Gerry Dulac's Steelers chat transcript: 1.19.11

Wednesday, 19 January 2011 18:59

Written by Dan Gigler

Jake: Does Ike follow Santonio around the field? Also who on the Jets matches up against Heath?

Gerry Dulac: After the way Braylon Edwards performed in the first meeting, and the way he has performed in the playoffs, I put Ike on Edwards, not Holmes. That being said, Holmes is such a big-play receiver that matching him against McFadden, especially in the middle of the field, is not always a good idea.

Guy_From_So_Cal: What's your view of Keenan Lewis? he reminds me of Anthony Smith -- uncoachable and hot head? your thoughts?

Gerry Dulac: You've been listening to Ed too long. If uncoachable means unable to comprehend, then I think I agree.

Roger: Because of McFadden's health, will we dress an extra DB and if so can you use a "hat" to dress Aaron Smith for limited snaps?

Gerry Dulac: Not just McFadden's health, but also backup S Will Allen. That will force the Steelers to dress rookie CB Crezdon Butler, at the very least. And I don't think Aaron Smith will dress. Typically, a player practices for two weeks, not one, before returning from a long-term injury. And this will be Smith's first week of practice. Plus, really, how effective do you think he will be? He doesn't even know how he will feel in practice, let alone a PLAYOFF game.

ground7pound: Living here in NY, Jet nation is so confident and I agree they are on a role, but nothing about them, particularly offensively, scares me. Teams that rely in running games with a young QB I think are a good match up for the Steelers. As long as the Steelers get a lead and make them feel some pressure I think they'll be ok. Your thoughts?

Gerry Dulac: Well, I agree with getting the lead part because that means Sanchez will have to throw more and the Steelers can pressure more. But I don't buy into the part that nothing about their offense scares you. On the contrary, Holmes, Edwards, Dustin Keller and Cotchery give him a number of different options, and good ones, in the passing game. And Shonn Green and LT are a better 1-2 tandem than what the Steelers have. And so is their offensive line. Jets fans have every reason to feel confident. I don't blame them.

Gomer Pyle: I saw very little, or none, or Mewelde Moore on Saturday. Is that indicative of game plan, lingering injury, or something else?

Gerry Dulac: You weren't watching very closely then. He played exclusively in the no-huddle and most third-down situations.

ground7pound: Agree that Heath is the biggest factor in the passing game?

Gerry Dulac: If Heath Miller is the biggest factor in the passing game against the Jets, the Steelers aren't going anywhere but home after the game. Having him back will help, and help a lot. But, if he is the biggest factor, that means Hines Ward, Mike Wallace, Emmanuel Sanders and even Antonio Brown are not. And, in most cases, tight ends don't usually decide games, especially when they're not the focal point of the offense.

mikeflores16: What are your thoughts on the O-line? Can they withstand the sure pressure from Jets?

Gerry Dulac: I learned my lesson in 2008 when the Steelers had the worst offensive line of any playoff team in franchise history and still won the Super Bowl. So I'm not concerned how they perform. It can't be any worse than two years ago.

Easy G: At one point I heard Tomlin respond to a question about preparation with "It depends if you tell them my plays" Was that Holtzman?

Gerry Dulac: That was. It was in response to Bob Holzman (ESPN) report last week before the game that the Steelers would use a trick play against the Ravens that didn't involve Antwaan Randle El.

Two Thumbs Up: When can we expect the PG to finally produce a buddy comedy starring you and Bouchette? That's comedic gold!

Gerry Dulac: It's coming in the fall. On pay-per-view

Lefty: Thoughts on pounding Mendenhall & Redman against the Jets, playing brutal defense and trying to win the old-fashioned Steelers way?

Gerry Dulac: Even in the old-fashioned way, the Steelers won Super Bowls with Terry Bradshaw throwing to Lynn Swann and John Stallworth. Why do you think those three guys are in the Super Bowl. It sounds nice, but this team is built around Ben Roethlisberger, and rightfully so. That's why he's paid $100 million. Haven't you had enough proof since 2005 to see that's the way they win playoff games? They haven't won one playoff game with the running game since they've had Ben. Why would you want to start now? Or even think you can???

Mad Libs: Who is your favorite guy on the team to talk to? About football, about life, about love?

Gerry Dulac: Ed Bouchette

CoachFi: Why don't we hear more talk about the Steelers having the best young receivers in the NFL?

Gerry Dulac: Well, I don't think that is, or should be, a documented fact. But they are very good and, maybe after the postseason, you will hear more of that kind of talk. Especially if the Steelers advance to the Super Bowl where the national media will take apart every aspect of the team.

Gerry Dulac: Well, that's all the time we have today kids!! So much going on with the AFC title game that it's off to another fact-finding mission. We'll do it again next week, win or lose. Bye now!!

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