelers will need every pick they can get.
Gerry Dulac: I think the violations have to be more egregious than not wearing your mask properly
Retire 21: Assuming he stays healthy Ben will hit milestones this year for 5k completions, 400 TD passes, 60K passing yards....and most sacked QB ever. Which of those is most remarkable?
Gerry Dulac: That he is tough to remain standing after all those hits
Jay Daven: The COVID fines goes to the retired players, doesn't it?
Gerry Dulac: Not sure. And that's Ok too
Matt: Will Haden,& Buggs play?
Gerry Dulac: I think both will play
Matt: Gerry, thanks for all your Steelers coverage. Helps with these tough times in the world. My question is about Benny Snell. Is this his 1 game audition to be next years feature back?
Gerry Dulac: No. I don't think the Steelers view him as a feature back, but more as a solid backup who can play in a pinch.
Retire 21: I'm rarely interested in the PNC Father-Son silly season event but Tiger playing with 11 year old Charlie against Justin Thomas and his dad in the same group if that happens...that could be fun. Wasn't Mike Thomas head pro at the old Cherrington out by the airport at one time?
Gerry Dulac: yes he was. He was the pro when I was a member there. Mike is a good dude
Brian in VA: Why all the hating on today’s game? I wish my industry and the rest of the country had the type of controls in place to carry on like the NFL is doing. Plus, I’m pretty excited to fire up the grill on a Wednesday afternoon!
Gerry Dulac: Give that guy a hot dog!
Matt: How do you figure Juju is staying as he wants 15M/per.?
Gerry Dulac: And who said he wants that??
Daniel from Ohio: Gerry, just an observation, but it seems like you dislike these chats very much and always seem to give snide comments to tough questions. Are you contractually obligated for these chats? If not, why come off so grumpy? Granted some questions seem uneducated and fanatical, but why pick them? I know you won’t answer, but just a thought because I do enjoy the small amount insight garnered from these chats. Thank you!
Gerry Dulac: Some? I'm using the ones that aren't uneducated and fanatical. I'm not sure if that insight is large enough or if my coffee cup isn't filled high enough. In any event, I'm glad you take the time to participate and ask a question. I will try to be more accommodating and less grumpy. Try. Ok, NEXT....!!!
Tyler: In your opinion, which of our 3 top receivers has the best career when it’s all said and done?
Gerry Dulac: Well, I think Claypool has an upside the size of the Golden Dome
howdyb69: Will A McFarland get 10 touches? I think he could break one.
Gerry Dulac: I don't know about 10, but he will get his chances.
Guest: Not a question but for the love of God people, please stop the conspiracy questions.
Gerry Dulac: Now that's a guy I want paid!!
Benjamin Karp: Hey Gerry. Thank you for this opportunity. Why do people in the media address Coach Tomlin as, “Mike” rather than Coach. It seems to me that “Coach” is far more befitting for him and his position. Thank you!
Gerry Dulac: Quite the opposite, my friend. Those people in the media who refer to him as "Coach Tomlin" should be embarrassed because they don't work for him or the Steelers. His name is Mike Tomlin and he should be called as such. Do you hear people say "Manager Shelton" or "Coach Sullivan." I think it's unprofessional when I hear media people refer to the Penguins coach as "Sully." But I don't consider those people as "media" people. I consider them fans who offer opinions the same as the guy in Section 204. We are not paid to be fans. We are paid to offer insight and not the conspiracy theories I hear everyday
Gerry Dulac: And with that kids, I bid adieu. Got to run. There's a game today. You can catch me and my updated rendition of "The Raven" on the Steelers pregame show beginning at 1:40 p.m. on 102.5 DVE
First Published: December 2, 2020, 1:39 p.m.