JotCast | Brian Batko's Steelers chat: 06.08.21

Brian Batko's Steelers chat: 06.08.21

Brian Batko

2:00

Hi everyone. Thanks for joining me in Ray Fittipaldo's usual Tuesday time slot. We just heard from Mason Rudolph and Minkah Fitzpatrick a little bit ago, so we can talk about that, any other Steelers or NFL news, or just whatever random stuff is on your mind. Fire away

RJT

2:01

If Ben goes out and has a good season, and wins a playoff game or two, do the Steelers still transition to Mason next year or do they keep Ben and let Mason hit free agency?

Brian Batko

2:03

Well, in that case, Ben Roethlisberger himself could decide that he's ready to call it quits. He might think he's played out his deal, he had some success, but that's the end of the road for him. Now, if he does want to continue, then things get tricky. I would guess that the Steelers probably wouldn't walk away from a QB who just got them to the playoffs again and had a "good season" at that point.

21-58-66

2:03

Brian - Have you and Ray switched days for the chats or is that for this week only?

Brian Batko

2:04

No, it's not a permanent switch. Apologies to all for the confusion. Especially if you showed up today expecting Ray and you got me.

STL Yinzer

2:04

What would surprise you more this year? The Steelers winning 6 games or less or the Steelers winning 10 games or more?

Brian Batko

2:04

Has to be 6 games or less, considering they've never had such a bad season under Ben or Mike Tomlin.

50 yr fan

2:05

Hi Brian, what do you make of the National news media just making up stories (e

Brian Batko

2:05

That's news to me.

50 yr fan

2:05

Hi Brian, what do you make of the National news media seeming to just make up stories (e.g. Darnold trade to Steelers) and then promoting the headlines for days or weeks? Do they have ANY basis for that kind of talk? Is it just to fill the 24/7 news cycle? Thanks.

Brian Batko

2:06

In all seriousness, you hit the nail on the head at the end. It's just to fill the 24/7 news cycle. Speculation is fun, to an extent, and it's part of what makes following sports such a year-round thing. But if you try to sink your teeth into every single one of those offseason fodder topics, you'll lose your mind.

Brett

2:07

Hi Brian. I know Steelers have Ebron, Gentry and Friermuth...curious if James has signed with anyone and if not, would Steelers still have an interest in signing him? Thanks.

Brian Batko

2:07

Jesse Dylan James is an American football tight end who is a free agent.

Gaspipe Casso

2:08

Many pundits and fans a like are saying how bad the Steelers o-line was last season. Many of those same people are also saying the Steelers are in trouble because they'll have 3 new starters on the line this year. That doesn't make any sense. I think they should be optimistic that a bad line will have 3 new starters as well as a new coach and new attitude. If not optimistic, at least hopeful. What says you?

Brian Batko

2:10

Optimism is all well and good, but that doesn't mean you should have blind faith. If you have five pairs of shoes and you get rid of three because they're starting to wear down, but you buy two new pairs from an unknown brand rather than a proven one, there's no guarantee they'll be better than your old ones. The only thing you know for sure is they'll be different.

Jared Karbowsky

2:11

Hey Brian- There are some veteran FA CBs out there. Any chance we grab one? I'm looking at a Brian Poole, Sherman, or Skrine?

Brian Batko

2:12

I still think it's the position that could most use a veteran added to the mix, either that or safety. And I do believe that a slot corner would be the type of DB they should target, which would rule out Richard Sherman. So, sure, there's a chance they make another move. But I wouldn't necessarily bank on it. They seem to like James Pierre more than your average UDFA and didn't jettison Justin Layne when he gave them a reason to.

Dude

2:12

AFC west - Chiefs AFC north- Browns AFC south - Titans AFC East - Bills Wild cards - Ravens, Steelers, Colts. How close am I?

Brian Batko

2:14

June 8 and we're doing playoff projections?? Hey, why not. I like most of those predictions, Dude. But I'm tempted to bump someone out for the Dolphins.

daniel1111

2:15

is there a reason the Steelers have not signed C Green as all other draft picks have been signed?

Brian Batko

2:15

Not that I'm aware. Some deals just get done later than others. There isn't much to negotiate on either side nowadays with rookie contracts. Lots of first-round picks still aren't signed yet either around the league. All the money is pre-slotted anyway.

JNN

2:16

How would you compare Najee Harris to Saquan Barkley coming out of college? Are they compatible in running style and skill/talent level?

Brian Batko

2:18

I don't think so. I mean, they're comparable in that they were both great talents coming out, but Saquon is a lot more compact, better straight-line/long speed, and more elusive. As a prospect he was almost like a combination of Harris AND Travis Etienne, which is why he went second overall and those two went in the mid-20s, ya know?

Bill in SF

2:18

I'm still fascinated when I read these chats at the revisionist history re Ben's performance over the last 6 weeks of the season. The reality is he had 2 good halves - 2nd half again Colts, 2nd half against Browns - and even those were necessitated by awful 1st halves. I'm probably more optimistic than most about this new OL and a vastly improved running game, but I still think they're only going as far as Ben can take them, and whether he can maintain a high quality of play over a 17 game season is a big question mark. Your thoughts?

Brian Batko

2:20

Yes, I'll double-down on my preseason take last year that the Steelers are one of the toughest teams to predict because of how much hinges on Roethlisberger, and how mercurial he's been in recent seasons. Other QBs like Rodgers, Wilson, Mahomes, you pretty much know what you're gonna get from them, right? Ben has had a higher degree of variance, I'd say.

Jud

2:20

Great Chats Bats! What do you see as the major impediment to Steeler success this year? Ben? OL? Defense?

Brian Batko

2:22

Thanks, Jud. The way I see it is an inaccurate/ineffective Ben would be the BIGGEST impediment. But the most likely impediment is probably the O-line. Or maybe the secondary. The former has needed to improve for a couple years now. The latter seemed to finally be fixed, and now is in flux again. So we'll see.

V. Fontaine

2:22

It seems most people are pointing to Jaylen Samuels as the odd running back out for the Steelers. I'd argue his versatility fits with what we think Matt Canada's offense might look like. It's a stretch to say he could be utilized like Canada did with George Aston at Pitt but not much.

Brian Batko

2:23

Not to mention he played for Matt Canada at NC State and was very productive. Of course, that was college, and Samuels hasn't shown much at this level the last couple years. However, I don't see him filling the George Aston role at all. Extremely different players. If anyone can do that, it will be Derek Watt or perhaps Pat Freiermuth. He's seen as the odd man out because Harris is such a good pass-catching back, though. Anthony McFarland at least brings some speed to the equation, while Kalen Ballage and Benny Snell run with more power than Samuels.

2:24

Read your article on Rudolph...do YOU think he will be the starter post-Ben?

Brian Batko

2:25

I think he will be the first to start a game at QB for the Steelers post-Ben, yes. It might only be one season. It might not even be a full season, if he struggles. But to me, they've set themselves up to give him a year of evaluation in a sink-or-swim scenario, and if he plays well, great! If he doesn't, you turn your focus to finding a new franchise QB of the future.

TPHunter

2:26

Looking at the depth of the AFC is frightening. All of Dude's picks plus Fins, Pats, Chargers and maybe Raiders are legit. Ben better have a helluva grand finale for the Steelers to be there,

Brian Batko

2:28

Yep, it won't be easy. Even a team like the Bengals should be friskier this season than in years past. And what if the Broncos DO trade for Aaron Rodgers? Bucs hoisted the trophy, but balance of power is shifting toward the AFC, in my opinion.

kevin in Punxsy

2:29

Brian, have you heard anything relative as to why Roche dropped all the way to the 6th round? He must have some talent if he was playing for Miami. Thanks.

Brian Batko

2:30

Nothing beyond what was known on draft day. A little undersized, not overwhelming athletic traits, and production dipped from AAC to ACC. But I thought he was a steal at the time and I still do, to the point that I'm not sure why so many are pounding the table for the Steelers to add another backup edge-rusher. I like Quincy Roche and the Steelers thought enough of Cassius Marsh to bring him back. Certainly there'd be trepidation if Alex Highsmith goes down, let alone TJ Watt, but for now I don't think it's a must-add position.

From Mom's Basement

2:32

But seriously, I read it on the internet, it's got to be real!

Brian Batko

2:33

I'm guessing that's a nod to the earlier question/comment about the endless "Should Steelers trade for ________?" headlines every offseason.

Goor May

2:34

Best chicken - Raising Cane, KFC, Popeyes, Chicfila, Los Pollos Hermanos

Brian Batko

2:34

Raising Cane's. Los Pollos Hermanos has the best ... other stuff.