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Brian Batko's Steelers chat: 06.08.21
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Brian Batko
2:36
He looks the same as last year, but not much we can really glean from what they're doing right now in shorts.
AZSteel
2:36
Hi Bats, great chats. Are the Starting OT’s pretty much a lock with Chuks and Banner or can the rookie or another vet sneak in?
Brian Batko
2:37
I think those two are close to locks, given their experience (Okorafor) and contract (Banner). Suppose Joe Haeg would be the next man up, but ideally, you'd have Dan Moore Jr. establishing himself as that swing tackle from the get-go.
Tommy
2:38
29... Is there anything you want to ask me about the Steelers or life?
Brian Batko
2:38
Nope.
Guest
2:39
In your opinion will Washington be on the roster for the Steelers this season
Brian Batko
2:39
Yeah, I'd be surprised if he got cut. If anything, maybe you could trade him to a team that would use him in a larger role, though I'm not sure what kind of compensation you'd get in return.
ErnieHartnerMR305
2:41
I am flying up from Florida for the Raiders game, will vaccinations be required to enter Steelers games or will I be forced to watch the game from my favorite watering hole in Blawnox?
Brian Batko
2:41
Ernie I think I answered this for you in my mailbag a couple weeks ago https://www.post-gazette.com/sports/steelers/2021/05/27/pittsburgh-ste...
EV in Melbourne
2:42
Hello Brian, I understand that one needs Amazon Prime to watch Thursday night football next year; will there be, aside from NFL Sunday Ticket, any other instances where the NFL is only on a pay to watch basis?
Brian Batko
2:42
Not that I know of at this time, but you never say never with the NFL. From the language in their recent TV rights deal announcement, they're proud of venturing out into various platforms and, from their perspective, reaching a wider audience (even though it also eliminates many other viewers).
epiballo
2:44
I read an article on the Bleacher Report that Big Ben has really bad knees. While udnerstanding the wear and tear of 17 years in the NFL, do you know of any particular concern beyond this? Thanks!
Brian Batko
2:45
Apologies, epiballo, I believe you emailed me about this recently and I forgot to respond. Ben's been rather defensive about any reports that his body is breaking down in any way, as I imagine most 39-year-olds playing in the NFL might be. He mentioned last week that the surgically repaired elbow is still something he thinks about. Nothing said about any other limbs.
Dude
2:45
I was actually tempted to leave the Ravens out. Can’t see the Dolphins over them however. Maybe a blockbuster trade or a significant injury shakes things up.
Brian Batko
2:46
I'm not counting out the Ravens, no way. They lost a lot, especially on defense, but Lamar Jackson is just now entering his prime, the coaching staff is elite and they have a real identity on offense. To me, they're more likely to win the division than miss the playoffs.
OH Fan
2:47
What about bringing back Bill Cowher as GM?
Brian Batko
2:48
That's a new one. Sure, go for it. Won't happen, but it'd be interesting.
Tommy
2:48
You could perhaps see/glean if Claypool's  'hold hands up (too soon) & wait till ball touches to react' tendancy has changed... or would that be that part of the Steeler forboden info you can't report on?
Brian Batko
2:48
It's all forbidden, Tommy.
Steeler in Virginia
2:49
With the amount of quality WRs coming out in every draft, were you surprised to see Julio Jones go for a second and fourth? Or does that seem fair to you? I never thought a first should be on the table.
Brian Batko
2:50
No, I think that's fair. Probably a good deal for both sides. Falcons are rebuilding, added Kyle Pitts as a pass-catcher in the draft and likely want to see Calvin Ridley as their No. 1. And it's even more of a no-brainer for the Titans, who are clearly in a championship window and needed another playmaker. Will Julio take them over the top? I don't know, but it's gotta be at least a little nerve-wracking for Titans fans to pin all their hopes on Ryan Tannehill to not mess it up.
Bill in SF
2:51
Why are folks so fixated on Jesse James?  Are they remembering a different guy than the one who was mediocre here and even worse in Detroit, or is it just a Penn St. thing?
Brian Batko
2:51
I don't blame them when you consider how thin the TE position has been in recent years. But Freiermuth should be a younger, better alternative for years to come.
Jana
2:51
Can you give any insight as to why the team went away from Canada’s offense early last year???
Brian Batko
2:52
Not sure they were ever running "Canada's offense" -- I think they were utilizing certain concepts and plays here and there. Perhaps they continued to but just not as successfully, or they got bogged down in believing in the empty-set offense that worked well enough for a while. It's a good question and sets the stage for an intriguing story line with Canada, Roethlisberger, etc. Stay tund.
Tund? Tuned.
ErnHartnerMr305
2:53
I am so sick of this false narrative that Ben is fat. Can you comment on the look of his body frame at camp? While he may not be the most chizzled dude on the field, he has remained in excellent shape throughout his year. I am proud of his off season workout efforts.
Brian Batko
2:55
Can't comment on what we see at practice. But we can post photos. So here's one.
Jared Karbowsky
2:55
Also in the OLB space too. A Melvin Ingram or bringing back Chickillo
Brian Batko
2:56
You wanna bring back Anthony Chickillo? I think I'll take my chances with Quincy Roche and Cassius Marsh.
epiballo
2:56
Are you a fan of 'Impractical Jokers?'
Brian Batko
2:57
Yes. My wife's an even bigger fan so we went to see them live in Pittsburgh several years ago. Not as good as the show, but what is? It's a gift and a curse. The re-runs will always be enjoyable, but they had such a short window to capitalize on that idea before they became famous and unwitting strangers would know who they are before the pranks.
Jud
2:58
In your interactions with Highsmith, do you think he has the chops to be great like TJ, or will he always be the "other guy"?
Brian Batko
2:59
I don't think he'll come close to doing what Watt has done the past few years, but not many will. Just about every OLB in the league would be "the other guy" to TJ Watt. Nothing wrong with that, though. Bud Dupree was the other guy and just got five for 80 mil.
TPHunter
2:59
Is the NFL done with the color rush oufits? The Steelers look great, but isn't it time for the next throwback unis? I'm waiting for the Golden Triangle edition, circa the '60s.
Brian Batko
3:00
Admittedly, I don't know. Maybe this makes me a bad beat writer but I'm slacking in the jersey awareness department. Always up for a good new throwback, though. Heck, it doesn't even have to be good. I enjoyed the bumblebee jerseys as a novelty item in those years.
Dude
3:00
Don’t believe everything you read on the internet…….Abraham Lincoln
Brian Batko
3:01
But do believe the chat is over. Time for me to go get some work done. You've all been great. Thanks for joining us.
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