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Brian Batko's Steelers chat: 01.09.22
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Steeler in Virginia
11:43
I was feeling ok about how things played out yesterday until I saw Cam's comments questioning whether he'd be back next year and the depression set in. How concerned should I be, on a scale of 1-10, that the captain won't return next season?
Brian Batko
11:44
Like, 1.3, with the .3 representing his age being 33 and his 3 kids. Those are always factors to consider but he said something similar last year in the moments after losing at KC. He’s a guy who takes absolutely nothing for granted. But I’d be stunned if he doesn’t return.
Buster
11:45
Although no one liked to say the R word, if this was a rebuilding year it actually turned out to be a pretty good one. Do you agree?
Brian Batko
11:47
I guess that depends on what you want out of your rebuilding year. Some would say you should bottom-out and get a high pick. The 2022 Steelers didn’t do that. But they did fix some of what ailed them, both in 2021 and in the early stages of this past season.
Yates
11:47
Hi Brian.  Rank order draft needs and most likely position for a high profile free agent signing?  Thanks!
Brian Batko
11:50
Hmm. Off the top of my head, I’d go CB-DL-ILB-S-OL. Most likely for a splash signing? Probably corner.
Jacque Strap
11:50
B Money...most people seem to think Pickens was ready for a larger role in the offense, earlier in the season. I think the same about Connor Heyward. You could even say Freiermuth didn't get enough targets. I know they were dealing with developing a rookie QB, but my biggest complaint with OCMC is  underutilizing what he had available to him. Not really a question in here. I just thought the meatball could have helped more than he was used.
Brian Batko
11:50
Never seen a meatball jump like Connor Heyward did on that big catch yesterday. Might have to upgrade him to chicken parm.
Retire21
11:51
Any news on Freirmuth's injury?
Brian Batko
11:51
It’s not a torn ACL and won’t require surgery. Very good news.
Jake
11:52
What pupose was served keeping Rudolph on the team?  Unless there was no interest at all from other teams getting a draft pick would have made more sense.  Any thoughts?  Thanks.
Brian Batko
11:53
He was more valuable as a depth piece than anything that was offered for him, which for all we know was absolutely nothing.
SC Steeler
11:53
Good morning Brian.  Thanks for everything you've done to keep us Steelers fans informed during the season and for the work you will do to keep us in the loop during the offseason.  My question:  I just saw in The Athletic that Chicago will have the No. 1 overall draft pick in April.  Does that mean the Steelers will get the first pick in Round 2?  In other words did we we essentially trade Claypool for a late Round 1 pick?  That will give us 3 picks in the first 50 (17, 33, 49)
Brian Batko
11:53
You’re welcome. And that’s correct. The Steelers will have two of the first 32 picks. Doubt we’ll see that again anytime soon. Great trade.
Gregg
11:54
Way-too-early thoughts on the 2023 opponents?
Brian Batko
11:55
I know a trip to Vegas is always a win. Not on the field but in life.
stiller
11:55
Not enough credit is given to our offensive line coach. What a turnaround for that group. I think the carousel will stop with Pat.
Brian Batko
11:56
Also helped that they stayed healthy the entire season. But sure, I was skeptical of the Pat Meyer hire and he seemed to get the most out of them.
50 year Fan
11:56
Hi Brian, What surprised you this year with the Stillers? To the good or to the bad. Thanks. I enjoy the chats!
Brian Batko
11:59
Good question to end on. I was surprised by how soon they turned to Pickett. I was surprised by how the defense fell apart without TJ Watt. Those turned out to be two very key inflection points in this season when you look at their record with both guys in the lineup.
12:00
That'll do it for the chat today. Mike Tomlin will be walking into this room momentarily. Follow along on Twitter for updates if you're interested. Ray Fittipaldo will be in here tomorrow to keep breaking down the fallout from this season. Thanks for all the questions this week and every week.
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