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Brian Batko's Steelers chat: 09.03.19
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batko fan
2:00
Hey Batko, I'm surprised holton has Practice Squad eligibility. Have they changed the rules on that?
Brian Batko
2:01
Not that I'm aware. As far as I can tell, Johnny Holton has "accrued" two seasons of the NFL and spent most of last year on the practice squad in Oakland. But yes, at 28, I imagine he's one of the older practice squad guys out there. I'm sure he's happy to collect the paycheck.
Guest
2:01
What's the dealio with Sutton Smith? Surprised he didn't get signed or is he maybe interested in getting on a PS that isn't PGH?
Brian Batko
2:02
By all accounts, Smith enjoyed and appreciated his time here, injury issues notwithstanding. I am surprised that no one else has picked him up yet, but hey, those 31 other teams have 30-some guys with whom they spent months getting to know, trying to develop and evaluating, as the Steelers did with Smith.
Eric Carr
2:03
Brian, what to you was the most surprising cut?
Brian Batko
2:03
Probably Eli Rogers. Big vote of confidence for Ryan Switzer and, to a slightly lesser extent, Diontae Johnson. But none of the cuts were shocking.
Jud
2:04
who do you feel will be team MVP this year?
Brian Batko
2:05
With a new-look cast of pass-catchers, I'll say Ben Roethlisberger still has a very good season and for that reason gets the nod. Of course, he's like LeBron James as MVP in the NBA or Bill Belichick with the coach of the year award. Ben could probably get team MVP every year.
Eric Carr
2:05
Do you think it was the right decision to keep a 9th OL, Johnson, over Holton?
Brian Batko
2:06
Yes, but I think finding a spot for Diontae Spencer would've been a better decision. Whether that spot came from the OL, or LBs, or QBs, I thought he had value, especially as a return specialist. Denver might've validated my thoughts on that by signing him right after the Steelers cut him.
Richard
2:07
It would appear that none of the TE's available from other team rosters has caught the Steeler's attention.  Do you still see a chance someone will be added?
Brian Batko
2:08
I suppose so, but maybe not in time for this week at New England. And after Week 1, everything pretty much goes into overdrive, so that's tough. Based on reports, Steelers must have thought Ricky Seals-Jones was gonna be their guy, but Cleveland got him.
Gravel
2:08
Hi Brian-  Do you see Holton staying on PS until there is an injury?  5 WRs for this offense with 1WR the return guy seems like a problem waiting to happen?
Brian Batko
2:09
Maybe an injury, maybe lackluster special teams play, either on coverage or in the kick return game. Holton certainly had some moments in the preseason, but did he really do anything against starting defenders? I still don't think he's a more useful contributor on offense than Switzer, Rogers and maybe even Spencer.
Matt F.
2:09
After Week 1, players with "vested veteran" status can be signed as free agents with less financial commitment from the team. I believe that's why the Steelers have yet to sign a veteran TE.
Brian Batko
2:11
Could be. The one I like the most is Luke Willson who got cut by Oakland. Or maybe Ross Travis, former Penn State basketball player cut by Colts.
Steve G
2:12
I think, like a lot of people, I hoped Sutton Smith would make the PS at least.  High energy guy. Small school.  David/Goliath, etc. Have we seen the last of him?
Brian Batko
2:12
In the NFL? My guess is no. With the Steelers? My guess is yes.
Richard
2:13
Has Hodges been picked up by anyone?
Brian Batko
2:14
NO. I keep hearing/seeing people saying that Devlin Hodges is headed to the XFL. That all started with Hodges "waving" at the XFL account on Twitter. He later clarified that he was not offered a job in that league, but that he just wanted to let them know he's interested. Hodges is a free agent. But sign me up for seeing him in the XFL.
Harold H.
2:15
With Ju Ju #1in most peoples’ eyes, in what order do you think the Steelers’ receivers have gained the confidence of #7 coming out of preseason and training camp?
Brian Batko
2:16
I think that order is very similar to the actual pecking order. It probably goes JuJu, Moncrief, Washington, Switzer, Johnson. Although, given that he's purely a slot guy, Switzer might have -- and might need to have -- Ben's "confidence" as much as anyone. Lots of intricacies to that position. Patriots have a guy who does it quite well.
Alan in Nashville
2:16
Hi Brian. I was a big proponent of Johnny Holton and surprised when they cut him and happy when they added him to the practice squad. My opinion though is for what he offers, I’m not sure he’s a practice squad development guy. I see him as a younger DHB that is probably a better pass catcher that could help out now. And it surprises me since they only kept 5 WR’s. Your thoughts?
Brian Batko
2:19
Good points, Alan. I mostly agree with you there. Not sure Johnny Holton would really be much of a hot commodity around the league.

Everyone, allow me a quick story about Alan, one of my favorite long-winded readers/chatters/emailers. A couple weeks ago, he sends me a couple long paragraphs to answer in my weekly mailbag. Only problem? There was no question! Not even at the end. So I wrote him back saying as much. To Alan's (hilarious) credit, he responded by basically saying, "You're right, I guess it's more just my comments. So, if I were to make it a question, I would just ask if you feel the same way?"

These are my readers!
2:20
Really though, we try to make it a very inclusive, engaging experience. Between these chats, the mailbag, and last week's Punt, Pass and Chat event, I think we're doing a good job. Now, back to business.
Ukraine
2:21
Hey man, I was recently reading a biography of Nestor Ivanovych Makhno, the Urkranian anarchist and revolutionary figure. I learned that his nickname was bat'ko. It made me think of you. Are you a fan of his and/or are you of Ukranian descent? Thanks!
Brian Batko
2:22
This is quite a revelation. I had no idea, but I just looked this up, and it's actually true that this, uh, anarchist dude had a nickname of bat'ko. Whatever that means. I consider myself more of a nihilist, and yes, I think I am Ukranian. Or Slovak. Or something. Thanks for enlightening me there.
is it you?
2:23
Jason Mackey insinuated in a recent chat that one of the Steelers reporters is a big fan of the band Train. They sing Drops of Jupiter and also Meet Virginia. My best guess is that you are the Train fan, cuz it can't be Gerry. Anyway, I'm not a fan, but do you have an album you'd suggest? They are kind of lame musicians in my humble opinion. Thanks!
Brian Batko
2:23
Why couldn't it be Ray Fittipaldo? It isn't me, but Meet Virginia is a banger.
K dot
2:23
Which player will get the most FF points for us this year?  got a draft coming up, and I always take someone from the team or should I go for the sleeper in the Defense.
Brian Batko
2:24
Probably JuJu. But I also like Ben as a QB you can get pretty late, from my experience.
:(
2:24
Meet Virginia is NOT A BANGER! C'mon, Batko!
Brian Batko
2:24
Yes, it is.
Jenny
2:25
Can we keep Hargrave after season if not done now? Seems unlikely .. what have you hear or thoughts Brian thanks
Brian Batko
2:26
Sure they can. Just because they aren't signing him now doesn't mean they'll definitely let him walk. As Mike Tomlin mentioned this morning, the Steelers still want to see more out of Hargrave, still want to see if he can "diversify" his game given how rarely-used traditional nose tackles are in 2019.
Guest
2:26
Who will start at the two safety spots on Sunday?
Brian Batko
2:27
My prediction is Terrell Edmunds and Sean Davis. I think 21 will be back from injury, but that's just a gut feeling.
NM Mike
2:27
Hi Brian, good job on the chats. All the talk about the Steelers pouring over the waiver wire to find "comfort" at the TE position...is it just possible the coaches who work with the players each day know better then fans and reporters? If Zach Gentry could contribute as he did in his first preseason  appearance, he could help the team this year. I see no reason he can't develop to be at least as productive as J.J. was. Thoughts?
Brian Batko
2:28
Thanks, Mike. It's not just possible, but guaranteed that they do. But that said, the other Mike - Tomlin - said himself just last Tuesday that he hadn't seen enough from his tight ends to that point. And I'm not sure Thursday night's game in Carolina changed that. Jury is still very much out on Xavier Grimble and, to your question, Zach Gentry.
Guest
2:28
Seeing Hines Ward wearing Jets gear as a Jets coach is hard to watch. Do you think he is "dead" to the Steelers fans now that he has gone on to work for another team? This is sad news for Steelers Nation, which is usually awesome man.
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