You are viewing the chat in desktop mode. Click here to switch to mobile view.
X
Brian Batko's Steelers chat: 07.30.19
powered byJotCast
View Full Chat Next Page
Brian Batko
2:02
Sorry I'm late, ladies and germs. Let's go!
Scott in Dallas
2:02
Good day Sir.
Do you anticipate the Steelers playing more Nickel & Dime to have Barron/Bush on the field at the same time to maximize their dynamic athleticism?
Brian Batko
2:04
*hat tip* Howdy, partner. As I wrote in this piece today on Mark Barron, the Steelers already played a decent amount of subpackages last year, per FootballOutsiders. That site had them in dime 36 percent of the time, third most in the NFL. But they played the eighth-highest percentage of snaps in their base 3-4. So, yeah, maybe they'll use the dime just as much (or more) and increase nickel usage given those two guys? Makes sense to me.
Jeff
2:04
I know a lot got blown out of proportion about bens lack of leadership but curious if you see a different Ben out there?  or since I believe this is your first year covering do you see Ben leading more (not saying that he never was a leader in the first place)
Brian Batko
2:05
It is indeed my first year, so can't really weigh in too much there. But I see a guy who's gregarious most of the time, constantly communicating and serious when he needs to be as far as talking ball with receivers, RBs, etc.
iowasteelersfan
2:06
Will Ola beat our Chick for the #3 OLB role this year?
Brian Batko
2:06
The guess here is yes
FloridaSteelers
2:06
Brian,  Do you think Artie Burns will make the team this year & does he look more focused in camp?
Brian Batko
2:07
I can't speak to more or less focused than last season or last training camp, but yeah, I think he'll make it. He's been streaky from what I've seen, but he gets a lot of reps and gets thrown at a lot. So did Steven Nelson last year in Kansas City. The thing about Burns is, you probably don't want him out there with regularity, but if something happened to Joe Haden or Nelson, then you might take the ups and downs of Burns over someone unproven like rookie Justin Layne or a fringe roster guy. If that makes sense.
Balz of Steel
2:07
Hi Brian, Haven't heard much news on Sutton Smith other than getting handled by Banner in practice. Is the hype train over?
Brian Batko
2:08
Yeah, don't think there's all that much going on with Smith. He still looks quick and bendy when he rushes, but not a camp standout thus far from what I've seen. Big reason he made some headlines in the spring was the experimentation with him at fullback. I don't believe he's done that yet in camp. As Mike Tomlin said yesterday, he hasn't gotten to the 'B' jobs yet. Everyone's still trying to nail down their day jobs.
Joe D
2:09
early pick for camp phenom?
Brian Batko
2:10
It is VERY early, and I'm not sure anyone has been at "phenom" level but I think Kameron Kelly continuing his strong play/first-team reps from spring is notable. I've liked what I've seen out of PJ Locke, too, though at the safety spot.
Ryan
2:10
How has Steven Nelson looked so far?
Brian Batko
2:11
Hasn't caught my eye all that much yet. It's not as if he's completely shutting down his side of the field or anything, but he looks fine.
'Double Divot Dewey
2:11
From what I've been hearing and reading there are a few bright spots coming out of camp so far, including Ola.............have you seen anything that tells you Ola will be this years break-out star for the Steelers?  I've heard nothing but outstanding reports on him.  Your thoughts - THANK YOU!
Brian Batko
2:13
The first practice I attended was yesterday, and from what I can tell, Ola Adeniyi's most eye-catching plays were over the weekend. He really does look the part, though. Even when I was sort of half-paying attention to the Steelers last year while covering Pitt, I thought he was legit. Maybe he'll be a guy who trends toward that "camp phenom" territory, but hey, he was pretty much there last year (preseason included).
John Strange
2:13
Talk about tone deaf. Did Tomlin have any reaction to Eli Rogers reporting to Steelers training camp in a semi? Did he like it?  Enjoy the circus?
Brian Batko
2:14
Tomlin wasn't asked about Eli Rogers' entrance on report day. I don't think it was that big a deal. More weird than anything. Wouldn't say it amounted to a distraction. Tomlin's response to any question of that nature would have been negligible, if you will.
Don from Youngstown
2:15
Hey Brian, I know it's early but give us your two biggest surprise players, one positive and one negative, thus far from camp. Thanks
Brian Batko
2:16
Sorry Don, not really ready to go there on anyone yet either way. I will say Diontae Johnson stood out to me yesterday. I thought it was the best he's looked since he's been here, spring included. But then again, Donte Moncrief and James Washington continue to make plays too
iowasteelersfan
2:16
Whats your prediction for the new stadium name if Heinz leaves as sponsor - My personal Fav is Steel City Stadium
Brian Batko
2:16
Batko Coliseum
Ryan
2:17
How have Dobbs and Rudolph looked so far in camp? Is one looking better than the other?
Brian Batko
2:17
I've been more impressed with Mason Rudolph thus far.
Paul in NY
2:18
Obviously not having AB around is a big blow to the offense. But a case could be made that the depth at WR is better than recent years. JuJu, Moncrief, Washington, Johnson, Rogers, Switzer, etc. Would you agree that the depth is stronger?
Brian Batko
2:19
Possibly. I need to see a lot more out of Johnson and Washington though, and probably even Switzer at this point. Lots of folks are buying Moncrief, but it would be something of a caree resurgence for him. Not sure how much of a factor Rogers will ened up being.
Steeltowntim@aol.com
2:20
Brian, Looks like they are freeing up cap space. who is first, Haden, Hargrave or Davis?
Brian Batko
2:20
Haden to me. He's the most significant of the three, and just from reading between the lines, he seemed fairly relaxed/confident on report day when asked about it.
Eric Carr
2:21
with the restructuring of Tuitt's contract, do you sense a move is imminent and if so, what position? Or possibly just done to create room for future use for an acquisition or extension?
Brian Batko
2:22
I'm thinking the latter, an extension for one of those guys entering their final year. I mean, maybe they go out and get a tight end, but I think this roster is pretty much set.
ALB
2:22
Brian, from talking to people who have been around the Steelers for awhile is there anyone who Troy is very close  to who might mend the fences between him and the organization?
Brian Batko
2:24
Not sure, but on another Polamalu note, his cousin Blake Sabol was at practice yesterday. Sabol is buddies with JuJu from USC and is a Pirates draft pick in the most recent draft. He had a few other draftees with him, Jared Triolo, Matt Gorski and Butler (Pa.) native Nick Patten. They're all playing at Class A Morgantown and had the day off.
Greg
2:25
Would you always keep the best 53 based solely on talent, or would you factor who could get taken away? I’ll bet Trey Edmonds, Askew-Henry, Buggs or Griffey could get stashed on the practice squad for a year but not Sutton Smith, for example.
Brian Batko
2:26
I'd try to find the right balance, of course. Maybe you can afford one or two spots like that, but at a certain point, you have to play for now. Especially a team in the situation like the Steelers.
Paul in NY
2:26
I keep hearing about the lack of depth at safety. Do you think the Steelers might utilize Barron in that capacity if a injury were to occur to Edmunds or Davis?
Brian Batko
2:27
I don't. It's been years now since he played there, and after chatting with him yesterday, he didn't mention anything like that.
Steeler in Virginia
2:27
Does the first few days of camp make you feel more concerned or less concerned about the Steelers TE depth?
Brian Batko
2:28
Less, actually. Trevor Wood is a guy who really wasn't on anyone's radar as a UDFA, but he looked solid yesterday. Big London, Christian Scotland-Williamson, is improving. Not saying either of those guys will make the 53 and be a factor at TE, but at least they're increasing the team's chances of finding someone to help the depth there.
Paul in NY
2:29
The Steelers have a lot similar slot receivers in camp (Rogers, Switzer, Johnson, Spencer). Do you think that might open the door for someone like Trey Griffey (taller, more physical) to potentially win a spot on the 53-man? How has Griffey looked thus far?
Connecting…