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Brian Batko's Steelers chat: 08.06.19
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Brian Batko
2:00
I’m here, everyone. Steelers start up another week of practice, a preseason week!, in about an hour. Until then, let’s chat.
Utah Jim
2:00
Why do the Steelers keep players for special teams that have no chance at being anything more such as Matakevich, Dangerfield, DHB, etc.?  Why not keep players with potential to do more?  It’s not like special teams have been much of team strength anyway.  Try a different philosophy.
Brian Batko
2:02
That's probably subjective on your part to say those guys don't have potential to do more. Now, I don't think anyone sees Matakevich or Dangerfield as starter-caliber players, but perhaps the front office sees them as capable backups. Every team usually has at least a couple of those special teams demons. Maybe some new blood could unseat the veterans you're down on, ideally giving you a good piece on ST who's also projectable down the road in the offense or defense.
Jeff Stal
2:03
What do you think the chances are of Diontae Spencer to make the 53-man roster as PR/KR?  Based on his track record from the CFL and his speed and elusiveness, I think he could be a dynamic returner.
Brian Batko
2:03
Not great, mostly because it's a crowded room, more so than I doubt Spencer's talent. I think he's been hot and cold in camp, making some great plays but also dealing with some drops. Preseason will be a time for him to shine, both offensively and in the return game.
Scl
2:04
Love the chats Brian, which player on offense and defense have been the most pleasant surprises for you? From what I’ve read, seems like cam Sutton has been all over the ball. Could we actually have some decent corner depth this year???
Brian Batko
2:06
Thanks. On offense, it's gonna be tough to crack a spot in the backfield, but second-year undrafted running back Ralph Webb is kinda nice. He's small, probably not the 5-10 he's listed, but was awfully productive in college at Vanderbilt and had a nice preseason last year with New England. Defensively, Cam Sutton is a good one. Didn't think a whole lot of him coming into camp, but he's looking versatile and opportunistic so far.
ALB
2:07
Are you surprised there isn't more concern voiced about the O line? They're reputation was better than their play much of last year and they've lost Munchak.
Brian Batko
2:08
Not really. I think it's a stout, veteran group that already has found an answer this summer at RT in Matt Feiler. Sure, there's always something an OL unit can do better (in this case, run-blocking) but I'm not too worried about them.
FloridaSteelers
2:08
Brian,  will Haden & Hargrove get extensions before the seasons starts?  I feel these 2 are the most critical to get done.  Sean Davis can go as far as I'm concerned,  Your thoughts please.
Brian Batko
2:09
Joe Haden seems like a near-lock for it to get done. Javon Hargrave I'm less certain about, but he'd be next in line. I'm with you on Sean Davis, he has much more to prove this year, and I think Haden is considerably more important than Hargrave just based on how many snaps you need each guy for. And that's why Haden will get paid accordingly.
412
2:10
Do you think Kam Kelly is set to be the 3rd safety? Have you been impressed with his range/center field ability?
Brian Batko
2:10
Not particularly. I've seen some ups, some downs from him. If anything, I'd say he's set to be the backup free safety. Just not a lot of depth there, and it's clear that the staff likes him given that he keeps getting the starter reps without Sean Davis. But that doesn't mean things can't change if he starts to slip.
JerseySteel
2:11
Hi Brian - is anyone taking charge of backup safety so far in camp?
Brian Batko
2:12
As stated above, Kelly has had flashes. Jordan Dangerfield has been great against the run here and there. And I've seen some nice things out of undrafted FAs PJ Locke (who's playing deep) and Dravon Askew-Henry (who's playing strong). Still, not the most inspiring competition. Maybe a spot for a camp-cut signing or trade? https://www.post-gazette.com/sports/steelers/2019/08/06/Steelers-GM-Ke...
Gregg
2:12
How are Ulysses Gilbert and Tuzar Skipper doing? Figured in Gilbert’s case being a draft pick we’d have heard more about him.
Brian Batko
2:13
Not a ton to write home about. Both guys running second team, Skipper more consistently there. Gilbert usually rotates in behind Tyler Matakevich and Robert Spillane at ILB. He's still raw, but Gilbert gets to the ball and uses his "wiggle" pretty well. Skipper's an imposing body, but a tweener. I think Gilbert probably has a better shot at making it.
Trou
2:14
Brian, how is Isaiah Buggs doing?
Brian Batko
2:14
I haven't noticed him a ton, but I still think he's in decent shape to be one of the six DL (assuming they keep six).
Luigi
2:15
browns/Steelers - Your thoughts?
Brian Batko
2:16
Should be two great games. Should be two teams right in the thick of the playoff hunt. It's funny to me how a lot of fans and even some media types around here seem personally offended that the Browns might be good. Maybe they will be, maybe they won't be, but I don't think the buzz around them is unfounded.
JuJu 2017
2:16
Brian, what are your thoughts on Mike Hilton and Rookie Justin Layne?
Brian Batko
2:17
Mike Hilton will still be the No. 1 slot corner, the way I see it. Justin Layne has had good and bad reps, just like most rookies. He's not ready to come out of the oven yet, to use a Tomlin-ism.
Dbush fan
2:17
Hey Brian, what are your biggest takeaways from watching Devin bush so far? Do you think he can step up and be a real difference maker for this defense? His speed is impressive
Brian Batko
2:18
He better be. I'm not pegging him to be rookie of the year or anything, but I do believe the Steelers like how he's progressing. He's all first-team reps, all the time, and has been better against the pass, from what I've seen. Short-area quickness is off the charts, and his upper-body strength is apparent in backs-on-backers drill which simulates a pass-rush.
Wisconsin Winters
2:19
For years I disliked the secondary's approach of "let them catch in front of you then tackle"..Will we see more "Ball Hawking?"
Brian Batko
2:19
Sure, but teams say that about their secondary every year. No one says "you're gonna see more of us letting them catch the pass and then us trying to bring them down quickly."
Carlo
2:20
Hi Brian, do you see the Steelers making a move to add a TE and/or a Safety before the start of the season?
Brian Batko
2:21
Nothing (or no one) that really jumps out at me, but it wouldn't be surprising given the history there.
BlawnoxBill
2:21
Looks like Steelers and Joe Haden will get deal done sooner rather than later.  That is great news.  My question is what do they do with Steven Nelson in a year or so if Justin Layne shows he is ready..
Brian Batko
2:21
It'd be a good problem to have. Let's see how Nelson fares this year in a new defense with a nice contract paid to him over the offseason.
412
2:22
Does James Washington look comfortable/ready to make a big contribution this year? I am still a little worried about the overall receiver depth...
Brian Batko
2:22
Ehhh jury's still out. He looks fine, but not exactly exploding onto the scene, in my view.
CtSteelersfan
2:23
Brian, if Ola has clearly outperformed Bud Dupree during camp would the team rotate them during the season to get Ola involved more? Thank you.
Brian Batko
2:24
Possibly, but i think there's a long way to go before we get to that crossroads. Ola has stood out more in his second-team reps, which makes sense. Dupree has gotten a veteran's off day or two. I don't even think a huge preseason (again) from Ola would necessarily have a huge bearing on the OLB situation right out of the gate. It's time for Bud to be "a gamer," if I may break out a coach cliche.
Krugerrand
2:25
Brian, can we safely presume from your column yesterday that you feel Switzer has the inside track in the roster battle?
Brian Batko
2:25
No, I wouldn't presume that. I just thought it was an interesting story/anecdote from him, and perhaps insightful information as far as that receiver competition goes. He still needs to prove himself like most other guys in that bunch.
Steel Yinz
2:26
Brian, I know you did not cover the Steelers last year, but does it look like the defense is ready to take a collective leap? Seems like we are set on the Dline, and if Dupree and be more consistent our linebackers seem exponentially better than last year. That pressure with an improved secondary seems like a good combination for a defense that finished 6th overall
Brian Batko
2:27
Yeah, I'd say there are fewer holes on paper than this time a year ago. But there are also question marks. Dupree, Bud. Davis, Sean. Barron, Mark. Bush, Devin. But given each guy's pedigree, there's absolutely potential for it all to come together and click.
Jacque Strap
2:27
Brian, big night for you Friday...have you done any reporting walk-throughs? Stand in front of a mirror asking mock post-game questions? Getting proper hydration?
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