JotCast | Brian Batko's Steelers chat: 06.12.23

Brian Batko's Steelers chat: 06.12.23

Brian Batko

2:00

Hi everyone, Steelers start mandatory minicamp tomorrow, which is essentially their final chance to get anything done before breaking for the real thing in late July. Let's chat it up.

coachjpat

2:01

The #1 key for the Steelers to make the playoffs this year?

Brian Batko

2:01

Kenny Pickett

The Good Old Days

2:02

The Steelers have now had their longest winless postseason streak in team history (since the first win in 1972). This coach has failed to win a postseason in 75% of his seasons. Wouldn't any other coach be asked to go with his life's work by now?

Brian Batko

2:02

Probably not, no.

SteelerJAX

2:02

Is there any truth to the rumors swirling around DE Chase from the commanders and is trading draft capital for a 1 year rental worth it?

Brian Batko

2:05

It's certainly intriguing. Not sure how any team wouldn't be enticed by the potential of adding a talent like Young, despite his injuries in recent years. I wouldn't want to give up too much for someone whose health and positional fit are in question, but if a modest amount of draft capital could be combined with a young D-lineman to acquire him, I'd consider.

Seferg

2:06

I've seen in chats most hosts think the Steelers are capable of making the playoffs but not necessarily a Super Bowl. What pieces do they still need or is it a matter of experience?

Brian Batko

2:08

To me, the No. 1 thing they need is a QB who's capable of getting them there. I'm not ready to put Pickett in that category just yet, although I acknowledge that Jimmy Garoppolo, Jared Goff and Nick Foles have gotten teams there in recent years.

Bugsy

2:09

Hi Brian, do you foresee the Steelers making another move at off ball LB? I hear the chatter on Chase Young but unless we can get him for a song it seems the biggest need is a coverage ILB.

Brian Batko

2:10

What song would you trade for Chase Young? "It's Not Over" by Daughtry would be at the top of my list. Anyway, I wouldn't rule out another move at ILB. Can't rule out much of anything with this front office. But I do like what I've seen out of Mark Robinson so far in OTAs, and they didn't sign Cole Holcomb and Elandon Roberts just for fun. They must like those two.

Stash

2:12

BB, why do some PG Chat Masters announce their next chat weeks in advance, while others give little warning to prospective chat participants?

Brian Batko

2:13

I can't pull back the curtain too much, Stash.

AZ Steeler

2:13

Hey Brian you little dream boat! Is there anything to these Chase Young rumors? In terms of percentages, how likely do you think it is that the Steelers get him? And if they get him, is it a 1 year rental kind of deal?

Brian Batko

2:13

Who, me? 3%

Titan in Charlotte

2:14

Go Titans Go! Do you think the Steelers are kicking the tires on Chase Young?

Brian Batko

2:15

Yes indeed, shoutout to the Shaler Titans, with softball, baseball and boys volleyball teams all in the state semifinals. Let's hope they all bring it home.

Dave

2:16

In all your years covering the Steelers, who was the best interview, the worst interview, the funniest interview, and the most intimidating interview?

Brian Batko

2:19

Off the top of my head...

Best: Myles Jack. He was always a good talker and willing to shoot from the hip.

Worst: Chris Boswell

Funniest: Najee Harris when he's in a good mood

Most intimidating: David DeCastro, but not because he wasn't nice or friendly. His face at rest was just not particularly welcoming. This is the man Al Villanueva affectionately called "Doomer Dave"

2:20

Also DeCastro went to Stanford, so that's an interview that you basically know going in you're not as smart as the other guy

Mass Fan

2:20

Do you expect FB to be utilized more this year. Can Co Hayward fill that role? What would Pottebaum bring that would be different? Thanks

Brian Batko

2:20

Yes, mainly because I think Connor Heyward will be the fullback. Monte Pottebaum would be a fun story for sure if he makes it, but I'm just skeptical that this offense is going to have that kind of role. And in the sense that it does, it makes more sense to have someone more versatile do double-duty when needed there.

Jeremy

2:22

More on chase young. If a deal were to be done do you see it having any impact on locking up Highsmith to an extension?

Brian Batko

2:24

That's why I called into question where he would fit here position-wise. I suppose you could say he's Chase Young and at the top of his game, when his body is right, it doesn't really matter. Inside, outside, he will get the quarterback. But TJ Watt and Alex Highsmith are here to be the true stand-up outside linebackers. Markus Golden is their top backup. Could Young play 5-technique for the Steelers? It would take some juggling to figure out the role allocation there.

Jim

2:27

How many offensive linemen do the Steelers normally carry on the 53? Who will be cut?

Brian Batko

2:29

Generally nine on the 53-man roster, eight of whom are active on game days. If the season started tomorrow I think one of Kevin Dotson or Kendrick Green would be gone.

Interested Party

2:31

Hello Mr.Batko, Thank you for your insights and efforts. Do you know what time tomorrow Ray Fittipaldo will be doing his chat?

Brian Batko

2:31

It'll be at 2, according to a source close to the situation.

PghFNinCali

2:32

Hi Brian. Do you think the Steelers Offense can put up over 23 points in a game if they needed to? or will the Defense have to keep other teams under 20 to win games?

Brian Batko

2:34

The offense hung the defense out to dry far too often last season. I know Cam Heyward and friends will tell you they embrace that and that no one should ever score on them. That's a nice mentality to have, but it's not realistic for winning. Do I think this offense can average more than 23? Sure, if things come together. There were 13 teams last year that averaged more than 23.

Texan Steeler

2:35

Hey Brian, Tyson Alualu said he wants to play for the Steelers next season. Do you think the Steelers will have any interest?

Brian Batko

2:35

Great guy, but no, I don't think the team is or should be interested.

JoeBobQB

2:36

Hey BB, thanks for the chats, very informative! Nice Beatlejuice reference earlier too! Does Calvin Austin look 100% healthy? Thx.

Brian Batko

2:38

I made a Beetlejuice reference? That's news to me. Not a Beetlejuice fan. As for Calvin Austin, I would say yes, but it's hard to gauge that in non-padded football in shorts. He told me Wednesday that while he feels 100%, there's also another gear he can hit. Look for a story on him later in the week.

John

2:39

Will the Steelers finish last in the AFCN this year? If so, will it matter to the Rooneys?

Brian Batko

2:39

Yes and yes.

Jake

2:40

August 1st, first day of pads. Who and what are you most forward to seeing?

Brian Batko

2:41

Darnell Washington