Thursday, 02 August 2012 14:30

Written by Gerry Dulac

gerry dulac: All right, I just finished our PG video report with Ed Bouchette here at training camp. On with the chat...and welcome back.

Wheres_Wallace?: Mr. Dulac! Welcome back sir - your thoughts on week one of camp? Will we ever see Mike Wallace again?

Gerry Dulac: I think you will. My prediction has been this: Wallace will report after the first preseason game and sign his tender. But, even if he does, that doesn't mean the Steelers will sign him to a long-term extension. Wallace has alienated several people with his approach to this holdout, including Mike Tomlin. If he hasn't reported by the second preseason game, it wpouldnt surprise me if the Steelers traded him while they can still get something for him.

franky: What are you seeing at the corner position opposite Ike? Is Keenan Lewis separating from the pack or is Curtis Brown nipping at his heels?

Gerry Dulac: I dont know that Lewis separating himself from the pack, but he hasn't done anything to make the coaches think he can't handle the position. I'll say this: You really notice Curtis Brown on the practice field. He's quick, tough, aggressive and he makes plays on the ball. The coaches like him, the players like him, and I like him.

AB: How is Colon doing making the adjustment to guard?

Gerry Dulac: I think we'll find out when the games are played for keeps. His body shape is perfectly suited to the position because he is thick and powerful. But he's playing left guard, the position responsible for most of the team's counter plays. That means he has to pull and lead the back through the right-side hole, and running is not his strength. He also has to be able to get to the linebackers on the second tier, and that also requires the ability to move and move quickly. I think we have to wait and see.

Stush: Who is the odd man out between Dwyer, Batch and Clay? Will one of them get cut or would Clay or Batch get sent to practice squad?

Gerry Dulac: Well, I think it's between Baron Batch and John Clay, and it could be Batch because rookie RB Chris Rainey is a lock to make the team and will be used in a lot of third-down situations. But Rainey is not a player who will be used in blitz pickup, and that was one of the things Batch demonstrated he could do very well as a rookie.

Stush: Is Issac Redman ready to be the number one back and how much of a load will he carry? Will it be spread out with him, Rainey and some combination of Clay-Dwyer-Batch?

Gerry Dulac: I think Redman has shown he will be fine in that role and I don't think the Steelers will treat him any differently than Willie Parker or Rashard Mendenhall. He will get the bulk of the carries, even early in the season. Now, having said that, offensive coordinator Todd Haley used a lot of RBs in Kansas City and he might be inclined to do that here, too, especially with Rainey. Haley said the other day he likes the different types of backs he has on this team, guys with all different skill sets.

Ducky: Anyone in particular that's really stood out to you this camp? Someone you didn't expect perhaps?

Gerry Dulac: OLB Chris Carter has been the standout so far, getting a chance to play with the first-team defense because of injuries to James Harrison and Jason Worilds. He has come to camp heavier and stronger, which he needed to do, and he is probably the fastest LB off the edge. Carter has a chance to be the steal of the 2011 draft -- he and Curtis Brown.

The Cleveland Show: Any thoughts on the sale of the Browns? Will a new ownership make them competitive or do you expect they'll clean house up there, setting them back to remaining the AFC North doormat at least for a few more years?

Gerry Dulac: Haven't they always been owned by the Steelers???

AB: While people are discussing Cotchery's vet leadership, do you think its Antonio Brown that is becoming the heir apparent to Hines Ward as team leader, at least among the WRs or offense?

Gerry Dulac: No. If anyone, it will be Emmanuel Sanders, who has that type of personality and is well respected for his studying and knowledge of the offense. But, if anyone on the offense is a leader, its the QB -- No. 7

The Cleveland Show: Thank you folks, he's here all week. Try the veal.

Gerry Dulac: Let me say this -- Jimmy Haslam III is well liked among the Steelers hierarchy and the other investors. Everybody has a good word to say about him. Great guy who will do a great job. He should be a great addition for the Browns.

Ducky: Which one of these guys is having their last camp: James Harrison, Charlie Batch, Rashard Mendenhall, or all 3?

Gerry Dulac: Good question. Wasn't Charlie Batch having his last camp four years ago???

Kaiser_Soze: How is WPIAL boy Toney Clemons faring?

Gerry Dulac: To be honest, I havent watched him enough, but I intend to do so today. Even if Wallace reports, the Steelers need a fifth received. If he doesn't, they need to find two receivers. Clemons has the size and speed. I need to see if he has the instincts, route-running ability and hands.

Ducky: Your favorite and least favorite things about camp? (and you can't say the chats)

Gerry Dulac: OK, that's one. My least favorite then.....Hmmmm.....ending the chats!!! Yeah, that's it.

Gerry Dulac: And that's all the time we have today kids. We will do it again every week now that the season has unofficially started. But, dyuring training camp, the day of the chat will fluctuate so check out the start times.

Comments (0)

Subscribe to this comment's feed