You are viewing the chat in desktop mode. Click here to switch to mobile view.
X
Brian Batko's Steelers chat: 05.15.23
powered byJotCast
Brian Batko
2:00
Happy Monday, everyone, hope your weekend was nice. Steelers wrapped up their 3-day rookie camp and now have this week mostly off before OTAs begin. Some minor moves being made, so let's chat.
The real guest
2:01
Brian, Your cohort in crime, Ron Cook, says the Steelers are going 1-5 against the North.I say 3-3 is more like it. What say you?
Brian Batko
2:03
If any feds are reading this, I've never committed a crime with Ron Cook. Do not look into this claim any further. At this early juncture, I don't think Ron is far off. It's an exceptionally tough division, one of the best in football yet again. I might lean toward 1-5, too.
Chris Parker
2:04
I heard kwon alexander is coming in for a visit - any truth to that?
Brian Batko
2:05
Adam Schefter reported it, so I have no reason to doubt its veracity. And who knows whether the Steelers will come to terms with him on any deal but at the very least it tells us they aren't entirely satisfied with their ILB group. Is he an upgrade over Cole Holcomb/Elandon Roberts/Mark Robinson? Not necessarily. But he's got a better coverage reputation that those guys and it can't hurt to have another veteran competing for the job(s).
Jim_Bow_Dean
2:06
Most of the national media, Vegas, and even Ron Cook have the Steelers losing more games than last season. I don’t get it. The roster is improved, Kenny should be better, they have an easier schedule, and one more home game. What do you think?
Brian Batko
2:08
I don't necessarily agree with any of that, but "the roster is improved" is certainly subjective - most teams think they got better this offseason, right? - and "Kenny should be better" is doing a lot of work in your thought process. To me, the AFC North is also still as formidable as it was a year ago, if not more so because of the Browns' on-paper upgrades.
Hi Bats -
2:09
From a roster perspective, the two glaring needs are an experienced OLB to take immediate reps on Day 1 and some additional depth at ILB.  Do you agree?  And if so, are there any UFA they should be pursuing?  Van Noy seems interesting, which would allow Herbig to figure out if he's an inside or outside guy. Thanks
Brian Batko
2:11
Hi, Hi Bats. That's probably accurate, but as I've written here and in my mailbag, I'm higher on Nick Herbig than most. Inside linebacker-wise, they have the bodies to roll out there, and it's more a matter of how effective those players will be.
Barry Berkman
2:12
BB, Mike Tomlin has an atrocious record playing in the Pacific and Mountain time zones. The last time the Steelers had multiple games out there he was asked about possibly changing the logistics of the trips to minimize the effects of jet lag, altitude,  etc. He shrugged it off as unimportant.  Isn't this the definition of insanity?
Brian Batko
2:15
I imagine he's just more concerned with the schematics of the game itself. And I tend to agree with that. It's fairly explainable, to me. Most teams aren't as good on the road, and when going on the road includes more disruption to your usual routine than usual, it's not surprising that it might be a tougher game. That's not Steelers-centric.
Jud
2:16
Good Chats Bats!  Guess for the year... sophomore slump or continued ascendance for #8?
Brian Batko
2:18
He'll be better I think. But I just caution those who expect too much from Pickett in Year 2. Fans tend to do these things, which is natural for a young player, a fan favorite who finished his rookie campaign the way Pickett did.
MK
2:18
We all know NFL teams go as their QB does  Before we write the Steelers off for next year, don't you think we need to give Pickett the year?  He started half the season last year. I'm not saying he's going to be the next great QB, but he needs time to sink or swim. I do like his chances better than 90% of the first round QB's chosen in the last 10 years however
Brian Batko
2:20
Sure. We need to give him that time from both ends of the spectrum, the "he's not good enough" and the "surefire franchise QB" perspective. Hey, who knows, maybe a year from now I'll be sitting at my dining room table chatting with you all and saying "Man, I never expected Pickett to be this good this fast." But let's just have a bit of patience before trying to proclaim anything one way or the other after 12 starts.
fredward
2:20
Did the Steelers like anyone from tryouts or rookie mini-camp?
Brian Batko
2:22
They signed a running back from Morgan State, Alfonzo Graham. I'll be honest, he wasn't on my radar even among the tryout guys. And in my defense, I don't think a single mainstream draft analyst even acknowledged his presence in this 2023 class. But he was productive last season in FCS and we know the Steelers need to turn over some stones to replace Benny Snell as their RB3. Even though he's small (5-8) that doesn't preclude him from being able to do some of the special teams dirty work required of that role.
Paul from Beaver Falls
2:24
KG must have a lot of pictures and tape on either coach T or the Rooney’s because there’s no way he’s still on the team.  They know the minute he’s cut all the pics and tape will be sold to TMZ.
Brian Batko
2:24
Kendrick Green might get another summer to prove his worth. Not expecting him to make it to the 53-man roster, but it's not outlandish to give a third-rounder with good traits one more chance.
artie bridge
2:25
Brian, Ron's on the record today with an 8 - 9 prediction for the Steelers season.  Seems unduly pessimistic to me.  What's your take?
Brian Batko
2:26
Ron has his legitimate reasons for doubt. Me, personally, I won't predict a losing season for the Steelers until I see it. I'd rather be too late than too early on that because of their seemingly mystical ability to pull out certain games and late-season runs.
Javi
2:27
Hello Bats. The consensus is Tomlin has a "lifetime" contract with Steelers as long as he wants to coach. Any pressure at all on Tomlin to get this team to playoffs? And actually win a playoff game?
Brian Batko
2:29
Organizational pressure? Doesn't seem like it. But I'm not privy to what's discussed when he meets 1-on-1 with Art Rooney II, or when those two and Omar Khan have their meetings of the minds. What I think has been made clear is that Rooney believes Tomlin is the type of person who puts the utmost pressure on himself to be great, which is why he continues to stay the course with his head coach.
Heart in Pittsburgh
2:30
Hi Brian. Do you believe the Steelers will be content going into the start of mini camp with Roche and Herbig as the backup OLBs? Do you think they are in touch with some of the seasoned OLBs still on the market and can't come to an agreement on a contract and/or playing time?
Brian Batko
2:32
The first full Omar Khan offseason has shown us they aren't content with much of anything. So many veterans added at so many spots, even at times when we wouldn't normally think the Steelers would be making moves. I like Herbig and even Roche to an extent but when you just look at the 90-man depth chart, that position does seem thinner than most, so I can't rule out anyone else entering the fray.
Caesar
2:33
Chances Darnell Washington gets at least 1 jet sweep this year?
Brian Batko
2:34
1.8% but that would be fun to see. Not so fun to tackle. I assume the Steelers would rather see him out in space leading the way as a blocker on a jet sweep.
Texan Steeler
2:35
Hey Brian, Cincy has the most difficult schedule in AFC North. I do think the Steelers can compete against Balt and Clev so I don't see why the Steelers cannot win AFC North. That is as long as KP makes a 2nd year jump and Canada doesn't suck (again). Your thoughts?
Brian Batko
2:38
Despite my relative down-ness on the Steelers compared to the rest of the division, I think they'll be in the playoff mix. As you said, the Bengals have to deal with the Chiefs and Bills. Baltimore has the Chargers. Even the Browns face Jets and Broncos teams that should be a lot better. I see the AFC North beating itself up a lot, no one really pulling away.
Backwards Johnson
2:39
Which role, if suddenly injected with talent, makes the Steelers more of a contender: Slot CB, Backup OLB/Edge, Off Ball LB, Center or Strong Safety?
Brian Batko
2:40
For me it's ILB. Elite play there can certainly transform a defense and a team.
Tom
2:40
It's nice that we all want Canada to change but is it even possible? It's not that he just has to call new plays, he will have to adopt an entirely new system. Will he really just stop using players as distrations (motions) and design new schemes to open a TE in the middle of the field?
Brian Batko
2:42
I don't think the system is destined to fail in the NFL or anything like that. Pre-snap motion and misdirection are actually very effective when used well (and with talented personnel, of course). To me, it was actually more of a play-calling issue last year, which continues to be my primary reservation with him. You can't know about a coach's ability to do that job until you see it executed at the next level. Much to prove for him as a play-caller in the NFL against NFL DCs.
Foye from earth
2:43
Are there ANY free agent OLB’s left on the market worth looking at? The depth there seems like an issue.
Brian Batko
2:46
Kyle Van Noy continues to play at a pretty high level into his early 30s. Carl Nassib is still out there. So are some bigger names like Yannick Ngakoue, Jadeveon Clowney and Melvin Ingram but I doubt those types are gonna be itching at the chance to be a rotational dude.
Desert Steel
2:47
If every team in the AFCN lost their QB1 for the season, what is the order of finish in the standings?
Brian Batko
2:48
Off the top of my head: Ravens, Steelers, Browns, Bengals
Mountain Gus
2:48
The Steelers annually lay at least one egg (and it typically come back to haunt them).  Which game will that be this year?  LV?  Seattle? Rams?  Texans?
Brian Batko
2:50
Come on, losing at Seattle in Week 17 would not be "laying an egg." Not sure losing at the Raiders or Rams would be either. I'd be quite surprised if they lose to the Texans in Week 4, even on the road.
Zbluez1
2:50
Brian, IF the Steelers sign Kwon Alexander later today or tomorrow given the free agents already signed in the inside LB room; how do you see it shaking out ? Is Alexander a 3 down type player or more of a 3rd down specialist ?
Load More Messages
Connecting…