Gerry Dulac's Steelers chat transcript: 11.28.12

Wednesday, 28 November 2012 14:01

Written by Gerry Dulac

Gerry Dulac: OK, I'm back from the locker room...let's get our chat started.

Todd: Gerry, I read your article about Ben is probably not going to play, but how is Byron doing(practicing?) Also, ia m bringing my family up from Atlanta to the Cincinnati game. Do you see the NFL possibly flexing it to be the night game?

Gerry Dulac: Just talked to Leftwich in the locker room and he's feeling better, but he's not ready to play. He did some throwing yesterday, but judging from his reaction I don't think it was anything significant. He's at least another week. Same with Jerrico Cotchery, who has multiple rib fractures.

And I don't think they can flex the Cincy game to night because of something to do with the Christmas holiday.

Tship: Hi Gerry, thanks for your time again. I'm thinking the Ravens attack Beachum at RT this week, if it gets that bad who can they plug in there?

Gerry Dulac: Well, the Ravens attacked Mike Adams pretty good with Paul Kruger in the first meeting, so i expect much the same this week. But, you know, I was talking to Maurkice Pouncey about Beachum and he says he's reall good at moving his feet and using his hands to get inside position on pass pro, something Adams doesn't do as well. But don't rule out the possibility of Ramon Foster playing there, either. He will take some reps there in practice and could be moved there if Willie Colon can't play against the Ravens.

Todd: Brown and Troy back this week in your opinion?

Gerry Dulac: Yes. Brown for sure. He will practice today and, barring a setback, will start against the Ravens. Same w Troy.

Tship: Since you brought up the point that Adams doesn't move his feet well in pass protection is this a sign he will not be the left tackle of the future?

Gerry Dulac: No, not at all. He is athletic and capable of moving his feet, but at times he stops his feet and gets caught flat-footed. He certainly moves his feet when he runs blocks -- he's very good at that. He will be fine.

Guest: I see us being able to lose 2 more games in reg season. and once we get Ben back we'll be working to get back to being great. i don't not fear we'll miss the playoffs, but do you think we'll be able to perform well against the other playoff teams on the road??

Gerry Dulac: You're really pushing it with two more losses, but it is possible, though only if one of the losses is not to the Bengals. The only team even close to the Colts, Steelers and Bengals for the wild card is Miami (5-6), and they play the Patriots on Sunday. So that should give the Dolphins 7 losses with 4 to play. I think the Steelers are safely in w 6 losses, but, again, only if that loss is not to the Bengals. I think you're praying a little with 7.

And I don't share the same optimism that getting the injured players back will automatically change what we have seen this year. When I see them lose THREE games to the Raiders, Titans and Browns on the road, there is little cause for optimism that they will go on the road in the postseason and do anything other than what they have done most of the regular season.

Mike: Tomlin mentioned that Colon was feeling better in presser. Is that still the case or is there more swelling?

Gerry Dulac: Just because he is feeling better doesn't mean he will play. Byron Leftwich and Jerricho Cotchery are feeling better and they're not going to play. Same with Ben Roethlisberger. Colon has a chance to play because his knee is improving, but just how much it is improving will determine if he can practice and play. If he can't practice, he won't play.

Tship: After two thirds of the season complete what are the biggest needs for the offseason I think safety and D-line and also some added depth at guard?

Gerry Dulac: Not even close. To me, they better find 1) a wide receiver to replace Mike Wallace, who will be gone; 2) an inside linenbacker; 3) a pass-rushing outside linebacker. And they need to draft a QB on the third round who you can groom as Ben's backup.

Gerry Dulac: That's all the time we have today, kids. Thanx for the questions, though your production was a lot like Mike Wallace -- a little light. See you next week.