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Brian Batko's Steelers chat: 08.17.20
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Brian Batko
1:45
What's up, people? We're gonna get started a bit early so I can make sure I'm done chatting by the time practice ends and Mike Tomlin jumps on Zoom with us. The Steelers are at Heinz Field going through their first full-pad workout right now as we speak, so it's a fun day.
David
1:46
Enjoyed your article on JuJu today! Not long ago I felt good he would remain a Steeler for life but I'm getting more and more nervous about it with a potential reduction in the cap and the fact that they have numerous young receivers but I still think it would be a big mistake to let a guy of his age and talent get away. Make me feel better, please.
Brian Batko
1:48
Thanks, David. First time in a while anyone had heard from JuJu, so that was inherently interesting. I tried to talk to him when I wrote about his new offseason training regimen in the May, but no luck. Can't deny that I'm getting more and more skeptical of the possibility that he'll be back. They keep throwing resources at WR in the draft and if they aren't even able to get something hammered out with Cam Heyward, that gives me major pause about figuring out a long-term deal with JuJu. Best chance of him returning might be on the tag.
livinthedream
1:49
Brian your 80 man roster has 99 men on it. Is this covid math or a new   rendition of 99 bottles of beer on the wall?
Brian Batko
1:50
No it does not! The number on the left here is the jersey number https://www.post-gazette.com/sports/steelers/2020/08/17/steelers-full-...

But really, it was fun to go through and write a quick blurb on each player, from T.J. Watt to the handful of guys who have little to no chance of making the team. Add that page to your favorites.
livinthedream
1:51
Brian sorry for the earlier question. I see there are missing numbers and I will assume it all adds up to 80. My mistake
Brian Batko
1:51
And I'm sorry I missed your addendum to your question. Moving on...
Joe Momma
1:51
What do you think will be our toughest games this year?
Brian Batko
1:52
Probably the Ravens at home and on the road. I also think the Texans will be a tough out Week 3, especially when as a defense you go from facing Daniel Jones/Drew Lock back-to-back to trying to stop Deshaun Watson.
Guest
1:53
Will the Steelers ever actually use Paxton Lynch as a backup? It would seem easier now that they have a separate QB coach.
Brian Batko
1:54
Not only is he behind Mason Rudolph for that role, he probably has to make up some ground on Duck Hodges, too. But yes, in theory, for a guy who has a lot of potential it should help to have a more hands-on position coach now in Matt Canada.
J-town Johnny
1:56
Brian,  Love the chats.  What do the Steelers do if JUJU has 100+ receptions, 1,200 yards & 8 touchdowns this year?
Brian Batko
1:58
Thanks, Johnny. As I mentioned above, in that case you could be looking at a prime franchise tag situation. That would ensure another year of JuJu but also give the Steelers time to continue evaluating James Washington, Diontae Johnson and Chase Claypool in their receiver room.
Jeff
2:00
Thanks for the chats B squared.  Given the lack of depth at safety and ILB could you envision a trade and if so who would be on the block?  Washington?  Snell?  WR room is a little crowded.
Brian Batko
2:02
You can't count out these wheeling and dealing Steelers when it comes to trades, at least based on how they've operated the last couple years in August/September. I'm not predicting it, but I actually think it would make a lot of sense to deal a WR or RB for more of a true inside linebacker. But the Steelers seem pretty content on that front, based on their lack of moves dating back to cutting Mark Barron but not drafting a replacement other than Antoine Brooks, who's more of a safety.
Buzzard Bill
2:04
Hey Brian, I was wondering if NFL teams will be able to conduct some practice scrimmages with other teams since there are no preseason games this year.
Brian Batko
2:04
Nope, those are out this year, too. No joint practices.
Paul
2:05
Love your chats Brian. Just a comment, really wish fans would layoff on Switzer. He's working his tail off doesn't deserve the brutality he receives on Twitter etc.
Brian Batko
2:07
Thanks, Paul. I tend to agree with you there. Ryan Switzer might not help himself with how thin-skinned he can be at times, but like you said, it's not without good reason. Maybe it's because at 5-8, 180, he doesn't look the part so he's an easy target. I don't know, man. There are a lot of trolls in the Internet, many of whom would love to be in his shoes. He knows that, but saying it probably makes it worse for him.
DaquidoBazzini
2:09
Hey Brian....What happened with the financial dispute on Bud Dupree's franchise tag? Did I miss the info?....Or has it not been resolved?
Brian Batko
2:10
You didn't miss anything. There's been no resolution, as far as I know. Kevin Colbert usually gives a press conference of sorts at the start of camp, so perhaps we'll hear from him soon. Bud isn't on the upcoming guest list for Steelers interviews via Zoom.
Chris
2:11
Who would you say is the highest ranking female in the Steelers front office?  Thanks Brian.
Brian Batko
2:14
Hi, Chris. Front office is a pretty broad term that can encompass ticket sales, stadium operations, merchandising, etc., but from a football ops standpoint, the Steelers do not have any women in the "front office," as far as I know. Assuming you're talking about scouts and people of that nature.
Minkah
2:15
Did you happen to read any of the puff pieces about me lately? They make me out to be part Pope, and the rest Ronnie Lott. I am fairly special, but even I blushed a little at the adulation.
Brian Batko
2:16
You're an All-Pro now, Mr. Fitzpatrick. Get used to the adulation. But yes, I'll be eager to see you put together another stellar season before anointing you, be it as a Hall of Famer or religious leader.
Joe Momma
2:17
Just curious, but were coaches and staff given any “opt-out” options for this season? If so, have there been any who have opted out?
Brian Batko
2:17
Not that I know of, Joe.
2:18
And come to think of it, I don't think any NFL coaches have opted out. Some officials have.
Donna
2:18
Good afternoon Brian...I’ve been watching alot of movies in part, because of the pandemic.  Do you have a favorite football or sports movie or two?  Thank you.
Brian Batko
2:19
Hello, Donna. My Big 3 football films are Remember The Titans, Friday Night Lights and The Replacements. Last one more of a guilty pleasure, but I could probably watch it every day and not get sick of it. Off top of my head, my favorite non-football sports movie is Blue Chips.
Nitro
2:20
Hi Brain -- What is your take on Cam Heyward's comments about contract negotiations?  Do you think the two sides are further apart after hearing his comments?
Brian Batko
2:22
Yeah, unfortunately, I kind of do. It didn't sound promising at all. Maybe Cam is just trying to keep people from getting their hopes up, but if they were close, I think he might say that. Or at least not sound quite as resigned to the idea that a deal won't get done. But one thing about Cam, for as great a guy as he is, he doesn't take kindly to disrespect. He's taken offense in the past to people who overlook him as a pass-rusher, underestimate him as an athlete, etc.
Carl
2:24
Is Mark Malone still a radio sports analyst?  Thanks.
Brian Batko
2:25
Yuri
2:25
Hello Brian.  Any thoughts on the new MNF broadcasting team of Steve Levy Brian Griese and Louis Riddick?  I’m a Riddick fan.
Brian Batko
2:26
Me too, Yuri. I like Steve Levy, too. Can't say I'm all that familiar with Griese's work, or if I am, I don't recall. I'm not one of those people who get really annoyed with broadcast teams, so it doesn't move the meter for me too much, but I think it'll be fine.
Diamond Lil
2:26
Hi Brian...has Troy’s relationship with the Steelers improved or is it still chilly to say the least.  Thanks.
Brian Batko
2:28
It's probably not as warm as many fans would like, but I'd say it thaws out a bit with each passing year. Wouldn't ever expect him to be someone who puts himself back in the public eye in a big way, but I don't really think they'll grow any further apart as time goes by.
Kol Diamond
2:28
Has Bens spirial passes improved
Brian Batko
2:29
They look good on the videos the Steelers send out from camp. Ray Fittipaldo is there today for the Post-Gazette, so make sure to check the website in a little to see his thoughts from practice.
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