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Brian Batko's Steelers chat: 07.19.21
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Brian Batko
2:44
Thank you for that, perhaps I'll listen to it later while I study more paradoxes.
ErnieHartnerMr.305LIT
2:45
Brian, thank you for having me back. BIGGEST CAMP BATTLE - Kendrick, Green, BJ Finney and JC Hassenauer. One bone, three dawgs - Who you got?
Brian Batko
2:45
You're welcome, Ernie. We almost didn't let you back in. I'd project the pecking order as Green, Finney, Hassenauer.
Buster
2:46
I worked at Saint Vincent College for 10 years, so I know firsthand how much the Steelers’ annual presence has meant to the college and the Latrobe area. Do you think they will ever return?
Brian Batko
2:48
I think they will, at least in some capacity, though times are changing everywhere across the league, not just here. The glory days of camp at Saint Vincent might never be what they once were, especially as the team gets more and more comfortable with holding camp at Heinz Field. Mike Tomlin indicated last month that he does see value in having practices in the same stadium where they play their games.
Geoffrey
2:49
Hi Brian!  It’s funny how I he national media bashed our offensive line last year; commenting how we couldn’t run the ball and Ben had to help them with quick releases.  Additionally, we had to take an early season bye week due to Covid-19 so of course we ran out of gas down the stretch.  We’ve added young and nasty pieces to replace our previously aged O-line.  I could see If they questioned their experience, but the constant narrative is our offensive line is terrible.  Can you comment on the hypocrisy?  Personally, I expect our offensive line and offense as a whole to be strong!
Brian Batko
2:51
Ehh, young and nasty isn't necessarily the same as young and good. It's fair to question what this OL will be in 2021. They made a lot of changes, but did they make a lot of upgrades? On-paper, it's impossible to say, given how little we've seen of Kevin Dotson, Zach Banner, Chuks Okorafor (at LT) and Kendrick Green. Trai Turner has never played a snap as a Steeler, and neither have most of the G/T backups. It's a leap of faith to expect what you're expecting, Geoffrey, but I do admire your optimismi.
Brian
2:52
Since so close to training camp Melvin Ingram signs today?
Brian Batko
2:55
If you're asking me to guess whether Ingram is a Steeler by the end of the day, I'll say no, but they do indeed seem serious about adding pass-rush help. And yes, time is of the essence, but they've made significant roster moves mid-camp before. Think Joe Haden, Vance McDonald, Brandon Boykin. Hey, wait a minute...
Bernard
2:56
Terrell Edmunds-  does he take a material step forward in performance this season or have we seen his best?  I personally think he's just not super talented, staff just reached on him in the draft b/c, frankly, they aren't very good a scouting college DBs.
Brian Batko
2:57
Kinda think we saw him improve last year and that Edmunds can play at this level for a little while. Basically, I don't see him taking a major step forward, to answer your question. It was better than his first couple seasons, no doubt. And if he can continue playing at that level, the defense should still be OK. But yes, in general, I'm with you - and I'd say the Steelers are, too, given that they didn't pick up his fifth-year option. He is what he is, so to speak. If you will.
Jack Splat
2:57
Hello!  I am optimistic that OL will play better than last year.  I think folks are either not talking about or underestimating the positive impact the new OL coach is having with this unit.
Brian Batko
2:58
Adrian Klemm seems to have the guys' attention, yes, and it sounds as if he's running a tough ship. I think I screwed up that phrase. But anyway, Klemm has never been a head OL coach at this level either. And the Steelers reportedly interviewed another candidate or two before opting to promote him. It was a bit of a strange hiring process at the time and he'll have his work cut out for him with so many unproven and inexperienced likely starters.
Cocoa Puffs
2:59
Has Ben given any indication on what his "next act" will be?  Broadcasting, coaching, etc?
Brian Batko
3:00
Not that I know of. I could see him getting out of the public eye for a while, though. He's been under the microscope for a loooooong time. His whole pro career, really.
3:01
OK everyone, time's up. If I couldn't get to your question, shoot me an email or a message on Twitter and maybe I can answer it in the mailbag. Have a nice week, camp is right around the corner, so we'll have plenty to talk and write about.
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