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Brian Batko's Steelers chat: 02.09.26
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Brian Batko
12:43
I've doubted Sam Darnold for far too long. And I got my comeuppance last night.
Steeltree
12:43
Brian looking at the teams that had the most success in the regular season and playoffs a couple of things stand out 1. You need a competent not necessarily great qb who makes a play when needed and otherwise doesn’t muck it up. 2 you need very good to great play both as receivers and runners out of your running backs. 3. A dominant defensive line along with competent db play is a must.  4 The O line has to sustain blocks on running plays to allow there’s to get to the second level or corner -pass blocking doesn't need to be elite but just don’t get the qb sacked 7 times 5 QB needs to be able to navigate the pocket but doesn’t have to be an elite runner.  Given that how far away are the Steelers from the Seahawks
Brian Batko
12:46
Well let's just go point by point. 1. Aaron Rodgers probably checks that box (but I think you're overlooking that if have a competent but not necessarily great QB, you need better than competent offensive scheme/play-calling). 2. Jaylen Warren and Kenny Gainwell are very good but maybe a slight step down from the way Super Bowl MVP Walker played last night. 3. More work to be done on both accounts. 4. More work to be done.
Sunner in Orlando from Lebo
12:46
Reports are that Rodgers may be coming back. I'm torn on this issue as he will not get the Steelers to the Super Bowl, and he is not a long-term solution. However, besides Malik Willis, there are no other feasible options nor prospects in the draft at QB. What have you heard about Rodgers or Willis and who would you want?
Brian Batko
12:48
From what I've heard, it became clear at some point late last year Rodgers might want to return. Maybe even earlier. But if it were my call, I'd take a bigger swing - such as Willis, yes. We've been saying/writing for YEARS now the Steelers need to "figure out" a plan at QB. I just don't see how running it back with Rodgers helps much with that. At least someone like Willis gives you a reasonable chance to figure it out.
12:49
(to be fair, my logic with Justin Fields was similar, and we saw how he fared with the Jets ... though I could fall back on the plausible deniability that he would've been a much better fit with the Steelers and Arthur Smith, but I digress)
J D
12:49
Brian, do you have any information on Mike McCarthy's success in the draft or his player development of late rounders who turned into starters?
Brian Batko
12:51
Just looking back at some of his recent years with the Cowboys, CeeDee Lamb was the first pick they made under him. Good player! Center Tyler Biadasz in that same draft has been a fourth-round success story, albeit no longer in Dallas. Tight ends Jake Ferguson and Luke Schoonmaker have been solid, and neither were top-50 picks.
JeffB
12:51
Good day Mr Batko. Is all the talk about Aaron Rodgers returning a real issue with the team or is it a talking point for fans at this point of the year? I respect AR's legacy, but at this point, wouldn't a change be best? Is Will Howard really an option? I mean Steelers protected himand kept him on roster for a reason I'd assume- and 3rd string Qbs are ususally notthat difficult to obtain.
Brian Batko
12:53
Don't call me Mr, Mr. The whole world calls me Bats (not really, but they definitely don't call me Hank). Anyway, I actually think it's an issue with the team in a different way. I get the sense that most players who are coming back would prefer to play with Rodgers again. But sometimes that's where the suits need to step in and bring a different perspective that could be better for the overall health of the franchise.
Arthur not Art
12:54
Brian, hope you had a good weekend and that things will work out with the on-going negotiations. The SB either showcased 2 great defenses or 2 very good defenses and 2 average/below average offenses. Assuming its the former, what do you think they need on defense to get this defense to a championship level D?
Brian Batko
12:55
Thanks, Arthur. I feel like the Steelers do need to revamp their scheme to some extent, but more disruption up front is always key to any defense working. Macdonald seems to have a knack for knowing what to dial up and when. That nickel blitz early in the game from Devon Witherspoon, for example.
Ryan
12:55
brian with football season over and the new staff in place except for a tight end coach what will be the first move resign a player like Pierre or Samuel jr
Brian Batko
12:55
First move will probably be cutting someone
Manjo
12:55
It's been almost a month since Tomlin stepped down.  Is he still unemployed?  Prior to this, many media folks thought he would have another job within days of being fired.  I say fired as he was essentially fired by the Steelers fans.
Brian Batko
12:56
He is unemployed, yes. I don't know what's next for Mike Tomlin, but I've just always gotten the vibe from him that he's too action-oriented to sit around doing nothing for long. And yes, I realize that kind of sounded like Mike Tomlin answering a question about himself.
Retire21.
12:57
Seems like the NFC with Seattle, Rams and Eagles are clearly superior to AFC. Thoughts?
Brian Batko
12:58
I look at it as the NFC has better rosters top to bottom and the AFC has better QBs. But that raises the question of how much it can actually hurt a team to have so much cap space tied up in franchise QBs. Bottom line, though, I'm not gonna be counting out Josh Allen, Lamar Jackson or Justin Herbert anytime soon. We'll see how Patrick Mahomes returns from the major knee injury.
Mark from Cali
12:59
Hi Bats. Thank you for the chats. With a new coach, how does bringing back Rodgers help move us forward instead of sideways. I am not sure he is able to move in the pocket as he once did, which would limit the play calling. He also seemed, from the eye test, to struggle a little under pressure. Thanks.
Brian Batko
12:59
There's always the potential that he's simply better-suited for McCarthy's offense (especially with their history) than Arthur Smith's, but I hear ya, Mark.
Chippewa Paul
12:59
Brian…hope you are going to be able to take a vacation break of some kind after this trying season.
Brian Batko
1:00
Good looking out, Paul. Yes, I will be on vacation next week, so don't sit around waiting for the chat. I'll be like Matt Damon at the end of Good Will Hunting. Or is it Good Will Dunkin? Thanks for chatting today everyone, your energy and desire to talk Steelers - even in early February the day the NFL season ends - never ceases to amaze.
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