Gerry Dulac's Steelers chat transcript: 12.19.12

Wednesday, 19 December 2012 15:03

Written by Gerry Dulac

Steelmen: Does the locker room seem motivated this week? Seems like they have not showed up for games lately.

Gerry Dulac: The locker room is the same as it is every week, win or lose. That's one of the reasons for their long-term success -- they handle the highs and lows very well. Look, this team has talked a good game every week, about coming out prepared and focused and understanding what's in front of them? And have you seen anyting to suggest that them understanding what they need to do has had any direct correlation on the way they have played? The answer to that is no. Mike Tomlin likes to talk about a team's body of work, but if you looked at thius team's body of work, how can you realistically believe they will win their last two games and get in the playoffs? Not based on the way they have performed most of this year.

DSF: Do you agree with Bettis statements about Ben and Arians and how the steelers are not built to be that kind of team (that runs the ball) now that he is gone?

Gerry Dulac: He is right about that. This team is built to throw the ball, as it should be with a quarterback like Roethlisberger. That, though, doesn't mean they can't run the all. The Patriots are built to throw the ball as much as any team in the league and they have a 1,000-yard back in Stevan Ridley.

Will: Gerry, I guess it's time to analyze whether Dick LeBeau may retire or not. Any insight? Is it a lock that Keith Butler automatically gets the DC job when Lebeau leaves?

Gerry Dulac: There is nothing to analyze about whether he should retire. Should he? Absolutely not. Will he? I don't know the answer to that, but, if I had to guess, I'd have to say no, he won't. And yes, Keith Butler has an understanding from the Rooneys that he will be the coordinator when LeBeau retires.

Frank: Max Starks has played pretty well this year. Are the Steelers going to keep around another year?

Gerry Dulac: Let me correct you -- he has played very well. Based on his performance, I think the Steelers would be foolish not to keep him around. And especially if they can keep getting him for the veteran minimum price. But they have three young tackles they like - Mike Adams, Marcus Gilbert and Kelvin Beachum -- so money could dictate that decision again.

Guest: Does Mendenhall have a shot at playing this week? I'm all about maximizing our talent on the field.

Gerry Dulac: I believe not only that he will play, I believe he will start against the bengals. It is not even a question who the coaches believe is the most talented and dangerous back they have. And, after what we've seen the past couple weeks from the run game, why wouldn't you play him?

Jim: The young money crew has to be one of the bigger disappointments this year. They were suppose to be a strength. Are the coaches pretty disappointment in them to?

Gerry Dulac: I don't know about the coaches, but I know I am. Look at all the drops, fumbles and mistakes they've had this year, all three of them. The collective sum of their gaffes stands out more than the collective sum of their big plays, that's for sure.

Bill: Is Tomlin and the front office happy with Haley?

Gerry Dulac: Very much so. Look, I'm not about to make excuses for their dispirited performances this year, but let's not forget -- the offense lost their quarterback, their top running back, their top wide receiver and their No. 1 draft choice, all for a total of 24 games. Every team has injuries. Name me one contender that has lost their top three skill players and their No. 1 pick?

Shef: What's the game plan for the secondary this week? Will Lewis be matched up against Green? Will King (who went to my alma mater high school) surpass Brown, Golden, or Victorian on the depth chart?

Gerry Dulac: No. King will not surpass those players on the depth chart, but, yes, I fully expect Lewis to follow Green, just as he did last week against Dez Bryant, with Ike Taylor out.

Bill: Bigger need in the offseason. Outside linebacker pass rush, inside linebacker, or hampton's replacement?

Gerry Dulac: I have maintained for two years they need to find James Farrior's replacement, and I still think that. But that answer could be provided by Sean Spence when he returns from his season-ending knee injury next year. The most critical position in their 3-4 defense is outside linebacker, having players who can rush the passer and take pressure off the secondary. And that has been lacking the past two years because of repeated injuries to James Harrison and LaMarr Woodley. It would not surprise me at all to see them draft an outside linebacker No. 1., and the reason for their success, is having one

Ken: Of course, A Brown deserves some criticism for his gaffes, but how about the coaches? There are plenty of tv timeouts to get him set up at the correct distance and make him aware of game situations.

Gerry Dulac: No argument. But the coaches have to have some element of belief, if not trust, that their professional, well-paid players understand the game. I realize, though, that is asking a lot.

Shef: As bad as the Steelers have played recently, Ben has been money against Ohio teams. I just can't see the Bengals pulling this one out. Your thoughts?

Gerry Dulac: The Steelers have been money against the Bengals AND the Browns, winning 10 the last 12 against the Bengals and 16 of past 18 against Browns. That would seem to bode well for them in these last two weeks, or so one might think. But, to me, the only streaks that matter are the 5-1 run the Bengals are on and the 1-4 slide the Steelers are on. I'm not trying to dim your enthusiam or curb your hope. I'm just trying to soften the blow when reality rears it ugly head again sometime in the next two weeks.

Gerry Dulac: That's all the time we have today, kids. Thank for the questions and enjoy the Christmas holiday!!