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Brian Batko's Steelers chat: 06.01.20
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Chuck from Michigan
12:47
Brian, Steelers have a vastly improved defense the last two years thanks to an influx of good talent.  Which defensive coaches that have contributed most to improve our defensive nucleus?
Brian Batko
12:48
Teryl Austin seemed to make a major difference in the secondary. Granted, the additions of Minkah Fitzpatrick and Steven Nelson probably made a bigger difference, but someone had to be coaching them up. So, credit to Austin as well as defensive backs coach Tom Bradley.
Donna
12:49
Brian, if a player does not want to play because of the virus, does he still get paid or would he forfeit his salary?  Thank you.
Brian Batko
12:50
I don't think that's going to happen, but if it did, would that be any different than a player not wanting to play because of concussion or injury concerns? Don't think it would fly with teams. I was talking to a sports psychologist about this recently, and he doesn't anticipate there being any sort of trepidation like that among high-level athletes who already put their body through a lot just to get to this point in their careers.
Tim
12:51
While the Steelers seem to unearth some gems in the later rounds of the draft such as AB and Keisel to name a few, who might qualify as their biggest busts or misses , in your opinion.
Brian Batko
12:53
In the later rounds? The majority of those picks don't pan out. But as far as in general, there have been plenty of first-round busts over the years. Tom Ricketts, Huey Richardson, Jamain Stephens, Troy Edwards, Artie Burns.
Jacque Strap
12:53
Hi Brian, no question, just wanted to say great article on Juju. And you have quite the beard going.
Brian Batko
12:54
Thanks, Jacque. Mrs. Batko is getting quite sick of it, but I told her that like Ben, I can't shave or even trim until I can throw an NFL pass again.
(Or for the first time?)
steelmann58
12:55
Hey Brian what positions do you the most competition for when they do have Camp
Brian Batko
12:56
Offensive line, specifically left guard and/or right tackle. But there figures to be some jockeying for playing time at WR, too, maybe even TE with Vance McDonald and now Ebron brought in. Defensively, it's all about inside linebacker and maybe that third spot on the D-line when they're in their 3-4.
Nate
12:58
Hi Brian, thanks for the chats!  I've read that Ben's cap hit for next year will be close to 40 million.  Have you heard anything?  I'm really worried about the type of team the Steelers will have, especially if the salary cap drops due to this pandemic.  Thanks!
Brian Batko
12:59
Yes, they essentially kicked the can down the road on Ben's contract in order to clear space for this year, as they usually do to make room under the cap. It's a bit of a risky move, yes, but let's be real. The Steelers are still trying to win it all, and are going to do just about everything they can to make that happen.
1:00
OK folks, sorry to cut it off here because we got into some good discussion, but I've got a conference call. I know that's pretty much the only way people are doing business still, but it makes me feel important to say that. Have a nice week if you can.
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