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Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver George Pickens (14) breaks a tackle from Buffalo Bills cornerback Dane Jackson (30) during an NFL preseason game at the Acrisure Stadium on Saturday, Aug. 19, 2023, in the North Shore.
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Gerry Dulac's Steelers chat transcript: 08.23.23

Benjamin B. Braun/Post-Gazette

Gerry Dulac's Steelers chat transcript: 08.23.23


Gerry Dulac: OK kids, we will be starting our chat in just a bit, so get ready....
Gerry Dulac: Ok kids, let's get started....

Guest: Good Morning Gerry: Thanks for the Chats. Latest nonsense from the media is Steelers trade Nagee and draft choices for disgruntled Jonathan Taylor, because Steelers are unhappy with Nagee. Did anyone see the last 3 games last season-Raiders-Ravens-Browns? Nagee looked like Franco, and in bitter cold. Does someone inside Steeler camp leak this stuff or is it just made up from whole cloth? Or agents?
Gerry Dulac: You're right about one thing -- it's nonsense. I suggest you stop reading or listening to that idiocy.

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BenB: Hey Gerry! Looks like the ILB group is gonna be waaaaay better this year, after finally cleaning house on a group that stank for years…what say you?
Gerry Dulac: Agreed. It's a better group. And the Steelers think so too

Fans cheer on the Steelers during their second preseason game Saturday night against the Bills at Acrisure Stadium.
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Jim Hopper: Gerry, the Steelers worked out a TE yesterday. Shouldn't they be spending their time looking for Center depth instead of a 6th TE? Nate Herbig has been injured, Anderson is a raw rookie, and Kendrick Green stinks.
Gerry Dulac: It's going to be OK, Jim. Relax

Tommy from Florida: Good Morning sir. Thanks for the chats. 2 questions for you Do you see us signing any potential free agents prior to week 1? Would you agree with the assessment that Jalen Warren has earned more playing time, for instance a 50/50 split? It seems to me Harris runs very tenative, not tenacious as expected. Thanks for your time in advance!
Gerry Dulac: They are not signing any free agents of significance unless there is a key injury. As for Warren, I like him, I like the way he hits the hole. But there is no 50-50 split, nor will there be.

Joe: Do you think the team will pick up another potential starting CB after cut down day? They’re one injury away from Pierre playing on the outside
Gerry Dulac: Nope. Unless there is an injury

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Guest: Who's the greatest golfer in your opinion? I say Jack with 18 majors and 19 second place finishes. I also think he faced better opposition than Tiger.
Gerry Dulac: Agreed

Guest: hi Gerry

17 days wait til the opener after Thursday How does that make any sense for players coaches and fans?
Gerry Dulac: It's toughest on the players for sure. They go through a hard-hitting camp and three preseason games and then get 2 1/2 weeks till the next game. Tough to stay sharp.

Zack: Hi Gerry. Do you think we would look at someone like Greedy Williams and see if that talent can be maximized?
Gerry Dulac: Mike Tomlin has made a history of bringing in other team's failed No. 1 choices. Not one has worked out.

Tomorrow: After watching the first two pre-season games, I liked what I saw, and feel like I'm watching a whole new team. During this training camp, did you think that they showed a lot more energy, drive, and a real aggressive attitude than you've seen at previous camps? Did the addition of certain players help bring this about?
Gerry Dulac: Maybe, but to be honest, I didn't sense any different or increased energy or drive. There is always that with rookies and newcomers trying to prove themselves. If anything, maybe it was more docile. There wasn't one fight the entire camp

George Pickens #14 of the Pittsburgh Steelers leaps for a reception over Natrone Brooks #35 of the Atlanta Falcons during the first quarter of a preseason game at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on August 24, 2023 in Atlanta, Georgia.
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Coach15: What is one position that YOU are concerned about, bc of personnel, lack of depth, inj prone, etc., & why?
Gerry Dulac: CB. Still a lot of questions to be answered.

RAM: Looks like Dan Moore will retain his starter role for now. Do you see any way BJ will assume that role this year? Hate to see a #1 sit out the season but his performance has been a bit underwhelming.
Gerry Dulac: I don't think you have to worry about Broderick Jones sitting out the season. They will work him in there one way or another. But Dan Moore has been more than solid. And, just so you know, the Steelers like the progression BJ is making

Tim: Would GM Gerry give up Najee Harris and a 24 second round pick for Jonathan Taylor? Just curious
Gerry Dulac: No. They're fine with what they have

Guest: By the end of the season, who do you think will be the biggest surprise outside Kenny Pickett? Good or bad.
Gerry Dulac: Why not Kenny Pickett??

Hammer: Any dark horses you see surprising everyone by making the 53 roster?
Gerry Dulac: Not really. Ryan McCollum maybe? Armon Watts?

Coach15: Is there too much hype about the offense, after 3 series in preseason, & also overhype on Connor Heward, JP, Jr, & the overall makeup of the defensive unit(many make it sound like it's the defense from the 70s)?
Gerry Dulac: Like with everything, I'll withhold my judgements till I see what they do in the regular season -- when it counts, when the other team is game-planning and playing all its front-line players. Then we'll see what they have.

Coach15: What is the biggest reason Warren seems to make big plays at RB, & why does Najee continue to find any type of hole?
Gerry Dulac: Warren sees and hits the hole, for one reason

Coach15: After the upcoming NFL cut day, will the Steelers be looking to add to WR &/or Def Backfield?
Gerry Dulac: Not WR. Maybe a DB

CT Art: Never put much stock in the KG experiment. However, if the Steelers really wanted to use a beefy fullback at times, why not reserve ILB Mark Robinson. He played RB for most of his college career so he has those skills and he REALLY likes to hit people. Any chance?
Gerry Dulac: I have to admit, that's a good suggestion.

Infantryman: James Pierre is on borrowed time. Does he make the squad? If he does that's a sign our CB depth has not improved. What say you?
Gerry Dulac: I think you may be on to something there

Coach15: What is the story with Broderick Jones? Seems with all the hype, & trading up in draft to acquire him, shouldn't he be much further along, or has D MOORE, actually improved significantly since last season?
Gerry Dulac: Broderick Jones is coming along fine. What people don't understand is Dan Moore Jr is a more than capable NFL LT. He has missed just one start in two years in the league. How many LTs you know who come in as a rookie and start 33 of 34 games??

Carlo: Gerry, thanks for your time and information. What position group do you feel that the Steelers focus on in the 2024 draft ?
Gerry Dulac: CB. ILB

Guest: Morning Gerry. The emphasis of running, do you think we run early to open up? Or score early and chip away with running?
Gerry Dulac: I would say whatever works. Depends of the defenses they're playing and what those teams are trying to take away.

Chip: Gerry, Thursday games are terrible quality, especially for the visitors. Since the NFL is unlikely to end them, will the eventual move to 18 regular season games with a bye week prior to a Thursday game be a possible fix?
Gerry Dulac: I'm not sure they are going to 18 games, but the bye before the Thursday game is something they can do -- and should do -- now.

Hmmmm: There are a lot of references to Pickett improving in the second half of the year. What are they referring to? He threw only 5 touchdown in the last nine games and had a miserable 53% completion rate. Are they referring to how well he handed the ball off to running backs?
Gerry Dulac: They are referring to a 7-2 record in the last 9, just one interception in the last 8 and two last-minute TD drives against Raiders and Ravens. That's what "they" are referring to

Guest: Hello Gerry. Do you see more 6th tackle formations ala Zack Banner/mother hubbard? Especially if Jones doesn't win a starting job, as a way to get some playing time for Jones?
Gerry Dulac: That is always a possibility

RAM: Gerry, will you be doing those video recaps after games his season?
Gerry Dulac: To be determined. last year I did pregame videos from the field

PA Tom: Any chance of getting #90 #56 #51 on the field at the same time ?
Gerry Dulac: Not likely

Jeff Lebowski: What’s your win total projection this year?
Gerry Dulac: 10 minimum

Bill: I’m thinking that one thing that made a big difference this year is the team not having to carry Big Ben’s salary. Was that the key in their being able to be more aggressive in brining in talent?
Gerry Dulac: Ben's salary/cap hit, relative to other QBs around the league, was miniscule and had little impact on who and how many they signed.

Mike D: Hi Gerry, How fast is Warren compared to Fast Willie Park. Is he in the same ball park?
Gerry Dulac: He is not as fast

LeVeon: The Jets and Eagles have super deep RB groups. Some good backs will get dropped or put on practice squad. Any chance we nab a better option than McFarland. He’s fast, but just doesn’t seem like he has a feel for the position.
Gerry Dulac: I know what you mean about the "feel" for the position. But he is fine as a No. 3 back for now. If there is an injury though....

Jay: Bizarre question - if someone gets cut, do they get to keep their game jersey?
Gerry Dulac: Uh....no

PA Tom: I don't mean to be rude but Hmmmm is stupid !!
Gerry Dulac: To what or whom are you referring??

Guest: What is our currrecord for first game of the season
Gerry Dulac: That's a lot of years to look up. I'll try for ya
Gerry Dulac: 46-36-5 after a quick check

Coach15: What is the ONE, most overlooked topic/player/issue, on each side of the ball, that MOST fans do no see or overlook, going into the season?
Gerry Dulac: From my years in the business, I have learned that fans overlook NOTHING. They over-analyze, get too excited, get too depressed, live in their fears, want players cut and coaches fired, have little patience, look ahead to next year's draft, can't wait for the combine. Did I forget something? There is little they overlook.

rR: Good Morning, Gerry. At what point do you feel is a fair time to start judging Pickett? End of this season? End of the 2024 season?
Gerry Dulac: I'd definitely wait till the end of this season to see what happens and how far he has developed. But careers aren't made after 2 or 3 seasons. Just ask Neil O'Donnell

rR: Last week you made the comment that you hope Pickett doesn't try forcing too many throws into the middle of the field. Are you referencing the throw to Pickens in the Bucs game, his early throws last season, or both?
Gerry Dulac: Little of both. But I was talking about forcing them there, not merely throwing there. Big plays can happen in the middle of the field.

Ryan: Who will be maintained on the DL?
Gerry Dulac: 97-99-92-95-98-96 and/or 94-57

Fort Wayne Nate: Morning Gerry. Not really a question but an observation. During Joey Porter Jr.s interception the other day, it was really cool to see George Pickens as one of the first to run over and congratulate him. Class act, a lot of people want to view him as a diva but he’s got another side to him
Gerry Dulac: He's been showing that more and more!

Other PA Tom: I don't see our Big 3 (Pickett, D. Johnson, Harris) outplaying many other top units. Is the key to our success in making sure our 2 and 3's, like Heyward, Austin, Warren,etc dominate? Will Canada use them enough?
Gerry Dulac: I don't think those guys will dominate, otherwise they wouldn't be the 2s and 3s. But the offense needs to be more than just 3 players to be effective. And you didn't even mention Pickens

Zell: Agree that careers aren't made after 2 or 3 seasons! Imagine if the Steelers gave up on Bradshaw early on. I love Terry B but he stunk the 1st few years
Gerry Dulac: Bingo

Jud: Who is starting the third game as punter?
Gerry Dulac: Same guy who starts the season

The Standard: If Dan Moore Jr. is a more than capable LT, why draft a LT in the first round?
Gerry Dulac: That's what made the pick a bit curious. But there is a difference between "more than capable" and a "Pro Bowl quality LT."

Jud: Is there a chance that Canada is relieved mid season, or is that out of the realm of possibility?
Gerry Dulac: None whatsoever.

Jud: Thanks for the answers!
Gerry Dulac: Thanx for the questions

Jud: what game(s) are you looking forward to this season?
Gerry Dulac: The opener. I'm tired of training camp and the preseason. Time to play for keeps.

Joe: Who wins the slit corner battle, Riley or Sullivan ?
Gerry Dulac: Maybe both

J$Money: Which players do you feel have the most at stake concerning making the 53 going into this last preseason game?
Gerry Dulac: Sullivan. Riley. Watts. Fehoko. Gunner. Dotson. I say that and I believe the Steelers already know who's staying and who isn't

BC: Major Brooks heading to Rome? Also - I saw the article you wrote on the kid in the US Am. Too bad he's not on the Walker team - but he's got a few nice consolation prizes heading his way...
Gerry Dulac: Yes he does. I just think, after the way he played this summer, he shoulda been on that team.

Joe: Can Riley and Sullivan play outside corner if needed?
Gerry Dulac: Riley is a safety. And Sullivan plays inside for a reason

Coach Fo: Attitude, enthusiasm , energy and togetherness seem better, you feel it
Gerry Dulac: Until, as Mike Tyson used to famously say, you get punched in the mouth

Guest: Why don't the Steelers archive the games' radio broadcasts?
Gerry Dulac: I don't have that answer, sorry

rR: When it was 1s v 1s in the Bills preseason game, did that give an honest indication of the Steeler O's progress, or does the vanilla play calling render it moot for the most part?
Gerry Dulac: No, it should be rendered moot. What the offense has done in the preseason, scoring TDs on all three possessions, was a good sign and should be viewed as a positive. But let's hold off on the proclamations until we see what happens when it counts.

Marc from Germany: Hi Gerry! I keep seeing people pumping the Breaks on the steelers, cause its only 2 preseason games. While that is of course correct and nobody is in the Playoffs or even 1-0 yet....isnt that for everybody, meaning that results are a valid measurement of were the steelers are at the moment, compared to the Opposition and last year?
Gerry Dulac: Yes it is. That's what I was just saying -- it's a positive step for sure and is not to be under-estimated

Guest: Tell Ed we miss him!
Gerry Dulac: I'll tell him
Gerry Dulac: Maybe one day I'll invite him as a guest chatter

Marc from Germany: How good are Nick Herbig and Peezy jr looking live? Cause on my TV they look extremely comfortable!
Gerry Dulac: You must have HD!!

Gus: Did Ben's big personality make it tougher for the team to gel and be close making it a little easier for the group they have now to pull together?
Gerry Dulac: No. Ben "big personality" is the reason they won games all those years, including two Super Bowls. They relied on him and followed him on the field

Jud: Do you think we will have any "hostage" type situations this year (i.e. who will ask off the team due to playing time).
Gerry Dulac: No...thankfully

rR: There has always been a lot of talk about Picket’s “intangibles”, and I’m wondering how important that really is. Can you think of other QBs who had “all the intangibles” who couldn’t hack it in the NFL?
Gerry Dulac: The intangibles are important, especially if you're not 5-foot-10 and 180 pounds. You still have to be able to stand in there and throw it.

Jay Daven: Gerry, are the Steelers practices now shorter after camp and do they ever open it to the fans at their facility?
Gerry Dulac: Yes, they are shorter and almost always without pads because once the season starts the players' bodies take a beating. And the fans are never allowed in.

Rob K.: Why does Najee struggle to "hit the hole"? Is that something that can be coached or taught? Or are we stuck with a RB that will forever struggle in this regard?
Gerry Dulac: It's something the coaches need to continue to emphasize. Go over game film and show him the holes, if that's the case.

Jud: There's much talk about the 49ers QB depth, would you argue that ours is better?
Gerry Dulac: The Steelers have the deepest QB room in the league, I believe

cjones: With the recent passing of Stan, many people have taken time to reflect on his impact on area sports. Is there anything you would want readers to remember about you?
Gerry Dulac: They loved my chats??
Gerry Dulac: OK kids, have to catch a flight to Atlanta. Thanx for the questions.

First Published: August 23, 2023, 1:00 p.m.

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