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Brian Batko's Steelers chat: 06.08.20
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Brian Batko
12:00
Hi everyone. I'm chatting with you live from Daddy Daycare at the Batko house, where my 4-month-old is upstairs sleeping ... for now. Let's get to your questions.
Picksixlisberger
12:01
Brian,                                                  In your opinion, what are the odds James Conner is a Steeler next year?
Brian Batko
12:01
I think it's very unlikely. I'll say 4.9 percent.
mrbig
12:03
Why does the "pony" formation come up year after year but we never see it in a game? Do any other teams use it?
Brian Batko
12:04
Because running backs are usually some of the most talented skill position players on a team and it's always intriguing to think about putting two of them on the field at the same time. But in practice, it's taking away the option for another true receiver, or a blocker, or a tight end who can do both. The Browns used it at times last year with Nick Chubb and Kareem Hunt.
Puddintain
12:06
Why don’t the Steelers try blocking punts more often?  Their special teams seem so predictable.
Brian Batko
12:08
They do try, Puddintain, but it's hard to blocks punts in the NFL. There were only 11 all of last season. And hey, people used to ask why the Steelers couldn't get any big returns in the punt game, and last year they did just that with Diontae Johnson in Arizona. Maybe they'll get on the board with a block this year. It's generally a pretty fluky occurrence, though.
Artie Bridge
12:10
Brian, who are the opening day running backs?
Brian Batko
12:11
I'm thinking James Conner, Jaylen Samuels, Benny Snell and Anthony McFarland. IF they can keep an extra one around for special teams, etc., my pick would be Kerrith Whyte. Trey Edmunds is a nice player and has been a great story, playing with his brother and all, but I think he'll get squeezed out for a roster spot in 2020.
Tom from VA
12:13
Good Afternoon Brian - One comment on people who like to look at a single game or action and make it someone's whole career.   Case in point Big Ben and his record in the Super Bowl(s) or vs. the Pats last year.  What did he do leading up to those Super Bowl appearances? Would the Steelers have even made it to the big game without him at the helm in the weeks and months up to the SB?  And how about the clutch plays during those games that put them over the top.  Stop nit picking and look at the total picture!  I appreciate the time and chats!
Brian Batko
12:14
Tom, I think most NFL and Steelers fans do look at the "total picture," as you say, with Ben Roethlisberger. But this is a Steelers chat in early June, so only the most hardcore of the hardcore are checking in for this one. The people who pick nits or feel strongly about certain issues. I'll be in Virginia later this month if you want to grab a cup of coffee and discuss.
Ralph
12:16
I like Anthony McFarland as a fast running back to change it up a little this year. Do you think he will be an option as a kick returner?
Brian Batko
12:17
Definitely. Especially since they had Kerrith Whyte handling that at the end of last year, and most reasonable minds envision McFarland supplanting Whyte. He wasn't used as a returner in college because he was too important to the offense as a runner and Maryland had some other good athletes, too. But from watching him with the ball in his hands, I could see that being his biggest area of impact as a rookie.
ALB
12:19
Hi, Brian. Have reporters been advised what their access will be to the facilities-based training camp?
Brian Batko
12:21
No, we're in the same boat as coaches and players right now. We don't know what policies or regulations will be in place for training camp, assuming there is one. Everyone and everything is really on a wait-and-see basis.
Donna
12:22
Brian, have any Steelers voiced reservations about playing without a vaccine?  Thank you.
Brian Batko
12:24
Not that I've seen. Given his medical history and fight with cancer, James Conner would perhaps be the most likely to have some hesitancy on that front, but he's been adamant about his stance that he's not concerned.
mrbig
12:25
great chats... I'm curious if you own a steelers jersey & if so, which player?
Brian Batko
12:27
Thanks mrbig. My most cherished possession right now in my closet is my Christian Kuntz jersey, No. 46.
James
12:28
Good morning Brian.  I’ve heard the Steelers have not started talks for an extension with Heyward.  Any reason why?  Thanks.
Brian Batko
12:29
Look around the NFL, James. It's not just the Steelers. There's not a lot of action right now because teams just aren't sure how to proceed in light of COVID-19. Will there be a season? Will it be shortened? Will there be fans? Will revenue and, by extension, the 2021 salary cap be affected? I think it's those questions that are giving the Steelers pause more so than any doubt about wanting to take care of Cam Heyward one more time.
Denise
12:30
Can you confirm that nfl mascots will not be permitted this coming season?  I hope you can because my family and I think the league is better off without them.
Brian Batko
12:31
I can neither confirm, nor deny, Denise. High-ranking officials would have my head if I divulged any sensitive information on this matter.
Yuri
12:31
I thought Larry Fitzgerald’s essay in the New York Times was excellent and thought provoking.  Your thoughts if you have had a chance to read it?
Brian Batko
12:32
Have not read that one yet, but I will. Gotta love Larry Fitz, who has the added gravitas of being the son of a journalist, which - much like pro athlete - is a hotly debated occupation these days.
12:33
And thank you for the suggestion, Yuri.
John Strange
12:33
If NFL games are played in empty stadiums does it make sense to still play the national anthem? If they don't will it look like the NFL is ducking the kneeling issue?
Brian Batko
12:33
That's an interesting point and one I hadn't really considered. Your best chat question in some time, John. Keep it up!
Buster
12:34
In your opinion, who is the greatest Pittsburgh athlete ever?  I’d say my top three candidates are  Clemente, Lemieux and Mean Joe, but there are certainly other possibilities.
Brian Batko
12:35
You really put me on the spot, Buster. Gut feeling off the top of my head is Roberto Clemente, especially if you factor in all the aspects of being a "great" athlete, in my view.
Moshe from Cleveland
12:36
Do you expect any significant roster changes to happen before the season starts For the Steelers
Brian Batko
12:37
No, not unless there's a major injury.
Paul
12:38
Hi Brian, when I watch an NFL game its my time to escape for 3 hours. Is it at all possible for players to leave politics and social issues out of it. Can't they use their platform outside the actual game to improve society? Am I asking for too much?
Brian Batko
12:40
To me, those two things are becoming more and more inseparable, the game and the platform it provides athletes. So, no, I don't think you're going to see player shying away from activism. If anything, the last week or two tells me you're going to see more of it. I sort of see where you're coming from, but asking for these guys to just be gladiators three hours a week for your own personal enjoyment doesn't sit right with me. So, yes, perhaps you are asking for too much.
Gene
12:40
Hi Brian in your opinion this year full stadiums, 25 percent full or empty stadiums?
Brian Batko
12:41
Well, Gene, that doesn't cover all options, so I'll take the field. The NFL reportedly released a memo today telling teams that players must be stationed at every other locker as a means for social distancing. So maybe 50 percent capacity stadiums is most likely?
seferg
12:41
Do you get the feeling that training camp will be back in Latrobe next year or too soon to tell?
Brian Batko
12:42
I think it will be. Art Rooney II's statement on the matter made sure to mention that they look forward to returning in 2021, which signals to me that the Steelers won't be the next team to permanently scrap on-location camps.
Stephen
12:43
Will the Steelers possibly appeal having to practice at their Southside facility as Pitt also practices there?  St. Vincent’s seems more logical based on health concerns.
Brian Batko
12:45
That is a valid point, that social distancing might actually be easier if the Steelers were, in a sense, "quarantined" on a college campus in a rural area. But it doesn't sound as if any appeals are in order, lest the Steelers likely would've just stayed silent on the topic. The other consideration is Saint Vincent is a private institution, and as much as they like having the Steelers there for a month or so in the summer, they'd probably rather be able to have students back on campus in the fall. Hosting a training camp might complicate that.
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