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Brian Batko's Steelers chat: 10.14.19
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Brian Batko
12:00
Hi and welcome to the off week edition of our weekly Monday chat about the Steelers and other things, too. Our first one coming off a victory Sunday. Shall we begin?
mrbig
12:01
do you start mason after the bye?
Brian Batko
12:02
Yes. Duck Hodges is a fantastic story, got the job done last night and proved himself capable of starting for this team this season. But Mason Rudolph was playing well vs. Baltimore before his concussion. He was a third-round investment just last year. You still need to see what you have in him, and it's not like Hodges played much better, if at all. I'd be shocked if Rudolph isn't back in there.
574 Fan
12:02
All indications are that the depth chart at qb remains Rudolph 1, Duck 2. Do you think that there are any discussions within the staff at all about flipping that this week? I thought Rudolph met expectations when called on, but Duck got a win against a team that, even though they're 2-4, is far better than Cincy, and he did it (sort of) on the road.
Brian Batko
12:04
His poise and composure were the most encouraging things, to me. It's not as if he was making big-time throws. At some point, you still need to trust Mason Rudolph to be able to make some of those throws. But hey, good for Hodges in terms of what this does for him not only the rest of this season but maybe for his long-term prospects in this league. Just a few weeks ago we were under the impression that Paxton Lynch could eventually replace him on the active roster. So much for that.
Retire21
12:04
Looks like the Steelers will lose Hargrave to FA in '20. The success of the drafts lately make more losses likely down the line. You only get to retain 6 of the 9 from '17 and '18...Watt, JuJu, Sutton, Conner, Okarafo, Edmunds, Washington, Rudolph and Samuels. Who stays?
Brian Batko
12:06
To quote Mike Tomlin, I don't do hypotheticals

Just kidding

Of that group, if I can keep six, at this point I'd probably go with Watt, JuJu, Samuels, Conner, Rudolph, Sutton
livinthedream
12:07
Brian, Even with 13000 Steeler fans in attendance the Chargers can't fill a 27k seat stadium. What is going on in Chargersland?
Brian Batko
12:07
The Steelers have a national fan base. The Chargers barely have a local fan base. It's just the state of the haves and have-nots in this league when it comes to tradition, brand, etc. Keep in mind they haven't been there long and the Rams have been far more successful there.
Crazy
12:08
The majority, if not all, local media guys picked the Chargers and some seemed certain it would be a blow-out. We had lots of injured players but I'm assuming Duck at qb was a big part of the negative vibe. I thought Duck looked good in camp and had hoped he might become Ben's back-up.  Based on their performances, who do you think has run the offense better, Mason or Duck?  And, if you pick Duck, would you start him against Miami?
Brian Batko
12:09
I thought the Chargers would win, but that Duck would play just fine. In fact, probably about as well as he did play. But what I didn't envision was the Steelers run game finally breaking out the way it did and the defense wrecking the game early and often vs. Philip RIvers, Keenan Allen and company.
tHeFinGeR
12:09
any news on Tuitt and if it's a tear out not?  Artie acquitted himself well last night. what say you, Brian?
Brian Batko
12:10
Haven't seen any updates yet on Stephon Tuitt. And yeah, I thought Burns was solid. Played every snap. Eventually got beat late by Hunter Henry, but I thought the Chargers would have much more success against him, especially with Mike Williams healthy (or healthy-ish). Burns wasn't particularly noticeable, which for him and his NFL future (almost certainly elsewhere) is a great sign.
Erie Bill
12:11
Brian thanks for this forum. Look forward to it every week.  What is the status of the compensatory 3rd pick if the Steelers keep Montgrief on the roster for the rest of the year.
Brian Batko
12:12
You're welcome, Erie Bill. My wife went to Gannon, so, go GU. But anyway, all indications are that if Moncrief is cut by Week 10, the Steelers would get back a comp pick. Gerry Dulac wrote about this a couple weeks ago https://www.post-gazette.com/sports/steelers/2019/10/04/l-j-fort-relea...
AllanbTN
12:12
Cam Sutton looked like a star in coverage last night.  Do the Steelers view him as a starting caliber player?
Brian Batko
12:13
That's probably something they'll want to figure out over the course of these final 10 (or more?) games. Next year will be the final season of his rookie deal, along with TJ Watt, JuJu and James Conner. It could be a busy 2020 offseason for this team, and Sutton likely won't be a priority given that draft class, but he was very good last night. Only played half the snaps but a slot corner like him is valuable in the NFL these days.
rman
12:14
The Ram's home game had over 50% Forty Niner fans.  The Charger's home  game 80% Steeler fans.  Why was the NFL so desperate to locate there?
Brian Batko
12:14
It's L.A., it's Hollywood, La La Land, City of Stars, n'at. If you get a really good team to have success there consistently, the allure is obvious. I guess.
Ryan
12:15
Good afternoon Brian is there any update on Stephon Tuitt is he there today in the locker room to
Brian Batko
12:15
Steelers are off today, so we won't be in the locker room. They'll practice Tuesday and Wednesday, then enjoy the off week.
Javiermmori1971@gmail.com
12:15
Hello Brian. Im thinking Steelers may finish 8-8 or 9-7.Will that be enough to win division if we split with Ravens?Who do you think has tougher schedule Ravens or Steelers from here on out?
Brian Batko
12:18
Ravens have it tougher the rest of the way. Steelers-Ravens in Week 17 certainly could have major implications. But, obviously, the Steelers are still in a hole compared to the guys from Baltimore.
Roy
12:18
I agree Devin Bush is worth the first round pick , he is a play maker, but his size may be a factor when tackling one on one.  I've saw some missed tackles too.
Brian Batko
12:20
Yeah he had a few whiffs last night. But they came with the Steelers up pretty comfortable, and it seemed like he was trying to make the big play (again). I think his size is a bigger liability in coverage at times, but hey, he's balling lately. It's not like the fumble recovery or the pick were some incredible feats of athleticism or football IQ, but as his teammates keep saying, he just always seems to be around the ball. And his interception last week against the Ravens WAS a phenomenal display of body control and ball skills (even if he might've trapped it).
In Duck We Trust
12:21
Remember reading before the season that some PG writers predicted a 2-4 or 3-3 start but that Steelers would still win the division.  Know there's no Ben, as of now Duck is the starter, there's a myriad of injuries, etc. but will this defense carry and can this offense do just enough to get them to 10-6/11-5.  Think they'll need this for a PO birth or Div title.  Looking at schedule it's possible IMO but unlikely as would require them to play nearly perfect and be injury free.  Unfortunately, team could be 5-1 had they not hurt themselves with mistakes that just shouldn't happen.
Brian Batko
12:22
Yeah, I always thought they'd start slow based on the schedule, but figured they'd bounce back and be a fringe playoff team. I'm not ready to crown them after beating a reeling Chargers team. But they could still be in the mix to finish between 7-9 and 9-7. That might've been unthinkable a few weeks ago, right? People in this very chat were worried they were headed for a top-5 pick!
NickFromVA
12:22
Where do I buy SuperBowl tickets?
Brian Batko
12:22
Meet me under the West End bridge
KA
12:22
Am I the only one wondering how McCullers makes the team every year?
Brian Batko
12:22
No
Brian
12:23
Who is your favorite all time Shaler athlete ? Ken Karcher, JP Holtz, Guy Junker, Yuri Demetris, Dan Fortson, Dan Kite, Matt Stennett, Art Howe
Brian Batko
12:23
Current Clarion baseball standout Nick Fugh
Gravel
12:23
Why so few targets to the TE last few games?
Brian Batko
12:24
Vance McDonald coming off injury still might be limiting his involvement in the plan. Nick Vannett was always brought in to be more of an in-line blocker, and he seems to be doing a swell job of that. I wouldn't say this group is playing poorly.
DaveInCincy
12:25
Brian, after last nights game and injuries, the bye week came at the perfect time.
Brian Batko
12:25
I agree, Dave
LA Matt
12:25
It is hard to believe but, with a little bit of luck and a few less injuries, we actually could be 5 and 1 right now instead of 2-4. Considering the injuries, especially to our QB's, things could be far worse?
Brian Batko
12:25
Sure, but lots of teams can say the same thing and finding a way to win close games is something good teams do.
TXSteeler
12:25
Did anyone speak with Pouncey regarding the cause for all errant snaps last night?
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