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Brian Batko's Steelers chat: 02.17.20
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Brian Batko
12:02
Hi everyone. Slow news day in the Steelers world, eh? Let's hear those uestions.
'Double Divot Dewey
12:03
This 'Garrett Character' just can't seem to stop is revenge on MR......can't someone from the league office step in and do something to end this string of lies?  And while they are at it........punish the big 4-letter sports network from promoting this kind of stuff?  Enjoy the chats - THANK YOU!
Brian Batko
12:05
Yeah, this latest round of Myles Garrett-Mason Rudolph drama is just a lot to digest, DDD. I like to think I'm the type of person who always tries to see all sides of a situation, and at least attempt to put myself in the shoes of both parties. But to me, Garrett didn't have to go this route again. He's reinstated. The suspension is over. Why go back to that well again? And as Mike Tomlin said this morning, he and the Steelers basically were left no choice but to defend Mason Rudolph once again, three months later.
jake
12:08
Which FA would you like to see the Steelers go after that they could actually afford?
Brian Batko
12:10
Hey Jake. It's tough to really evaluate who's a realistic/affordable option without knowing what guys are willing to sign for and, obviously, how much cap space the Steelers might end up clearing. But assuming Javon Hargrave is gone, it might not be a bad idea to look into the DT market. Andrew Billings, monster nose tackle from Cincy, is unrestricted and only 24.
Jerry
12:11
I think Sean Davis is better than Edmunds. Your thoughts
Brian Batko
12:12
To this point in their careers, you won't get much push-back from me on that idea, Jerry. But here's the thing: Davis is a UFA, Terrell Edmunds is still on his rookie deal. It's not quite apples to apples. The Steelers saw enough in Edmunds to use a first-round pick on him, so they're certainly going to see through his development at SS.
Guest
12:13
I know Mike Tomlin spoke this morning to the issue of whether Mason Rudolph used a racial epithet, Conversely, doesn’t it speak volumes that Cleveland ownership and the GM have not come out in support of Myles Garrett’s assertions.  Myles seems to be out there on an island and the silence is deafening.
Brian Batko
12:15
You can tell how radioactive this whole deal has become. Lots of those involved don't want to touch it with a 10-foot pole. Browns brass, for one. On the Steelers side, I haven't seen/heard much from players lately. Can't imagine that would be a directive from on high, but yeah, it seems like everyone just wants this to go away - except for Myles Garrett.
steeler_george
12:17
ILB questions... Barron or VW?  I have read that the cost of waiving either is about the same. If they hose one to release, who is more easily replaced in the draft?  And who would you say Gilbert is a  back  up to? Barron, or VW?
Brian Batko
12:20
Right now, cutting Mark Barron would save a lot more than Vince Williams - millions more, according to overthecap.com. But it also depends whether the Steelers in 2020 are placing more value on run-stopping or pass-coverage in their ILBs.  A year ago, the latter seemed the obvious choice. But then you look at what teams like the Ravens, Patriots, 49ers have been able to do running the ball. As for Ulysees Gilbert, he's much more of a Barron type player. A speedy coverage LB.
Karl Mel Korn
12:21
Is AB trying to ease into the future retiring as a Steelers by making all goody goody and dreaming of sugar plums and gumdrops?
Brian Batko
12:23
Eh, I don't know if he really thinks of his future/legacy in those terms at this point. But hey, good luck to anyone trying to guess what Antonio Brown is thinking these days. Part of me really does think he's desperate to get back into the NFL and get back into it ASAP. But another part of me thinks that deep down, he knows that if he never plays again, he can always point to his nine-year production and claim he's the greatest ever, and would have all the records if he hadn't been unfairly black-balled.
SteelersTimJax
12:23
Being a Steelers fan in Jaguar country, I see what it's like to have a team that doesn't win much. When will Steelers fans understand what a blessing it is to have a team that is always in the playoff race? Since the 70's we have been up near the top every year with our worst years having at least 5 wins. And the "hated" Tomlin has never had a loosing season!
Brian Batko
12:25
I don't know, but you and your fellow Floridians will get a chance to see the Steelers in person this year. Shoutout to my late cousin Donald, who also lived in Jacksonville and had "JacksonBurgh" shirts made up for the Pittsburghers who ended up there. He was a huge Steelers fan himself.
livinthedream
12:26
Brian, Do you think Paul Richardson would have any imterest in a one year low ball contract to prove he can still be what he was (speedy WR)? If healthy he seems exactly what we need.
Brian Batko
12:27
He might, but I wouldn't. I've never thought he was that great, and can't imagine he'd be any more helpful than a Deon Cain as a deep threat type. It's already going to be difficult to make this roster as a receiver, especially if the Steelers draft another.
Coach15
12:27
How concerned r the Steelers on their current QB issue, with Ben possibly not being healthy, along with him being a large portion of the team's cap issues?
Brian Batko
12:28
That's always a concern, but Art Rooney II, Kevin Colbert and now as of this morning Mike Tomlin have all been glowing in their thoughts on Ben Roethlisberger's progress and outlook for next year. Their wagon has been hitched to him, anyway.
Mike
12:28
If the Steelers pick a WR in the draft do you think they will go for a speed type receiver or do you think they should look to sign a guy like Sammy Watkins if he is released?
Brian Batko
12:29
This is the perfect offseason to find a wideout in the draft rather than free agency. There are a lot of guys - big, small, fast, physical - who are good prospects in this draft.
Doyle37
12:29
Why do the Steelers carry a FB when they rarely use one ? Isn't this comparable to not having a true nose guard because the scheme doesn't call for one very often.
Brian Batko
12:30
It is. Both positions are pretty matchup-based nowadays. With fullbacks, you're at least getting special teams value. At this point, it seems to me the Steelers like Rosie Nix much more for his special teams than for how he can help offensively.
Mattyr
12:31
Asside from big bens health... what os most important for the steelers to make a rub to the playoffs.  Devin bush taking the next step or a run game?
Brian Batko
12:31
Run game, run game, run game. You could argue that the OL play, in general, is most important. I think you've got to hit at least a few bullet points before you get into defensive improvements.
Oregon is Steelers Country
12:31
Switzer or Cain....whos on the roster next year ?
Brian Batko
12:32
Maybe both, maybe neither wouldn't surprise me.
NYCJOHN
12:32
How do you think the running back room will look next year. Thanks!
Brian Batko
12:33
Is this my wife's Uncle John who lives in NYC? I think it will look pretty much the same. If the Steelers find a guy in the draft that they just can't pass on, then that's probably the end of Kerrith Whyte here.
OK friends, my apologies but a little shorter chat today. I've got to run. Have no fear though, you can talk again tomorrow with Ray Fittipaldo. Did that rhyme? See ya...
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