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Brian Batko's Steelers chat: 06.03.24
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Brian Batko
2:27
The recently aforementioned Beanie Bishop, UDFA out of WVU, has impressed me at times as he makes the move from outside corner in college to inside in the pros. I like what I've seen from Quez Watkins. And Keeanu Benton looks like he's in for a breakout season in Year 2. Just to name a few.
Steel Town D
2:27
Based on the Steelers personnel on offense right now; what prevents Defenses from going heavy in the box, while double shading Pickens and effectively shutting us down?
Brian Batko
2:28
Maybe Roman Wilson, Quez Watkins or Calvin Austin III will run by someone and take the top off the defense. Pat Freiermuth can be a matchup problem, too smooth for linebackers and too physical for safeties. And who knows, maybe they finally have the pieces in place up front to "run it anyway" as Najee Harris advocated for in the wake of the Bills loss https://www.post-gazette.com/sports/steelers/2024/01/15/najee-harris-s...
Butch
2:30
Is there a more arrogant coach in the NFL than Tomlin?  Everyone sees it in his interviews.  I have personally seen it first hand.  Does DR not care of the image Tomlin throws on the Steeler regime?
Brian Batko
2:32
I can't necessarily defend his demeanor behind the podium. Some days are better than others. But I wouldn't say everyone agrees with you that he comes off arrogant in his dealings with media. A lot of people love his turns of phrase, his "We do not care" brevity at times and his mic'd up moments on the sideline. Plus you rarely hear a bad word about him from players..
Ray/OC
2:32
Hi Brian: I don't understand the issue with Cam, he is almost 36 years old and is staying away from the team?  Cam smell the coffee, most teams would have cut him or at least made him take a pay cut, Ben did.  Cam is a good man a good Steeler, not HOF.  Take the money act like a Captain, have a good year, or get on with your life's work.. Your take? Thx
Brian Batko
2:33
My take is it's not quite that cut-and-dried, but yes, I'm surprised by this offseason twist. I've said and written that it probably boils down to a player wanting to be rewarded for what he's done for most of his career and what he's meant to the franchise, versus a front office trying to project what a player WILL be worth and how that fits into the overall blueprint of the roster for 2025 and beyond. That's the biz.
Gene
2:33
Do you think Washington will be more involved in the passing game this year or is he strictly a blocking TE?
Brian Batko
2:33
Leaning toward the latter, Gene-O
A. Roy
2:34
Morning Brian. I'm still perplexed about the Johnson/Jackson trade. I'm bothered that Mr. Rooney, Omar and Tomlin couldn't sit down with Johnson as professionals and fix the issues. I realize a team does not want distractions on and off the field, but losing Johnson for a player that was going to be released anyways seems like a bad transaction. As we all know, the WR room is very thin, and if Tomlin/Omar really liked Jackson, it seems they could have picked him up without losing Johnson.
Brian Batko
2:36
Either it was an "irreconcilable differences" type of deal, or they simply didn't think he was worth a $10 million cap hit this year, or some of both. I'm not down on that move from their perspective. Especially given that they re-worked Jackson's deal.
Leemarvinwannab
2:36
if MT couldn't win with the Killer B's, a great offense line, and a good defense. What makes anyone think he can win now?
Brian Batko
2:37
He won a lot with them, just couldn't get over the hump.
the real guest
2:37
Brian, Years ago I saw a cartoon depicting a not too bright bank robber who held the gun to his own head and told the teller, "give me the money or I will shoot". Cam's "negotiations"remind me of that cartoon. "give me an extension or I will void my 16mil contract." Hmmmmmm
Brian Batko
2:39
Nah, that's not gonna happen. He'll report when it's time. Only question is if they get something done and if not, does it lead to acrimony after the season (and potentially a new team for 97). Say what you will about Cam's maneuvering here, but I simply can't see him being a guy who gives anything less than 200% in between the lines when the time comes. Sounds like a funny cartoon, though.
Paul B
2:39
Howdy BB --Seems like Fields is a much more natural back up for Wilson than Pickett would have been. What do you think the odds are that the Steelers would have brought in Fields as a Wilson back up even if Pickett hadn't imploded?
Brian Batko
2:40
Probably pretty low because of a lack of desire for Fields to come here combined with what the Steelers would've given the Bears, but that doesn't mean they aren't pleased with the way it all worked out for them. Something tells me a lot of teams around the league would prefer Fields to Pickett at this stage of their careers, all things being equal.
DanikanZ
2:42
What’s the status of MT’s contract? Do you expect a signed extension before camp?
Brian Batko
2:42
One year left and yeah, probably. 'Tis tradition.
Takoma Tom
2:43
Since Justin Jefferson is now getting $35M a year is it safe to say the Steelers will be not be trading for any of the 49ers WR?
Brian Batko
2:43
I wouldn't wager on it, no
JT LAMBERT
2:44
If the Steelers can't find an upgrade at reciever, do you see them signing one of the free agent corners still available? Thanks for doing such fine work Mr. Bats
Brian Batko
2:44
Step by step, they'll put the finishing touches on this roster. And thank you, JT
Barry H
2:44
If one of the QBs emerges as a long or mid term answer will the team break tradition and negotiate during the season? Once a Ufa they can always walk and for whatever reason not even talk to most recent team. if not what is the plan.
Brian Batko
2:46
That's a good question. I believe Omar Khan was asked when he took over as GM if he'd change any of those organizational principles and he essentially said no, nothing that noticeable from the outside. But I have to believe if we're living in a reality where Russell Wilson is playing like an All-Pro again or Justin Fields has put it all together in a new environment, you might have to get ahead of free agency if you're the Steelers. Don't let precedent ruin a good thing.
Coaching Woes
2:46
While I think the talent level has decreased each year on the team, I think the level of coaching has declined more rapidly.  The assistants are low level guys under Tomlin.  The coach himself seems very lackadaisical and just a spectator.  Bradshaw had it right when he said Tomlin is more of a cheerleader than coach and team leader.  If Rooney refuses to change head coaches, how can any of this improve?
Brian Batko
2:48
More than Tomlin himself I think there's criticism to be levied at the Steelers for overall investment in the staff. It's well-documented that they have one of the smaller groups of coaches in the league and have for some time. But if there's a certain framework or budget to work within for coaches, then sure, it's on the head guy to identify talent and build his staff. I think they made a few good hires this offseason, particularly Arthur Smith and Tom Arth in two of the more high-profile offensive positions for any team.
Angelo
2:49
Really appreciate your chats !  great work. With all the talk of a QB competition , we must admit Fields 10 td,s in 3 yrs isnt competiton material. Blame the Bears all you want but We`ve seen many great QB`s like Stafford, or Phillips, play on lousy teams but still managed to put up great numbers. Personally i think if Wilson gets hurt the steelers are in big trouble.  . Whats your opinion on this matter?
Brian Batko
2:51
Thanks, Angelo. You meant to say 10 wins in three years, not 10 TDs. That'd be pretty bad. I think there's something to be said for finding ways to win games as a QB, but in this particular case, I also view the Bears as a truly dysfunctional organization that didn't do much right to help Fields win some more ballgames. No one's handing him the job here or anything, but he's got enough traits and has shown enough in the league to compete, no doubt.
BUCS 21
2:51
When everybody was saying the offensive needed to be better to win a playoff game while we had a defensive with Cam, TJ, Minkak. How much damage to the Steelers was caused by keeping Canada as the OC year after year? I belive we would have won at least one more game in Ben's last year with an different OC.
Brian Batko
2:52
Probably a decent setback there, yeah, but I was someone who liked the Canada hire initially so I can't say diddly poo more on the matter without being a hypocrite.
Yuri
2:52
Hello Brian.  With the Jaylen Waddle contract extension, do you think that takes the Steelers out of the running to obtain Aiyuk?  Thank you Brian.
Brian Batko
2:52
Hey Yur. I think it'd be a bit premature to invest that much in Brandon Aiyuk while you still have George Pickens on the roster. Just my two cents.
Greg
2:53
Following up with your new strength and conditioning staff idea ... I heard that some NFL teams fine players for doing bench press with a bar. Seeing as I just installed a home gym - with a bar - have you even heard of this?
Brian Batko
2:54
I have not. While I myself am a fan of the free press, don't let anyone deprive you of your bar benches, Greg. Especially me. I'm not a bodybuilder or elite athlete. Live your truth, man.
Jimmer
2:55
which sports did you play growing up?
Brian Batko
2:56
Basketball, baseball, soccer until they took away the orange slices
PghFNin Cali
2:56
Hi Brian. Any truth to the Steelers trading with a team for a WR? or is this all just pre camp noise?
Brian Batko
2:57
Omar Khan has his feelers out there, I'm sure, but it has to make sense. I never discount him finding a good deal, put it that way.
Arthur not Art
2:57
Brian, thank you for the time and chats.  Now that the dust has settled somewhat - comparing this QB room to the one they had last year, is there much difference? QB1 is probably a bit of an upgrade if Wilson's decline is less father time and more relationship/situation based, but QB2 is essentially the same (mobile, former Bears 1st Rnd QB that can't read defenses and throws interceptions) and QB3 is worse. As an aggregate, are we really looking at the same group as last year with the potential catalyst being an actual NFL caliber OC on board? While I don't disagree with trading KP after how he handled things, would they have been better off making him a hostage and still make the trade for Fields?
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