You are viewing the chat in desktop mode. Click here to switch to mobile view.
X
Brian Batko's Steelers chat: 02.07.22
powered byJotCast
View Full Chat Next Page
Brian Batko
2:00
Good afternoon, everyone. It's Super Bowl week, but I'm sure you'll still have your hearts and minds on the Steelers offseason, so let's get into it.
Franco
2:01
Hello Brian, Thanks for the chats. In your humblest opinion, do you think the steelers will stick with Rudolph or go through the draft or a free agent at quarterback?
Brian Batko
2:02
Hi, Franco. In my humblest opinion, I do believe they will add another quarterback through one of those avenues. In my most bombastic opinion, they should trade for Russell Wilson or Aaron Rodgers.
Titan in Charlotte
2:03
Hi Brian, can the Steelers defense really upgrade fully without addressing its inside LBs? I don’t hear it being a priority and no way can anyone feel good about the current situation?
Brian Batko
2:04
That's a tricky spot because you've got so much invested in a guy who's still young and has had injury issues. But is Devin Bush really what you thought you were getting? So far, signs point to no. But even beyond him, you've got a veteran in Joe Schobert (high-priced but would he take a paycut to come back) and a second-year draft pick in Buddy Johnson who was a fourth-rounder. At some point the evaluations you've already made have to be trusted, right? It's not as if they don't have plenty of other positions of need this offseason.
Tommy Boy
2:05
Local media thinks there is no chance Munchak comes back to be steelers OL coach?   Why is that?    Also, Willis > Pickett, just sayin.   Neither will be there at 20 tho.
Brian Batko
2:06
Well, Mike Munchak did leave for the same job in Denver because of family considerations. I believe at least one child and grandchildren live there, so it's entirely possible - if not likely - that his mindset remains the same on that.
Jay Daven
2:07
Brian, I met Dan Rooney (one of the nicest persons I have ever met) at the Kentucky Derby in the late nineties and we talked at great length about the Steelers.  Is Art II as engaged about football as his father?  Has he made any major decisions since being the top dog?
Brian Batko
2:08
I won't pretend to know the answer to your first question because I never met Dan Rooney, but I can tell you Art II is engaged, no doubt. It's not at all uncommon to see him watching practice from field level, talking with HC and GM, etc. And yes, of course he's made major decisions, but he
2:09
is always sure to note that Mike Tomlin is in charge of things like the coaching staff, Kevin Colbert handles player acquisition, and so on and so forth. But of course he's the owner of the team and the one who's steering the ship, by and large.
Luca Brazzi
2:09
I think the Steelers sign a Marcus Mariota type AND draft a Howell, Corral, Pickett or Willis....whoever is available and based on their rankings. What say you???
Brian Batko
2:10
That it would surprise me if they go that heavy on QB additions. You could be right, but I just get the sense that adding one guy, be it a vet or a rookie, is the way they'll go. At least that's what I would do. A scenario like yours would mean the end for Mason Rudolph or Dwayne Haskins (not to mention Josh Dobbs).
Lloyd's 3-Count
2:11
Of the Steelers numerous free agents, which do you think are good candidates to come back?
Brian Batko
2:14
Ahkello Witherspoon, Montravius Adams, Miles Killebrew, Arthur Maulet, to name a few.
BostonArt
2:14
Hi Brian, thanks for the chat. So it appears we're going to be stuck with Canada's bleak, unimaginative, proven to fail, offensive system.  Any insight on why Tomlin's too stubborn to admit the mistake and correct it? Is it a possibility none of the top guys are interested in being the Steelers OC? (think I'd still prefer low tier guys to what we have - don't think you could get lower). Also - any word on new OL coach(es) and will they at least try to upgrade the WR coach - or is that more a talent issue than coaching issue?
Brian Batko
2:16
That's a lot of questions. I've said my piece on Matt Canada in past chats/mailbags, which hasn't changed since then. Boils down to this: While I wouldn't say he had a good debut, and you can't simply throw it out because of personnel, the Steelers seem to think he still has schemes that are not "proven to fail" and would like to see them implemented with some different pieces in place. And I agree with that. As for OL coaches, not sure, but there are only 32 of those jobs in the world and plenty of candidates would be interested (sitting assistant OL coaches, college guys, etc.)
Jay_in_Indy
2:17
Hello Brian.  What's best-case draft scenario... First round take BPA, with remaining picks build around Najee.  Steelers load up on Offensive Line with a Mike Munchak return?
Brian Batko
2:18
I'll look more closely at this in the next couple months, and the past couple years I've done a "best-case/worst-case" mock draft for the P-G. But a cursory thought on it is a scenario where QBs get pushed DOWN the draft board (unlikely, I know) and plenty of good OL available at No. 20, too.
Marc with a C
2:20
How much more does Austin get paid to be the figurehead of the Defense and potential scapegoat for Tomlin if things go wrong?
Brian Batko
2:22
Sheesh. Marc with a C and an ax to grind! I don't know, though. Perhaps Teryl Austin will have more input than Keith Butler on specific calls come gameday. Although Mike Tomlin usually declines to "peel back the curtain" on those operations.
Bernard
2:24
Better head coach, Mike Tomlin or Bruce Arians?
Brian Batko
2:25
In my humble opinion, I'd go with Mike Tomlin but it's extremely close.
Guest
2:27
i say wait a year or 2 before we draft a "franchise" quarterback if that's what it takes, if we go all in on the offensive and defensive lines and add some ilb help we can win alot of games with a strong running game, a dominant defense and a "capable" if not great quarterback.
Brian Batko
2:28
There's certainly some logic to that. Although many would argue neither Rudolph nor Haskins is a "capable" quarterback at this point, which would mean you'd still have to do something else at that position to win a lot of games this season.
Ryan
2:29
Good afternoon Brian what free agents comes back to us i think Spillane and Witherspoon
Brian Batko
2:29
I do think Robert Spillane will be back. Didn't even mention him earlier when discussing the ILBs and left him out of the free-agent question because he's a restricted free agent. Was just keeping it to unrestricted guys who will be free to hit the market.
Utah Jim
2:31
The OL free agent class is less than inspiring. Is it likely we could see two more rookies starting next year or will that force them to resign Okorafor or not release Banner?
Brian Batko
2:33
There's a chance they bring back Chuks Okorafor or Zach Banner, but probably would have to get either one on a bargain to justify that. Yeah, you could see one or more rookies starting again. They better be game-ready though, which would likely mean higher picks to get them.
Yates
2:34
Brian-  NO confirmed candidates interviewed yet for OL coach?    Are we past time for coaches to be relieved of their jobs?  Not asking about Canada as it appears we will suffer another year under his JV concepts. Asking if any chance another WR Coach is brought in?r
Brian Batko
2:35
I would think if any other assistants are out, we'd have seen that by now. Perhaps Mike Tomlin scanned the land for OL candidates down in Mobile, or they just keeping things close to the vest with that search.
Weegie
2:36
When's the last time a modern locker room has helped win championship? Do you think they can find a better slot receiver in FA?
Brian Batko
2:38
Ha, that comment from JuJu did come out of left field, didn't it? They can find a slot receiver in free agency or the draft, though JuJu is pretty good. Not sure he was a great fit for this offense though, considering how he was utilized before his injury. If that's all you want/need your slot to do, go get someone cheaper/younger to do it. Someone faster would help, too. Steelers need to add speed on offense, regardless of who's throwing the ball.
Tom
2:39
Brian, thanks for the chats. If you’re Rooney how happy are you with signing payroll checks for Ike Hilliard after the cluster of crap from Claypool and the hide and seek play of Washington. Do these 2 players honestly practice their craft before or after practice (ie like the 100 balls A Brown used to catch)?
Brian Batko
2:41
No one on this team has a pre/post-practice work ethic like Diontae Johnson and, actually, little-used backup Cody White. I would agree that Ike Hilliard's group hasn't really progressed as you'd hope under him the last couple years, but let's not forget how solid Chase Claypool was as a rookie second-round pick, and how Johnson took a step forward this season (for the most part). The people who make decisions on assistants' contracts might think the lack of development isn't for lack of effort on the position coach's part.
J$Money
2:42
Do you believe Chris Morgan went to the Bears because the Steelers told him they would pursue other options, namely Mike Munchak and Doug Marrone?
Brian Batko
2:43
Could be. Tomlin never said he'd definitely promote Morgan, just that he'd consider him as he does all internal options. Maybe that just fell through and they decided to go in a different direction.
Fort Wayne Nate
2:44
Hey, love your chats.
Do you think it's better to get veteran OL in Free agency since our OL is rather young and draft youth in the draft for DL?

Also, do you think we'll know about Tuitt and Alualu before Free agency starts the 2nd week of march?
Brian Batko
2:45
Thanks Nate. Never been to Fort Wayne but I hear it's nice. I'd rather use this draft to replenish the OL than the DL, but that's just me. Based on Art II's remarks, I think resolution on Stephon Tuitt will come before then. As for Tyson Alualu, given his own statements and those of others, I have no reason to believe he won't be back from his season-ending injury. Penciling him into a starting spot for 2022.
SteelerInNorCal
2:47
Hi Brian, does AR2s presence at the Senior Bowl practices have any significance and, if so, what do you think it means? As far as I know this is not the norm.
Brian Batko
2:48
Yes, I think it does, but I don't think it's a slam-dunk indication that they're going QB in Round 1. To me it just says that this year, more than any in almost two decades, the QB spot is open and everyone in the organization, even at the tip top, is taking that very seriously.
Connecting…