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Brian Batko's Steelers chat: 01.25.21
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ALB
2:42
Brian, watching the two games yesterday I couldn’t help thinking that the Steelers aren’t even close to the level of any of those four teams. They seem rather antiquated in comparison. Do you agree?
Brian Batko
2:43
I do, and I'd be lying if I said I didn't have the same though. Like, wow, even if the Steelers hadn't royally screwed up that game from the jump against the Browns, there was no way they'd be hanging with any of those four. The Chiefs, especially. Looks like they're playing a different sport sometimes.
Alaska Steeler
2:43
I seem to recall our back up Center didn't stink up the joint in Pouncey's absence this year.  Is he a viable long-term option, or just a warm body?
Brian Batko
2:44
I lean toward the latter, but hey, BJ Finney stuck around a while a a sixth man/occasional starter type. Perhaps JC Hassenauer can do the same. He's undersized, though, and was barely even a full time starter in college (I know, Alabama is a different beast).
VaSteelersFan
2:45
Hi Bats, is it unreasonable for me to expect a headline next year that says "Haskins surpasses Rudolph on QB depth chart"?
Brian Batko
2:47
No, I don't think so. Dwayne Haskins is still a talented guy. Immature? Maybe. Overdrafted? Probably. But if he can figure it out between the ears, he has a chance still. It's not like he committed a crime or anything.
Alan
2:47
Do you get the sense that the Steelers would draft a tackle, center, or RB in round 1, all other things being equal?
Brian Batko
2:48
All things are never equal, but of those three, I think they'd be most tempted to go RB. That's assuming Pouncey and Banner both return.
Picksixlisberger
2:49
Brian,        McDonald, Pouncy(considering) retired.  Conner, DuPree, AV, Hilton probably leaving via FA.  Shouldn’t the Steelers finish the cleansing and release Roethlisberger?  New OC. New Line Coach, why not a new beginning at QB also?  # 7 isn’t going to get any younger, start working out year round (like Brady).  Your thoughts? Ok
Brian Batko
2:50
I would. But I've said it once and I'll keep saying it, that's a lot easier for me to say from my couch - OK, recliner today - than it is for the Steelers to say from a building that Ben has been a huge part of for 17 years.
Salvador
2:50
Hello Brian, Thanks for your chats! Any word on OC/OL/TE/QB coach signings? when do you think those positions will be signed?
Brian Batko
2:51
Not sure how much we can glean from Alfredo Roberts being hired as TEs coach during this chat, but he has worked with Pep Hamilton multiple times, and Pep is a candidate for OC. I'd expect the staff to be complete by mid-February or so. That's about the time they hired Ike Hilliard last year: https://www.post-gazette.com/sports/steelers/2021/01/25/pittsburgh-ste...
2:52
One thing I'll add is that it does not make much sense to me to hire a TE coach, or any other offensive position, before your OC. But hey, what do I know?
Buffy
2:52
What was your reaction to the Haskins signing? I know it's low risk, but why would you bring in a QB with so many issues in such a short career?
Brian Batko
2:54
I get it. To me, if anything, it's a little easier to stomach him having his off-field problems in the span of two seasons. He's only 23, and it's not like he has a decade or so of documented character concerns. Maybe he can still grow up; he still has plenty of time to do so.
Rob
2:54
If it becomes apparent the Steelers 2021 roster won't be anywhere good enough to contend, could Ben walk away rather than go through a season like that? Or is he back to collect his $ regardless?
Brian Batko
2:56
My prediction is that he'll be back to collect his cash and finish out his contract, something he's repeatedly said he intends to do. Even if you go back four years, he told teammates he planned to play another three years, and that's exactly the span of the contract the Steelers signed him to. That's no coincidence, right? Also, there's enough young talent on this team regardless to talk yourself into the Steelers having a shot next year, I think.
The Dude
2:57
Ron’s article on Steelers not being a bust with Ben looking more and more accurate, no? Packers had Farve and Rodgers from 1992 to present and have 2 championships.
Brian Batko
2:58
Yeah, Dude, they've hardly been a "bust" in the Ben Roethlisberger days. Winning a Super Bowl is not easy! And they have two of them. Did it go as well as everyone would've hoped, especially after he won his second? No, it clearly did not. But as bleak as things seem now, I still think this era will age pretty well overall.
Billy Bell
2:58
Ben hit his expiration date and is like spoiled milk and needs to be helped out the door since he can’t find it.
Brian Batko
2:58
Sometimes milk is good for up to a week after the best-by date, though Billy.
daniel11
2:59
Hello Brian, With Vance and Pouncey retiring, what do you think Big Ben will do? If he does retire, do we roll with MR or trade for Stafford, Watson or Rogers?
Brian Batko
2:59
Already said I think he'll still be back, but if he hangs it up, I think they'd make a move at QB with those savings. Probably not someone on Stafford/Watson/Rogers level, but bringing in a veteran to compete with Mason Rudolph would be a wise move, in my opinion.
Jeff
3:00
They should pay you more to do more of these.  You seem to be the only one to enjoy them!
Brian Batko
3:00
Who said I enjoy them?
3:01
Just kidding. I love you all. But not enough to keep chatting past the usual hour. Gonna leave now, and Ray Fittipaldo will be on tomorrow. Thanks for reading!
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