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Brian Batko's Steelers chat: 07.06.20
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Mercury
12:46
I disagree with your assertion that Ben is outside of the top ten. If he’s healthy you have Brees, Rodgers, Mahomes, Jackson, maybe still Brady. Maybe Wentz.  Who else is better than a healthy Ben?
Brian Batko
12:49
First of all, "if he's healthy" is a pretty significant caveat that must be factored into the discussion. You're forgetting Deshaun Watson and Russell Wilson, for sure. Ryan Tannehill might've been a one year wonder, but the advanced metrics loved him last season and he won, so maybe he just needed a change of scenery/new system. And then guys like Dak Prescott, Matt Ryan, Matt Stafford are probably right there on the fringe, as well.
Bob in Texas
12:50
Here is the solution to the National Anthem issue, courtesy of European soccer.  Play the anthem, everybody stands.  Moment of silence for COVID victims and medical personnel.  Then, players take a knee for a moment to support racial justice.  Then, play the game.  No need to force a choice between honoring your country and supporting racial justice.
Brian Batko
12:51
Thanks Bob, I'll pass it along.
CoalportKid
12:52
When someone scores, on TV, you often see a camera guy operating a large camera that appears to float. What is that? How does it appear to float?
Brian Batko
12:52
That's above my pay grade, but I do appreciate you adding some levity to the chat.
Dominic
12:53
Brian, at Saint Vincent, and correct me if I'm wrong, 3 football fields to practice on. Will the lack of space at Heinz field delay the younger players from getting the necessary reps? Or will they spread practice time out between groups?
Brian Batko
12:54
Mike Tomlin didn't seem too concerned about that last we spoke with him. He mentioned that Heinz Field has extra space around the actual field itself, so whereas at Saint Vincent you used one of the other fields for drills, you can probably just do that on the periphery now.
fline
12:55
Will Ben be fully recovered, if not will he still start the season?
Brian Batko
12:55
They certainly aren't going to run him out there if he's not 100 percent, if that's what you're asking. And everything appears to be on track with his recovery, yes.
Ben
12:57
If the nfl season can’t be completed, what would you do about draft order? Keeping in mind that Trevor Lawrence could be the equivalent of a winning powerball ticket . Thanks -
Brian Batko
12:58
I don't think you could just keep it exactly the same. Probably invoking some sort of lottery system like the other leagues would be best, factoring in 2019 results, 2020 results (if there are any) and where teams got to pick in the most recent draft.
Jeff
12:59
Dumb question but say the cap takes a major hit, like comes down 20%, do the players under contract still get paid the contract or would they too take a 20% hit?
Brian Batko
12:59
They'll still get paid. It'll be on the teams to manage that, which would be difficult for a lot of front offices and probably necessitate a bunch of tough decisions on high-priced vets.
Ryno
1:01
Do you see any realistic way out of the cap hit Ben will create next season?  It is a crippling figure the Steelers have kicked down the road.
Brian Batko
1:02
Sure, cut him. OK, maybe that's not realistic. But they could also extend him again and spread out that money over future years, even ones he might not end up playing.
Dominic
1:02
If I'm Daniel Snyder, I'd calculate all the costs including losses that will be required to change the team name and logo, then submit the the bill to those who want the name changed. When they meet my price, I'll change the name. Your thoughts?
Brian Batko
1:02
I think we're out of time. Thanks for all the questions, folks. Have a nice week.
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