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Brian Batko's Steelers chat: 10.05.20
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Brian Batko
1:53
Hi everyone, it's only 1:52 but looks like we have plenty of questions and we've gone eight days without a Steelers game, so why not start now? If you're on time, you're late, as I always (never) say.
Retire21
1:54
When does flex scheduling kick in? Last nights game was atrocious. Could the Steelers at Ravens new date be flexed? I think current game is Dallas at Philly.
Brian Batko
1:55
I believe it can begin Week 5. So, yeah, it's possible. Those NFC East games always seem to be hot tickets though, so even as bad as that division is right now, they might not move that game. Especially if the Cowboys and Eagles are battling it out for a playoff spot, which does have to go to at least one team from every division, after all.
D S Fischer
1:56
It seems to me the Steelers are getting the short end of the stick on the bye week move up. Since there are now two teams with covid issues what happens when a team falls victim to covid twice or three times forfiets?
Brian Batko
1:57
Patriots and Chiefs are turning up all negative tests, and their scheduled game is on, so not sure I'd classify either one as being a team majorly affected at this point. But hey, this is all very fluid and could very well change week to week. I do think that the NFL moving Steelers-Titans set a precedent that forfeits will be avoided at all costs.
Jeff
1:58
Hey BB thanks for the chats.  Is there a certain number of positive test that will delay a game weeks instead of a day.  Find it strange Pats are playing tonight yet we have to use bye week.  Do they have a number or is it case by case?
Brian Batko
1:59
Thanks, Jeff. I don't believe there's a set number. Seems like the Patriots' contact tracing and subsequent tests managed to meet the standard that allowed them to still travel to K.C., albeit in abbreviated fashion. Remember, too, that the Titans played a game (vs. Minnesota) after a coach tested positive the morning they were leaving for the airport. By the time they got back and tested again, they shut down the facility and sent everyone home.
Turk in MD
2:01
Hi Brian.  Hilton has been excellent so far this season.  Is it even a consideration of keeping Sutton over Hilton for slot CB next year?
Brian Batko
2:02
Yeah Turk, I think you still have to consider it. You also have to consider letting both of those guys walk as unrestricted free agents. There's only so much money to go around, and as good as Mike Hilton has been (this year and others) it might be a more replaceable position than, say, outside linebacker.
TP Ranger
2:03
It's still early, but it looks like the Ravens, Browns and even the Bengals all are going to be major challenges for the Steelers, especially with their now tougher schedule. Any change in your preseason won/loss prediction. I was thinking 10-6, and that might be the best case now, even with the NFC East teams seemingly way down.
Brian Batko
2:04
Ravens are as much of a challenge as I thought they'd be. Same for the Browns, actually - they have talent and a new coaching staff that might know what they're doing. As for the Bengals, I'm not putting them in that category yet, and I have no reason to believe they'll be able to upset the Steelers, who also 3-0, remember? If anything, the Eagles look worse than they did in the offseason on paper and so do the Cowboys. I was probably too low on the Steelers at 9-7.
Tom
2:05
Seem like the AFC is split between winners and losers?  Will Steelers face stiff competition for wild card even if there is an extra spot?
Brian Batko
2:08
Yes, at this point, it looks like it's almost a 50-50 split of good teams and bad teams in the Steelers' conference. But I still think the Texans can rebound from their rough start, though making the playoffs at 0-4 is a tough ask. The Patriots are more formidable than I thought they'd be when Brady left. I'd say there are 8 or 9 teams who are realistically playoff contenders.
VAsteelersfan
2:10
Good Afternoon BB . . . Do you think Snell has relegated himself to the #3 back with his fumbling issues?
Brian Batko
2:11
Possibly. Anthony McFarland helped himself too with the way he ran against the Texans. And then there's boring old James Conner, who's just over here averaging 5.6 yards per carry. It's only been three games, but the Benny Snell bandwagon has blown a tire.
Chaconutz
2:12
Are the Browns for real?!
Brian Batko
2:13
The talent is there. Kevin Stefanski seems to be doing a really nice job so far, too. He might FINALLY be the guy for them. But, just as things are looking up, Nick Chubb is headed to IR. Not good news, but could've been worse. Doesn't sound like he's done for the year. And less Chubb just means more Kareem Hunt, who's very good in his own right.
Guest
2:13
Hi Brian, thanks for the chat. What Steelers D member has to pick it up the most for us to get to the "elite" level? We've been very good, but not great thus far.
Brian Batko
2:17
Great question, Guest. I'll go with Minkah Fitzpatrick. If this front seven keeps it up against the run, teams will have no choice but to take shots downfield, which is where Fitzpatrick should have a chance to shine. The Steelers are only 10th so far this year in takeaway percentage, and while Fitzpatrick had eight himself last year, he doesn't have a takeaway since last year's win at Cincinnati in Week 12.
Carl
2:17
What’s your impression of Colquitt so far?  Thanks Brian.
Brian Batko
2:18
Not a huge upgrade over Jordan Berry. We'll see if he delivers in the clutch if called upon.
paul
2:19
Brian I really enjoy your live game chats! great job
Brian Batko
2:19
Thank you, Paul. Always good to have a reminder that these chats don't have to be all questions. You're always welcome to lavish me with praise.
AWB Tennessee
2:20
Any word on the timeline for Zach Banner's recovery? I know he's a free agent after this season, but I'd love to see him come back strong (hopefully still as a Pittsburgh Steeler)
Brian Batko
2:21
Not really. Zach's still his usual bubbly self on social media. He'll be doing an hour of radio each week with The PM Team on 93.7 The Fan, so perhaps he'll have some updates on Wednesdays.
Utah Jim
2:22
The run defense has been dominating while pass defense has been inconsistent. Are the scheming to stop the run and while leaving the secondary vulnerable?
Brian Batko
2:23
A lot of teams at every level of ball start with stopping the run. That's just football 101. Seemed like they were worried about Deshaun Watson's scrambling and escapability last week, at least in the first half. This team probably is more built to stop the run when you consider the strength of the D-line and having Vince Williams as one of your top 11, not to mention Mike Hilton, who's always been more of a run-stopper as a nickel.
Donna
2:25
Hi Brian.  If the Steelers take a quarterback in the draft, would you think that is a vote of no confidence in Mason?
Brian Batko
2:26
Pretty much, yes. I'd also take it as a sign that Ben Roethlisberger might be done after next season, too. I don't think it would be wise to use a pick on a QB in 2021, especially a high one. There likely will be plenty of roster holes elsewhere due to cap considerations, and you might need to do your best to find some instant contributors.
Yuri
2:28
Hello Brian.  Based on how the Steelers have played so far, what position would draft for next season.  Thank you.
Brian Batko
2:30
I'd probably go offense again, and call me crazy, but what about tight end? Vance McDonald and Eric Ebron are a good pairing now, but both the former is seeing his usage drop (may have lost a step) and the latter has never been accused of being an all-around TE. You could save money by cutting one or both while also finding your future at the position. Would also consider RB and OT.
Derrick
2:31
Do you know if there are any Pitt players that the Steelers are really high on or interested in in?
Brian Batko
2:33
No, but I know Mike Tomlin always has a front row seat to those guys, even in a COVID season. There's no shortage of NFL prospects on the defense, and the Steelers figure to be in the market for depth on that side of the ball in the 2021 draft. So, someone like Damar Hamlin or Paris Ford staying home? Wouldn't shock me to see them slotted to the Steelers in a mock at some point.
Nitro
2:34
Greetings Brian - Eagles OL decimated.  Put me down for 7 sacks for Sunday.  How do you think the Steelers attack the Eagles defense?
Brian Batko
2:36
Well, George Kittle just had 40.1 fantasy points for me against the Eagles D, so how about middle of the field? To the tight end(s)? Or JuJu? Plus, the Steelers have been able to run on teams, too, at least at certain points over the course of a game.
jim
2:36
Philly D looks tough, can our O-line protect Ben and get us the W? I'm not so sure.
Brian Batko
2:38
They protected well enough against J.J. Watt and the Texans. But yes, Eagles come into Heinz Field next week with a league-leading 17 sacks, a front led by Fletcher Cox, Derek Barnett and old friend Javon Hargrave. It'll be another challenge for an offensive line, another step up from the likes of NYG, DEN and HOU.
Tina
2:38
Hi Brian.  Have you watched Bradshaw‘a new tv show?
Brian Batko
2:38
I haven't seen a millisecond of it, Tina, but thanks for asking.
Jeff
2:39
I usually get slapped on this question but you may see it differently.  say we get close to the SB or even win it, do the rooneys go back to Ben to restructure a more cap friendly deal and how would that work?  yes, i am one that thinks Ben should have taken a home town discount.  I am all for taking money for you and kids to live a nice life, but his kids grandkids?  Do you agree?
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