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Brian Batko's Steelers chat: 02.05.24
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Brian Batko
2:00
Hi everyone, thanks for jumping back into the offseason Steelers chats with me. Let's get to your questions, comments and concerns.
Coaching Changes
2:01
Do you expect Sullivan and/or Faulkner to remain on staff?  It seems like it could be a tough situation since Tomlin publicly expressed that they were not considered for the OC job.  I feel that was the right decision, but can't that lead to a damaged working relationship possibly?
Brian Batko
2:03
I could see both going either way and here's why: Both strike me as valuable assets for the coaching staff and players, but to your point, both were doing the job(s) of offensive coordinators last season. Not only might that make it sort of an awkward situation going forward, but you're right, they were passed over for promotions. Those things happen. But Sullivan actually got interviews elsewhere, while Faulkner was a Matt Canada guy through and through. Might be time for a change.
Southside Jimmy
2:03
Hey Brian…with the wide receiver coach Jackson being let go, there is already talk about Hines getting the job .  Do you think Randle-el would be interested in rejoining the Steelers?  Thanks.
Brian Batko
2:05
Maybe. He got an OC interview in Tampa, and coming here would be a lateral move given that he's the current WR coach in Detroit, and for a better offense too. They'd likely have to add to his title to make a promotion. Or he's just entirely content with the Lions, who were on the cusp of the Super Bowl, and thinks he'll get his bump up eventually if the staff keeps winning big there.
ChiTown Rob
2:06
Thanks for the chats.  Do you think the Steelers would express interest in Mike Evans to give our group some leadership?  Would he be too expensive?  Sign him and trade DJ?
Brian Batko
2:07
Love Mike Evans but not sure that fit makes a ton of sense for either side. At this point in his career shouldn't he want to go to a Super Bowl contender? And, more important, join a proven QB? You never know, but I see the Steelers adding to their receiver room with a mid-tier FA signing and/or a draft pick.
Yuri
2:08
Hello Brian.  Do you think the Steelers might consider trading up to draft  Jackson Powers-Johnson to  try to ensure Tampa Bay doesn’t draft him since their center Jensen has just retired?  Thank you Brian.
Brian Batko
2:09
I'm not opposed to taking a center in the first round but I wouldn't trade up for one. Sedrick Van Pran and Zach Frazier have my attention in this draft class, too. Imagine the marketing opps with Joey Porter Jr. and Jackson Powers-Johnson if both JPJs become All Pro-caliber Steelers.
Johnny
2:09
At this point should the fan base just embrace the mediocrity and be happy with non losing seasons? It feels like losing a wildcard game is now the ceiling.
Brian Batko
2:11
Maybe I've said this before but I guess that's up to each individual fan and what they want out of their NFL team of choice. Are you Super Bowl or bust every year? If that's the case, you're gonna be angry and frustrated a lot more than you enjoy watching the games. If you like watching sports as an escape from everyday life, you get up for going to the stadium, building your weekend around it, the Steelers have given you more ups than downs.
Yates
2:12
Hi Brian-  Breaking news.  We are in the market for WR coach.  Good news from my perspective .  Underachieving position group.  What type of replacement should the Steelers  target Brian?
Brian Batko
2:14
Absolutely. Nothing against Frisman Jackson, and far be it from me to know all the inner workings of what position coaches do in their specific circumstances, but from the outside it seemed like a change was much-needed. Broadly speaking, I might look to the college ranks given the exodus from there lately. If you can find a young, rising mind who's also played at a high level and has been navigating the wild waters of recruiting/NIL, that might be a good fit for this particular group.
David in Raleigh
2:15
The fervent hope -- prayer, even -- is that Arthur Smith can enable Kenny Pickett to graduate from being just a guy to being THE GUY. What can an offensive coordinator do to help a young quarterback like Kenny blossom?
Brian Batko
2:17
That's probably a two-pronged discussion, David. There are the more individual-specific things such as working with him on his technique, his pocket presence, defensive recognition, etc. Then there's the schematic component - putting him in advantageous positions by drawing up plays that get receivers open, keep the QB in rhythm and play to his strengths. Based on his resume, Smith might be more of the latter, so the QB coach hire is not insignificant. But a passing game coordinator would be good, too.
PghFNinCali
2:18
What is needed the most to help Kenny Pickett? Better OL play/Personnel, New OC calling plays, Better route running by the WR's? Better play from Kenny Pickett? after seeing how Mason performed with the same offense, Is there a division to the team on who they want to see at the QB position?
Brian Batko
2:21
For me it's always QB play first and foremost. Obviously, there are levels to the expertise, so I don't want to discount coaching/play-calling, but just about every OC who makes it to the NFL level understands scheme and rises through the ranks because of it. Drafting players and projecting their skills to the pros is far more of a crap shoot but also more significant. Of course, one player can't do it alone, but execution of the plays > the plays themselves.
mrbig
2:22
No playoff wins since 2017  (I believe)... players & coordinators have come & gone over that time and the only constant has been Tomlin... how many more unsuccessful seasons will it take to move on from him?
Brian Batko
2:24
Can't answer that but I think there was a noticeably different tone this year with Art Rooney II than after the 2022 season. Last year he effectively said Mike Tomlin can be the coach for as long as he wants. I didn't get that vibe last Monday, though he was still complimentary. And they're in a contract year, so you have to consider that, too.
Larry David
2:25
Which Steeler would perform the best chat and cut?
Brian Batko
2:26
Might have to go with a coach here. DC Teryl Austin.
Zell
2:27
I heard the Steelers loved Justin Fields while he was in college?  Are you hearing anything related to Fields to Steelers and could happen if we just had to give a 2nd, yes?  And especially if Rudolph goes elsewhere
Brian Batko
2:29
Don't doubt that at all, and our own Gerry Dulac has said as much in these chats and possibly elsewhere. But not sure the timing is right now. I actually don't think the Bears should give up on him yet, even with the No. 1 pick. I'd trade back.
Ben M.
2:29
With Steelers parting ways with their WR coach… any chance #86 is a candidate?
Brian Batko
2:31
Not sure, but we know how highly Mike Tomlin thinks of Hines Ward the player. Despite my previous answer of the kind of WR coach I'd target, Ward surely would bring some gravitas to the role. Maybe the kind that the current Steelers receivers need. It'd be a fascinating hire, I know that much. And would be a good PR move, that's for sure. Not  saying that's how you should make decisions for your staff, but the Steelers could use a win in that realm these days, right?
Jay
2:32
Hello Brian, always enjoy your work.  Ron Cook is retiring, any interest in being Joe's partner?  Looking forward to it.
Brian Batko
2:32
Sure, I love Starkey. Have their people call my people (my people are me).
Jake
2:33
With the exception of DL, this draft class sure looks to play to our needs. You taking a CB to play along side Porter, a Tackle to pair w Jones for the next however many years or the Center for Oregon??
Brian Batko
2:35
Of those three options, I'd lean toward another foundational to tackle to pair with Broderick Jones for the next however many years. But I'm not convinced there isn't a worthy DL at No. 20. And my sleeper option is a big-bodied safety to complement Minkah Fitzpatrick and allow him to move back to the deep post most of the time.
Dj
2:36
At most I would give Pickett 3 games. I can’t imagine drastic improvement year over year or a new OC. All seems like excuses for lack of talent. Will Mason be back?
Brian Batko
2:37
I'll outbid you to 4 games. My sense is Mason Rudolph returns. Wouldn't be shocked if it goes the other way, but the Steelers seem rather adamant about making it happen, and surprisingly transparent about their willingness to do so.
Ron
2:38
I think center is in play at 1-20, maybe right tackle. Do you get the sense that high choices in both of these spots were made more likely with the OC Smith hire? which of those two offense line spots do you think would improve this team the most, the quickest?
Brian Batko
2:39
Not particularly. I understand the need to have a vision for your overall team and offense, but draft picks - especially first-rounders - should be long-term, multi-year decisions. Assistant coaches, even coordinators, can be here this season and gone the next (though the Steelers are one of the exceptions to that transience of NFL coaching positions, I know).
2:40
By the way, I'd say center would help the most, but it's close.
Tim
2:41
Brian, does the argument for Pickett being better than what we've seen boil down to: We thought he was better when we drafted him and after the preseason, he suffered under Canada, and the one game we saw Pickett healthy without Canada is the true Pickett?
Brian Batko
2:41
Yeah, you pretty much boiled it, Tim.
Baghdad_Ben
2:42
Thanks Brian for all your insight. Not that ARII or MT are interested, but put me in the category of the Arthur Smith hiring making some sense.  If you have lemons make lemonade. Maybe not the best metaphor, but the idea is if you've built your team around ball control and defense, hire an OC who has shown he can do that. Hiring a young pass happy OC could drive you to a total rebuild and a continuing search for a QB that you may not have yet or get for a long time. Control the ball, play killer D and make better play calls to make the QB you do have better.  I'm in and I'm optimistic! Again. Agree?
Brian Batko
2:45
I do. As I've said all along, I didn't necessarily agree with how quickly they made the call to hire Arthur Smith, but the hire itself does make plenty of sense. That's from a personality and scheme standpoint. I don't know if he's the best offensive coordinator/play-caller who was available this offseason and I don't know if he'll succeed here - no one does - but he's got an impressive background and resume. Honestly, seems like the type of guy the Steelers would like as a head coach, so I assume he was very good in the interview process.
Mass Fan
2:46
Hello- which position group do you have the best feel for? Please tell us something about them...
Brian Batko
2:47
Probably the specialists. They're the most similar to me in terms of size, athleticism and salary (other than Chris Boswell). All of them like to mess with their coach Danny Smith a lot and vice versa.
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