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The grass is cut on the St. Vincent College campus on Monday, July 24, 2023, in preparation for Steelers’ training camp starting Thursday.
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Gerry Dulac's Steelers chat transcript: 07.27.23

Lucy Schaly/Post-Gazette

Gerry Dulac's Steelers chat transcript: 07.27.23


Gerry Dulac: Ok kids, we're back and ready to go, so fire away....

RAM: Hey Gerry, I’m looking forward to your video updates from camp! One question; haven’t heard much about the punter they brought in to compete with Harvin. What do you know about him? Personally I’m tired of biting my nails every time we need to punt with how inconsistent Harvin has been.
Gerry Dulac: Thanx, Braden Mann is the punter you reference and he has NFL experience, so he is more than just an extra leg at camp. I'm not sure there's a huge competition, but he will give the coaches something to think about. That being said, I think the only way Harvin isn't the punter this year is if he loses the job himself.

Guest: On what date will Broderick Jones take over the first team reps
Gerry Dulac: Don't know, but they didn't bring him in to sit on the bench

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Al in Maine: What pieces do the Steelers need to win another Lombardi trophy? Can they compensate for those weaknesses?
Gerry Dulac: I think you should be worried what they need to win a playoff game, something they haven't done for six years -- the team's longest drought since they first made the playoffs in 1972. And not be embarrassed when (and if) they get into the postseason.

George Pickens laughs on the sidelines on day two of the Steelers training camp at St. Vincent College in Latrobe on Friday, July 28, 2023.
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Ken: Will you get any rounds in while in the Laurel Highlands and, if so, where?
Gerry Dulac: I will, and I can't tell you.

Guest: why did Tomlin say “I didn’t even think about that” when asked if Dan moore will start with the first team at LT today. Isn’t it his job to think about that??
Gerry Dulac: I think he just means, let's wait to see how everything plays out. It's just the first day of camp. That's all that was.

Stlrdave1: Good morning Gerry. I've mentioned before in your chat about liking the new direction the Steelers have adapted. And yes the AFC is loaded. But barring injury, no excuses for not increased production at least on the offensive side of the ball? Thanks as always for taking my comments
Gerry Dulac: I agree. If they won 9 games last year, I think they are least one win, and maybe two, better than last year

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Uncle Floyd: It looks like Harris taking to the podium might be an unnecessary distraction. What are your thoughts Jerry?
Gerry Dulac: Nah.

Alan from Indy: Gerry, always liked Lev Bell but agree he made a huge mistake, especially the hold out year. I think his absence was a bigger loss than many would admit. With that said, how far apart were he and the Steelers when he parted and in hindsight should the Steelers have offered more?
Gerry Dulac: In hindsight, he should have taken the offer. He accepted less with the Jets than the Steelers were offering. Dumb move on his part, but give him credit for sticking to his beliefs

Hogan: Gerry, do you use your connections to get on Laurel Valley when you’ve seen enough of camp?
Gerry Dulac: Actually, I try to do it BEFORE I have seen enough of camp.

The Eman: Gerry! When you’re in Latrobe, do you ever drop south a few miles to play Glengary? If so, how do you like the course?
Gerry Dulac: I have and I do.

Steelers QB Kenny Pickett throws during day one of training camp at St. Vincent College in Latrobe on Thursday, July 27, 2023.
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Tin Cup: Gerry, Does the national media overrate Mike Tomlin? Ranking him as the 2nd or 3rd best HC in the NFL while ignoring his actual results over the past 12 years seems a bit out of whack doesn't it?
Gerry Dulac: To a degree because of what you just said. But there is no denying he is 16th all-time, third active, among regular-season victories and has a Super Bowl title.

Guest: Hey Gerry. Did the Steelers start camp yesterday with the fitness tests that they ran back in the Cowher days (such as the one Hampton and Stephens failed)? Or did they do away with that too?
Gerry Dulac: Nope. That's they did on Wednesday. Beside check in to the dorms

Guest: Seems every year that Tomlin takes it easy on the players in camp and sits them during the preseason games. This always leads to soft tissue injuries when forced to go from 50% to 100%. Do you think Tomlin has learned his lesson, will stop living in his fears, and ramp these guys up for the season by increasing the workload each week and preseason game?
Gerry Dulac: That's why you see a lot of injuries early in the season. But coaches are in a tough position. The last thing they want to do is get them injured in a meaningless game. And the owners, who are paying lots of money to their stars, concur.

Jim_Bow_Dean: If Jones does not win the starting job does that all but guarantee Clark makes the team as the swing tackle? I don’t think you want Jones practicing anything but on the left.
Gerry Dulac: It does not.

Jim_Bow_Dean: Last season the Steelers were atrocious at YAK and rarely used the middle of the field. Are those two related?
Gerry Dulac: Sure they are. Not always a lot of room to run and get YAK along the sidelines.

Guest: I keep reading how Tomlin is a great coach and some even consider him #2 or #3 in the league. I believe 22 different teams have won a postseason game since Tomlin has. You are what you record says you are. How is this great?
Gerry Dulac: Well, there
Gerry Dulac: Oops....Well, there's that record and the one I just recited a few answers ago. Choose which one you believe to be more accurate

Texas Steeler: Why should anyone have faith in Matt Canada's offensive system after 2 years of ridiculously bad performances???
Gerry Dulac: It is hard to have faith. But, to have faith, you also need to pray.

Guest: The biggest accolade used when describing Tomlin's greatness is that he never lost more regular season games than he won. 16 straight seasons. Why is it mentioned much less that Ben's streak was 18 games?
Gerry Dulac: That probably had something to do with Tomlin's streak, eh?

corn cob: Picketts last 9 games he had a 53% completion average and only threw 5 touchdowns in 9 games. How long will Tomlin keep a blind eye if that continues this year?
Gerry Dulac: That was the downside of what Pickett did in 2022, but he was a rookie and rookies rarely come in and have a high completion rate. However, they do throw more TDs than that

Guest: Seems Najee is being very vocal about things unrelated to wins and leadership. All items other than those two lead to distractions and not championships. How large of a distraction do you see him being this season?
Gerry Dulac: You have to remember, he's merely answering a question asked of him. It's not as though he came in complaining and bemoaning the state of the RB position.

LovieSmithSr: Gerry, realistically what should be expected or maybe predicted as to the confidence level in the development and coordination of this offense. Or can it be hope beyond hope this year ?.
Gerry Dulac: Realistically, you have to think it will be better. All the young guys are a year older and Canada has the same QB for the first time since he took over. Hey, can it be any more unproductive??

Guest: If you were the owner, would you require at least playoff win or else ask the coach to move on with his life's work? I for one would, but then again I also believe the coach is the most powerful man in the organization (even more so than Art II).
Gerry Dulac: I assure you, he is not the most powerful man in the organization.

the real guest: Gerry, Sorry but I gotta ask, on 3 and 1 and 4 and 1 would you use Washington as your QB. If everyone knows you are running why not use a tank?
Gerry Dulac: I would not

Tom: is there still a conditioning test day 1 of camp?
Gerry Dulac: Yep.

Andrew: Who is your prediction for this year's Jaylen Warren-type surprise player at camp?
Art from NC: I know we don't "live in our fears" as MT reminds us, but what do you see as the biggest issue facing the team for the 2023 season?
Gerry Dulac: The offense. Has to produce more points and be more explosive. If not, you will be watching the same old thing. And the defense will be under more pressure to perform.

Tom: Any chance Gentry gets cut if Washington proves to be a good blocker with more upside?
Gerry Dulac: No

Peter H: Right now all our our draft picks are future hall of farmers. Any prediction oo who is overrated the .most?
Gerry Dulac: Yeah, your prediction that all the draft picks are future Hall of Famers. Now THAT'S overrated.

Pickett Line: With only three preseason games how much will the starting quarterback play?
Gerry Dulac: Very little but more than Ben did.

Guest: I have often read that Tomlin deserves a pass on last year because he had a rookie QB. Didn't Cowher go 15-1 with a rookie QB? Why such low expectations and high excuses for the current coach?
Gerry Dulac: That was a different level of rookie QB, as 18 years have proven.

Ryan: Gerry can’t wait to see your updates from camp who you will be keeping a eye on today Jones Porter Benton anyone else
Gerry Dulac: Those 3 are a good place to start, same with Darnell Washington. But I won't really start paying attention until they put on pads, and that won't be until Tuesday.

Pickett Line: What is the players least favorite aspect of training camp in Latrobe and conversely what is the most favorite?
Gerry Dulac: Dorm rooms. And the road back to Pittsburgh.

Pickett Line: Is there any fire to the smoke rumors about Chase Young being traded to the Steelers? And could he play ILB? Enjoy camp and thanks for the coverage.
Gerry Dulac: Not only is there no fire, there is no smoke. Sorry to pour water on your flames.

Andrew: What do you think of Hakeem Butler's chances to make the team?
Gerry Dulac: He has a chance, but they are slim. Depends how well he can play on special teams.

Joe: Didn’t ARII basically say Tomlin is the coach as long as he wants to be? It’s very clear that Art does not care about winning championships as much as Dan did. The mediocrity of this franchise is entirely due to him
Gerry Dulac: He did say that because he believes Tomlin is the guy to help them win championships, which, of course, is a matter of debate.

Pickett Line: Can this offensive line become a top five NFL line this season?
Gerry Dulac: I don't know where they rank, but they were very good last year and I believe they are even better this year.

Big Daddy: Hey Gerry! First time question asker but long time reader. Thanks for your great work! Look, I am a Tomlin fan in many ways, but am struggling to understand his retention of Matt Canada (I know...join the club). What is your analysis of why he was retained and what strategies (beyond "scoring points") would demonstrate progress in his capabilities given the players on this roster? Thank you!
Gerry Dulac: You have already stolen two of my responses to your query. The club has a lot of members and they all want to see more points. Why was he retained? There are probably several reasons, one of which is they wanted to keep some continuity with their rookie QB, even though Ben had to adapt to a coordinator change many times. But there won't be any debate after this season if the offense continues to perform at the snails pace that it has for Canada's first two seasons.

Andrew: Pickett said he was more involved in play selection and game planning, but (unless I missed it) he did not say he was going to have freedom to change the play at the line. Any word on whether he's allowed to audible this year?
Gerry Dulac: Very perceptive. And we shall see. Heck, Ben wasn't allowed to do it. even though he did.

Andrew: Has Canada upgraded/updated the offensive scheme to be more Sunday-ish? If so, how?
Gerry Dulac: We'll find out soon enough

412 Football: Who wins more games this year: Steelers or Penn State?
Gerry Dulac: Tie

TSH: Hi Gerry - Thank you for your time! G. Pickens question. Any word about G. Pickens working on his routes and creating separation leading up to camp? I have heard repeatedly that these are two areas of improvement for Pickens. Thanks Much!
Gerry Dulac: Can't really tell until they actually go into live drills and play games. But those are areas he had to improve.

TSH: Thank you for your time, Gerry! K. Benton contribution this season? C. Heyward needed a few seasons before he became a meaningful contributor. I really like the K. Benton pick, but it doesn't seem real that he could contribute much this season or will less be required of him where he may contribute this season? How do you see Benton's 1st season playing out? Thanks Much!
Gerry Dulac: Don't worry, he will contribute. Second-round picks play almost as immediate as No. 1 picks. And they like what they see of him

Pickett Line: Who has the best hands on the team?
Gerry Dulac: Freiermuth

Big Daddy: We all (well, lots of us) love the "idea" of The Mullet making the team, but other than special teams might he have enough value in this offense as a juggernaut beast blocker to ever see him in the backfield?
Gerry Dulac: Don't hold your breath on that one

62 Stack Monster: Gerry, Will four tight ends be enough, or should they sign a fifth?
Gerry Dulac: Who's the fourth? Because Connor Heyward is not a TE. He's some kind of hybrid.

Big Daddy: Claypool, AB, Lev Bell...we've had a number of incredibly talented players whose mental makeup got in the way of their long-term success / capabilities as a leader. From your interactions with him how does George Pickens compare?
Gerry Dulac: Well, that's what we're going to find out. But, it's not just the players you mentioned. It's a lot of today's athletes.

BRok: Gerry, I get that the Steelers haven't won a playoff game in 6 years and that people loath the non losing season discussion. With that said, there is a fine line between winning and losing in the NFL. Something to be said about being in the mix most years. Many people would like to see MT go. I say watch what you wish for. I don't think getting the next Adam Gase would go over well.
Gerry Dulac: And there is a lot to be said for what you just said. They could be rooting for the Pirates, after all.

Pickett Line: TJ Watts was recently asked about the amount of money being spent on the Steelers defense and frankly I really liked his answer, “…defense wins championships.” Is he correct in today’s NFL? Thank you.
Gerry Dulac: Not really. You need an offense that can score points. But it helps

TSH: Hi Gerry! Record against Cinci? I am looking forward to your reports from camp! I am appreciative that both games with Cinci are later in the season. Cinci D is different, and I'm not convinced their O line is fixed. The 2023 Steelers will have had time to cement cohesion and have a chance to split with Cinci. How many wins are you predicting against Cinci this season, if any? Thanks Much!
Gerry Dulac: Maybe like last year -- split the series. I'm with ya about their offensive line. But that QB and those 3 receivers...!!

wiscoken: Hi Gerry, moved away many years ago, used to play quite a bit at Champion Lakes. It was a great track; do you get to play it at all while you are spending training camp time in Latrobe? Thanks for the chats, a great way for all of the out of towners to stay in touch!!
Gerry Dulac: I do and have many times. I will miss my friend Dick Groat, though
Gerry Dulac: OK kids, that's all the time we have today. Let's do it again next week.

First Published: July 27, 2023, 12:45 p.m.

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