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Brian Batko's Steelers chat: 06.05.23
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Brian Batko
2:00
Hi everyone, no Monday chat last week because of Memorial Day but now I'm back. Let's talk about your favorite football team and whatnot.
Andrew in ATL
2:00
Hi Brian, Any interest from the Steelers in Deandre Hopkins? I think it would be a great fit for Kenny's strengths which is accuracy and throwing receivers open rather than arm strength. So DHop's lack of top end speed shouldn't be a huge issue here. Plus having the best combat catcher in the league would also complement what Dionte (route running) and Pickens (WR1 skills) offer and open the field for the TEs.
Brian Batko
2:02
You never know, especially with The Khan Artist at the controls, but I'd be surprised. I tend to think the Steelers made the Allen Robinson trade with every intention of him being their veteran WR in 2023. Even back then I'm sure they knew there was a chance Hopkins would come available if they were interested.
Ric1951
2:02
True or False: Matt Canada’s offensive takes a huge step forward and the Steelers return to the playoffs with a vengeance????
Brian Batko
2:03
Could be true, could be false. If I had to bet on it, I'd take "False."
The real guest
2:03
Brian, Is the Dotson article about Jones not starting this year fake news or just a really stupid opinion?
Brian Batko
2:05
It's not fake news, because Kevin Dotson did indeed say that on a podcast with former Steelers OL Derwin Gray. I watched and listened with my own eyes and ears. But I don't think it's that big of a deal, even if it is - let's call it a naive opinion. Dotson could've just said nothing on the topic, but if he was gonna say anything, of course he'll have allegiance to his buddy Dan Moore. He played with him and next to him the last two years. To me, it was more of an endorsement of his friend and teammate than a shot at Broderick Jones.
Jay
2:06
Hello Brian.  Do you think defensive coaches can still compete?  We seen recent years offensive coaches on the rise and Bill B, Tomlin, and Pete Carrol not doing as well as they did years ago.  Should the emphasis on offense be more prevalent?  Being mediocre with Canada is just not the answer.
Brian Batko
2:07
I think they can compete, but you better have a damn good offensive mind running that side of things as your OC. You won't go very far with a bad defense, either, but you raise a good point that we're more often seeing elite offenses be one step ahead of great defenses. The rules of the league probably lend itself to that these days.
Jim_Bow_Dean
2:08
Tomlin gets credit for his teams are always being competitive, but isn’t that true for just about every team? The league is so balanced it always comes down to the final week for just about everyone.
Brian Batko
2:10
No. Is there another NFL franchise out there that hasn't had a losing season since 2003 that I'm unaware of? There are plenty of criticisms one can make toward Mike Tomlin but I don't understand trying to downplay that streak.
Ed in Carrick
2:12
What is all this talk about Kendrick Green somehow making the team?  Silly people talking silly stuff.
Brian Batko
2:13
Well, you can't object on the basis of opportunity. He's working at center this spring and the Steelers badly need to find a backup center behind Mason Cole. Could it be Nate Herbig in the end? Sure. That would save a spot, in a sense. But it's at least giving Green a fighting chance to secure a role and hang around. Would've been even tougher as a guard-only guy, I reckon. Now, objecting on the basis of talent/ability/etc. ... I assume that's where you're coming from, Ed.
Paper Lion
2:14
To me it looks like the Steelers current 'fringe' players are of a higher caliber than in years recently passed... possibly a case of having more $ to spread around as no more major money in the QB?
Brian Batko
2:16
Yeah, I've been writing about that for a while. This is a deep, competitive roster that will be difficult to crack at several (important) spots. I'd say it's partially what you note and partially just a different philosophy from the new front office. And that's no knock on Kevin Colbert. It's just a fact that the further you slip from being relevant, the more emphasis there will and should be on upgrading your personnel from top to bottom.
Ken
2:18
There seems to be a rumor around town that Matt Canada's offensive playbook was put on eBay after it was stolen but no one was interested it in.
Brian Batko
2:18
Now there's a knee-slapper. Thank you, Ken.
Dave
2:18
I see all the reports on this Steelers team being "average," and I just have to laugh. Clearly, they weren't watching the progress of this team, and I look at it as extremely lazy journalism. The growth was extremely evident, from the coaching, to the O-line, to QB play, to the Running backs, and defense and the team was melding in a way reminiscent of the teams Cowher inherited when he first was hired. I think people sleeping on this team is a GREAT MOTIVATOR for them, and they are going to CRUSH expectations. Thoughts?
Brian Batko
2:20
Until they show me they're a lot better than average, I'm going to predict slightly above average. You know, like 9-8, 9-7-1, something along those lines.
Markie
2:20
Brian - Would Craig Mayer be a step up from what the Steelers currently have as their special teams coach?
Brian Batko
2:20
Who's Craig Mayer? John's brother?
LSU-Nate
2:21
With all of the talk about oversees games, when do the Steelers have their first game in Ireland? Next year? 2025? Do they make it a habit each year?
Brian Batko
2:24
I highly doubt they'd go there every year. Teams don't do that. Except for the Jags. But sure, it wouldn't shock me if they play a 2024 game in Ireland.
stud cantrell
2:25
Would Jaylen Warren be able to handle the running back position if Najee were to get nicked up, or if his foot issue resurfaces? Is better NFL quality depth needed at RB?
Brian Batko
2:26
Jaylen Warren would likely be the guy but I am a bit surprised how thin they are at RB. Unless they really like Anthony McFarland more than anyone suspects. I'd keep an eye on more competition being added there before or during camp, for sure.
John
2:28
Will Tomlin get a 2 year contract extension even if the Steelers finish last in the AFCN?
Brian Batko
2:29
I wouldn't think so. But if he signs one this offseason, as many expect, then there'd be no reason to do another next year anyway.
Bill Carson
2:31
When's the first day of Training Camp? Bats, I'm going stir crazy I tell you. Cmon man.
Brian Batko
2:31
Not sure yet, Bill. When I find out you'll be the first to know.
Omar
2:32
BB, I prefer The Khan Man to The Khan Artist. It’s edgier and plays better with the ladies, if you get my drift. Gracias.
Brian Batko
2:32
I do not get your drift!
Boogie James
2:32
Good afternoon Bats, I know you guys alway say there’s nothing really to see with football in shorts. So as a journalist covering the team what are your biggest take aways from OTA’s?
Brian Batko
2:34
You can still see guys making plays at certain positions, such as pass-catchers and DBs, which is why Cory Trice having a nice day Thursday was notable. But it's a "grain of salt" type of thing. It's better than not coming down with two interceptions in team periods.
STEEL72
2:36
Hey, Bats. Isaiah Simmons seems like a piece that could fit for the Steelers? The chatter seems to have died down about him. Do you think the front office might take a chance and, if so, what would he cost?
Brian Batko
2:38
Again, never say never with what we've seen from the Steelers lately and especially this regime. The Isaiah Simmons whom most draft prospects raved about coming out of Clemson could be a fit in any modern-day NFL defense. What would he cost? My guess is a mid-round pick at the very least.
Plumbster
2:40
I’m confused. Finished 9 and 8 in 22 with a rookie QB   Everyone saying they had weakness at OL and ILB that prevented them from being a playoff team. Now, 2nd year QB upgraded OL and ILB upgraded WR and TE positions with a weaker schedule and yet still a mediocre team. Makes no sense to me. Why do you feel that way?
Brian Batko
2:42
Because as much as I like that 2nd year QB, I think there's a decent chance he's still the fourth-best in his own division. And I'm not convinced the ILB and WR spots are upgraded. They might be, but as I said, I need to see it first to put my chips down on them. As fans, yinz can take the leap of faith. Doesn't grind my gears at all. As someone who just reports on the team at this point, I'm not there yet.
GM
2:43
I've been hearing about Trice's performance so far is this against 1st, 2nd or 3rd team?
Brian Batko
2:43
Of all the vet teammates who were discussing his play-making Thursday I don't believe any mentioned that it was with or against first-teamers.
CG
2:45
Hi Brian,  Are there any offseason topics that have not been discussed in your chats, besides why don't the Steelers have cheerleaders?
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