GERRY DULAC’S STEELERS CHAT
Highlights from Gerry Dulac’s Wednesday Steelers chat, which you can join weekly at post-gazette.com. Questions and answers have been edited for clarity: Ebonheart: Given today’s climate, is there any chance that the NFL would just consider not playing the anthem before games these days? The whole anthem before sporting events seems a post-WWII phenomenon that never seemed to go away.
Gerry Dulac: It became a TV thing. Teams used to be in the locker room when the anthem was played. That would seem to be a simple solution to the issue but, if that happened now, the league and networks would be assailed for trying to run from and even hide from what is happening.
DaveInCincy: Do you think with Ben’s arm repaired that he will be actually better than the last 3-4 years? Even without A.B.?
Gerry Dulac: I think he was pretty good the last 3-4 years.
Gene: Do you think fans will be able to watch some of the practices at Heinz Field?
Gerry Dulac: Absolutely not. I’m not sure if the media will be allowed.
Bigedbarr71: Who do you think locks down the final WR spot on the roster this year, Switzer or Deon Cain?
Gerry Dulac: They are different types of receivers, of course. Switzer is a possession guy who has a good relationship with Ben. Cain, who I really like, is a lot like the other receivers in body type and style. So, to your question, I’m betting Switzer.
Entmd: Do you see any scenario where Dupree has a great year, JuJu has a mediocre year where Dupree gets long-term deal and JuJu isn’t re-signed?
Gerry Dulac: Not really. One is not dependent on the other. I think Bud plays 2020 and 2021 (maybe) on the franchise tag, and that’s it. After they pay Watt, I don’t see them being able to pay Dupree the kind of money he could get on the free-agent market. I don’t see Bud ever signing a longterm contract here.
J-town Johnny: Do you think it is possible for Big Ben to play past his current contract if he plays well this year?
Gerry Dulac: Of course it’s possible. Lot of factors depend on it, Number one being if the team has a legitimate chance to win the Super Bowl say, in 2022 (provided he feels good). But I think this could be his last deal.
DaveInCincy: More or less injuries due to no practices or OTA’s? Tunch and Wolf talk a lot about hardening the body in camp back in the day. I wonder if that’s true.
Gerry Dulac: There is no question there will be more injuries, especially with no preseason games as I suspect. Teams will go right from 5-6 weeks of practicing to real games, with no warm-up games in between. I have already been told to expect that.
DaveInCincy: With the cap to be the same from reports, do you really think the Steelers will do many extensions besides Cam’s?
Gerry Dulac: No I don’t. I think Cam Heyward is the only target for an extension right now.
The Peanut Gallery: It’s Week 3 of the NFL season. A player tests positive for COVID-19. Would the whole team have to quarantine for two weeks? Seems inevitable this will happen.
Gerry Dulac: I still don’t know what will happen. Neither does the league.