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Brian Batko's Steelers chat: 02.03.20
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Brian Batko
12:44
It's nice to say those things, but we all know how difficult it is to pitch a shutout in this era, and they know it too. But that's the mentality you want your defense to have.
Jeff
12:44
Thanks for the chats Brian.  Why the big desire to keep Dupree when 16MM can get you a couple offensive weapons to surround Ben.  even if Ben comes back 100% I don't believe we have the weapons to be considered a dangerous offense
Brian Batko
12:46
Sure thing, Jeff. Because Bud Dupree was productive, healthy and thus reliable for a highly successful defense in 2019. He did it against good teams, did it against bad teams, did it in the pass game, did it vs. the run. And having two dominant edge rushers is so critical in this scheme. We saw how the Steelers fared when Dupree wasn't that. Basically, you're paying to keep a status quo that you very pleased with, rather than venturing into the unknown. I'd say that's a hallmark of this organization in a lot of ways.
Ryno
12:47
Isnt it a good sign that at Ben's age, he was OVERthrowing his receivers than UNDERthrowing them?
Brian Batko
12:48
On one hand, sure, but not if he was straining to make those deep balls and that put too much wear and tear on the elbow. I'll say this much though, he still had plenty of zip on the ball last training camp and in preseason practices, from what I observed.
tom
12:48
Did you notice in replays that Garoppolo closed his eyes before any KC players even touched him? He's gun shy.
Brian Batko
12:49
I didn't, but I'm not a huge Jimmy Garoppolo guy, in general. You can probably win a Super Bowl with him, as evidenced by the 49ers getting so close last night, but I don't really see him as a difference-maker.
livinthedream
12:50
Brian, Your buddy Ray says it is likely the Steelers keep Vance Mc. If they do, how do they come up with the $s to tag Bud?
Brian Batko
12:51
Probably by cutting any combination of guys with back-loaded deals. Anthony Chickillo, Ramon Foster, Mark Barron the top three that fit that bill. I agree with Ray that Vance McDonald isn't going anywhere. Unless maybe they really go out and break the bank on a top tight end in free agency, but the market at that position is not what I would call encouraging.
Ralph
12:52
Have the Steelers  found a wide receiver coach yet?  How about a assistant offensive line coach?
Brian Batko
12:53
They continued to employ an offensive line coach last year after promoting Shaun Sarrett. It's Adrian Klemm, a former Patriots and Packers lineman who had last coached at UCLA.
Mike
12:53
Any chance in finding our next starting RB in this years draft?  JK Dobbins would look good in black and gold.
Brian Batko
12:55
Oh I think there's a good chance they would, if they go that route. As another chatter mentioned, what was looking like a monster RB draft class was weakened by a few studs opting to return to school. Clemson's Travis Etienne, Alabama's Najee Harris and OK State's Chuba Hubbard. Those first two were as good as any backs I saw in college this season and all Hubbard did was lead the country in rushing.
Roosevelt Nix
12:55
i wanna play fullback in the NFL
Brian Batko
12:56
For what it's worth, both teams on my TV screen last night were using a fullback at times. Maybe that'll help you out, Rosie.
Guest
12:57
What players on the current roster do you think will rework their contract to free up cap space? How much $ do you think we will free up? And lastly, will we free up enough to go out and get a in need position (OL/TE/RB) so we aren't forced to take a player in the draft based on position need? Thanks.
Brian Batko
12:59
Cam Heyward could get a new deal before becoming a FA next year, maybe his last big contract, and that'd be a chance to move some money around. But I still think most of the cap space will be freed up by making some tough cuts and moving on from some veterans, like the ones I mentioned above. Spending for an OL or TE in free agency is definitely a possibility, but RB would be a mistake, in my mind.
Daneo
12:59
You're 28 dude?
Brian Batko
12:59
At last check
Daneo
12:59
Do you even remember Bo Jackson Tecmo bowl?
Brian Batko
12:59
No, I was an NFL Blitz and then Madden kid,
Jordan
1:00
Good morning Brian...do you think the Steelers take TE Thaddeus Moss if available?
Brian Batko
1:00
He's from LSU. My boss and sports editor Tyler Batiste went to LSU. I say trade up for him if you have to.
dfischer
1:00
The Steelers are looking for a TE, MY suggestion Ross Dwelly of the 49ers. Watched him for 4 years at the University of San Diego, and last night in the super bowl. Would be a great addition to the team
Brian Batko
1:01
I'm going to Dwell on this for the next week. We're out of time today, but thanks for all the great ENGAGEMENT on the day after the big game. Full speed ahead with draft speculation, my friends!
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