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Brian Batko's Steelers chat: 07.31.25
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Brian Batko
2:00
Hey everyone, not my usual day but things are a moving target with Steelers training camp well underway. Questions?
Stairway to seventh seed
2:00
Brian: reports from camp on the play of Roman Wilson and Broderick Jones are not encouraging.  Can you see any scenario barring trading for replacements where the Steelers have a successful season without both of these players achieving at least a minimal level of competence?
Brian Batko
2:02
Roman Wilson had what could be a confidence-boosting performance today. It was only one play in a 1-on-1 drill, but he went up and over Joey Porter Jr. for a leaping grab down the sideline, something I quite frankly didn't know he had in him. Broderick Jones is off to an inauspicious start but I'm not hitting the panic button yet.
Jack
2:03
Any early insight into Jack Sawyer's performance in camp?
Brian Batko
2:04
He certainly looks the part. Jack Sawyer got a lot of first-team reps today with TJ Watt off and Alex Highsmith not needed to be in there every period. Sawyer appears to be in great shape and I think Mike Tomlin likes what he's seeing out of him, but will want to put him against the likes of Darnell Washington before long.
SoCal Jeff
2:05
Lots of talk about lack of a WR 2. However, our WR 1 is better than the Bills, Chiefs and Ravens, and our WR 2 is on par. These teams also all run a 2 TE offense similar to the Steelers, with the Steelers TE room arguably better. So my question is, don’t you think if the Steelers ultimately fail this year on offense, won’t it bc the Oline or Rodgers stinks, not because of a lack of a number 2 WR?
Brian Batko
2:07
Sure, but the better your receiving corps is, the more margin for error those other guys have. In general, though, we're on the same page. I wouldn't bet on the Steelers trading for one or signing one at this stage of the game. Roman Wilson could hit, and even if he doesn't, I don't necessarily see it as the Steelers banking on him.
Gene
2:07
Read your article on Mark Robinson and I get there is a logjam at ILB but he excels on special teams. Do you think that’s enough for him to make the 53 roster?
Brian Batko
2:08
It could be. If I do a roster projection, I can guarantee you I'll be down to the wire on dudes like him, Connor Heyward and James Pierre.
Wayward
2:09
Brian, we are hearing about the defense a lot in the beginning of camp to include what seems to be a lot of plays behind the line of scrimmage.  Is the oline playing that badly (realize 2 starters are out) or does the defensive front look that much better?
Brian Batko
2:11
The offense won today, Wayward. As DK Metcalf put it, they "kicked ass." I do think the O-line has struggled, the front seven is teeing off and the secondary has been so suffocating that it's difficult to find a quick throwing lane.
Tim
2:12
Any early camp surprises or under the radar players that have caught your attention in the first week of camp?
Brian Batko
2:14
Scotty Miller still doesn't drop balls, but he was impressive in this setting last year, too. Not saying he'll make the team, just acknowledging that he always seems to produce. Yahya Black came in under the radar and I'd say he's not being upstaged by Derrick Harmon among rookie DTs, albeit most of his work coming against backups while Harmon works versus and with the starters.
Big Bri
2:15
The average size of the Philadelphia Eagles  offensive line was  338 pounds in the Super Bowl, obviously size matters at that position. Was it encouraged or did B  Jones lose weight on his own?
Brian Batko
2:15
I'm gonna write about that, Big Bri. Stay tuned.
Tim from Canada
2:16
Hi Brian. Thanks for the chats. Before Jones missed practice time I was concerned about tackle depth (potentially a good swing tackle to give them both rests). Other writers have cited a lack of OL around the league but this is AR's blind side we are talking. Any chance roster cut down might make someone available?
Brian Batko
2:17
Possibly, but I think this front office and coaching staff feel better about a guy like Calvin Anderson than just about anyone who'd get cut loose on that day. You think about it, just about every team keeps a minimum of 9 offensive lineman, so anyone you'd scoop up couldn't even crack that group elsewhere.
Brian Batkos Best Fan
2:17
Hey brian, i am ur best fan. Anyways what do u think is the biggest worry u have seen so far in camp?
Brian Batko
2:19
Thank you, sir or madam. Probably the O-line, specifically Jones and his progress (or lack thereof). I also haven't seen Aaron Rodgers really push the ball downfield much. Maybe he'll uncork a couple under the lights tomorrow night.
Ryan
2:20
If Cole Holcomb has returned to full health, seems to make the most sense to trade him to me for a WR or T depth.  Classic trade from a position of strength for a position of need.  I know it takes 2 to tango, but if he is fully healthy, they shouldn’t have a problem finding a trade partner I wouldn’t think.  Win-win in my book
Brian Batko
2:25
I actually think teams would be quite skeptical of an inside linebacker who just turned 29 and hasn't played since 2023 because of a significant leg injury.
the real guest
2:29
Brian, I seem to be bouncing between two visions of the coming season. In one vision all the aging stars have a career year and happiness reigns. In the other vision all the aging stars are on IR by midseason and I am praying the FO won't destroy the future by doubling down on 2025. Looks like Steeler fans will be living in "interesting times" this season. Agree?
Brian Batko
2:29
Unprecedented times!
Steeltree
2:29
Brian on paper at least I think the Steelers have one of the best db rooms in the NFL. Same goes the off ball backers and edge rushers.  Would you agree if they get just average play from their D line this could be a dominate D.
Brian Batko
2:30
It's tough to be dominant on defense in today's NFL but yes, I think they can be one of the best units in the league.
Chris
2:30
The Steelers have been testing some odd formations and personnel groupings lately. How likely is it that they actually use those in the regular season?
Brian Batko
2:30
I wouldn't put anything past Arthur Smith when it comes to tight end usage and smash mouth football, Chris.
The Jig Is Up
2:31
I love that ARod loves Frazier and heaped such high praise on him, but on a scale of 1-10, how worried should we be about all the snap issues thus far?
Brian Batko
2:32
Not particularly. I believe they'll figure it out. It was hard to tell from field level but I actually thought yesterday's botched exchange might've been more on Rodgers than Frazier.
Henry Hill
2:32
Greetings Brian; according to Gerry's chat yesterday, Roman Wilson ain't looking so good yet; do you think he's not picking up on the offensive scheme yet, or is he just another run-of-the-mill WR?
Brian Batko
2:33
Despite all his great athletic testing coming out of Michigan, I'd be more concerned that he's just another run-of-the-mill WR than I am his grasp of the offense.
KMan
2:33
BB - How have Frazier's snaps looked today?
Brian Batko
2:33
No issues I saw
Andy Carnegie
2:34
Hey Bats, thanks for taking the time out to do this today. If B. Jones continues to have issues at T, could there be a possibility of him moving to guard at some point this year-or would that need to be done next off season?  We seem to see quite a few failed tackles become good guards so perhaps not all is lost there.  If that does come to fruition, what about making Darnell Washington a full time tackle?  I'm sure he'd be fine with it-and the money that comes with it if he finds success.
Brian Batko
2:36
You're welcome, Andy. I can't see them trying that this year, but sure, if it doesn't pan out at T then give him a go inside and see what happens. Darnell Washington has the frame and strength for T. That doesn't mean he has the desire to do so, and I also think teaching all that technique could be a real challenge.
Mark in Buffalo
2:37
Read the article the other day where Rodgers is embracing the off-site training camp culture.  Is that generally true of most of the players, or do most grumble but have to roll with it?
Brian Batko
2:39
In their heart of hearts, I believe they grin and bear it. Who wouldn't choose sleeping in their own bed and being with their family versus staying in dorms, trudging through muddy fields and eating breakfast/lunch/dinner/snack in the same cafeteria? But I also assume it does have some genuinely fun moments.
Scott
2:40
How has Rudolph looked? I was hoping to see him get a shot this season.
Brian Batko
2:41
He's looked fine to me. Not exactly lighting it up, but also keeping the rookie well behind him. I just feel like everyone here pretty much knows what they have in Mason Rudolph at this point, the good and the bad.
Aces High
2:42
What would the Steelers do if Broderick is a bust at LT? Also they have a lot of cap space, any rumors on a move for WR2?
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