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Brian Batko's Steelers chat: 08.05.24
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Brian Batko
12:00
Hi everyone, off day for the Steelers in Latrobe but when they hit the field again Tuesday it'll be a game week. Texans come to town Friday night at 7 p.m. Let's chat
murrayrichard036@gmail.com
12:01
I could see Justin Fields being the opening day starter, what do you think?
Brian Batko
12:01
I still wouldn't bet on it, but won't rule it out either. With each day he looks comfortable and with each day Russell Wilson is still sidelined, my meter goes up ever so slightly.
Marc from Germany
12:02
Hi Brian how was your "Weekend"? I LOVE everybody beeing ultra violent! But how do they look schenatically? Should be night and day from the OC that shall not be named. Is everybody assignmentsound? Is Justin Fields really looking sharp for a couple of practices now? Cause' if he is developing consistency...wasn't that the only (huge) knock against him?
Brian Batko
12:05
Actually had a little bit of a weekend, staying home yesterday from Latrobe while Gerry Dulac and Ray Fittipaldo made the trip. The offense probably has been more physical than precise, but that's not unexpected this time of year. Pre-snap penalties have been an issue at times. The passing game has looked fairly sharp.
Stevie
12:05
What player or players have stood out to you the most in camp so far?
Brian Batko
12:06
George Pickens for one you'd expect. Grayland Arnold for one you wouldn't.
Theo
12:06
Do you think the Steelers will soon extend Pat Freiermuth? Do you think it gets done before the 1st preseason game on Friday?
Brian Batko
12:07
Still leaning that way, but also don't think it's a slam dunk. And I wouldn't say Friday is any sort of deadline to do so.
Carl Duffield
12:07
What are your thoughts on the Steeler's new punter ?
Brian Batko
12:08
Nice fella. Looks like Bill Burr. And the leg looks plenty strong thus far.
Arthur not Art
12:09
Brian, thank you for the time and the chat. There is still a lot of talk about trading for a WR2 but with what WRs get paid now, would they be better off trading for a DL to improve that weakness? Thank you.
Brian Batko
12:11
I don't think they need to acquire a D-lineman. Between Cam Heyward and Keeanu Benton, you have two studs anchoring the front when you're in your base nickel defense. Larry Ogunjobi is the X-factor in a lot of ways. But Montravius Adams is having a good camp, DeMarvin Leal has the upside still and even down-the-line guys such as Isaiahh Loudermilk and Breiden Fehoko are decent depth. Dean Lowry should be a factor too once he's healthy.
RJT
12:12
I’m sick of the National media and their agendas and people take their word over those who are actually around the team. There a fascination with Justin fields.  Russel Wilson, if healthy, will be the guy week 1 right?
Brian Batko
12:13
More than likely
Tim
12:13
From your observations so far, would you agree that our rookie o lineman are shaping up to all be future starters.  Slam dunk frazier and fautanu but mccormick next year too?
Brian Batko
12:14
Yeah I'd say so. But that's based just as much on their college resumes as it is on what I've seen so far in a few padded practices.
Millhunk steve
12:14
which person from the Pgh media is on the hall of fame committee for the nfl?  The last person I remember is Ed bouchette
Brian Batko
12:16
Gerry Dulac replaced Ed, yes
Bud
12:16
Good morning. Do you think there’s a chance for us to swap out some of our defensive lineman from other teams lineman after 1st roster cutdowns? I hope our D Line doesn’t sabotage our whole defense.
Brian Batko
12:18
Good afternoon now Bud. They can always look but again, I guess I'm higher on the DL than most. Sure, they could use another elite player there, but you aren't finding that guy on cut-downs. Also, there's only one cut-down date now around the league on Aug. 27.
Mark in Buffalo
12:19
For Camp "day off", what does that really mean?  Players can leave campus and go back home?  Just informal "hanging around" the campus?  Working out on their own?
Brian Batko
12:19
All of the above depending on their preference. I imagine it hits different for the guys with families in town they can go see away from football.
Jeff
12:20
How many other teams do you think would prop up a lesser player in his preferred position (Moore Jr.) and let two first-round players (Jones, Fautanu) waste years on rookie contracts at either not their position or on the bench? The Steelers aren't winning a Super Bowl with Moore at LT so why not take any lumps with the guys who are the foundation of the future. Limiting reps of young players at the starter position is an old NFL way of thinking and smacks of the Trubisky debacle.
Brian Batko
12:23
The problem with your premise is that I don't agree the Steelers see Dan Moore as a "lesser player" at this juncture. They didn't run Benny Snell or Anthony McFarland or Kalen Ballage ahead of Najee Harris when he got here as a rookie. I do see what you're saying in the second half, though. It's a balance every coach has to find and we know Mike Tomlin tends to be a bit more conservative with fast-tracking rookies.
ssa76
12:23
Reading about how the offence vs. defense stuff makes me worry that this defensive line is going to get pushed around and run on as it has in the recent past. Should I postpone my concern until they actually, you know, play?
Brian Batko
12:26
Yes, you should. Cam Heyward isn't always in there for those practices. Same with TJ Watt. It's certainly a concern in this division, especially with Derrick Henry as a new bully on the block, but I don't see a ton of really good rushing teams on the rest of the schedule.
J D
12:26
Brian, is Pickens being pushed more to be better by his new position coach?  Do you think he can handle it in the long run or will the Steelers find out his true character?
Brian Batko
12:27
That's one thing I've noticed about Zach Azzanni, yes. And I imagine a plan for getting the most out of Pickens was a pre-req for whomever was gonna get that job. How will George respond on in the long run? That's a many million-dollar question.
Gracie
12:28
Good afternoon Mr. Batko! So, off season question for you. Meaning no games on Sundays quite yet. Why in the world does the chat room during the game the fans get so fired up in a negative way? The whole game and we end up winning anyway. When you guys need to edit the questions, you must see some ugly comments we as the audience don't get to see. I guess a lot of experts sitting on couches around the United States!
Brian Batko
12:29
Fan is short for fanatic, that's why
Rock Daddeo
12:29
Who is going to have the better statistical year, Harris or Warren? And how much will Harris' future with the team play into the mix?
Brian Batko
12:31
My guess is Najee Harris has better counting numbers, Jaylen Warren better efficiency, much like the past two seasons. But to me, that's kind of the beauty of their 1-2 punch. Harris wears down defense, stands up to punishment, runs between the tackles. Warren then looks like a Paul Skenes fastball when he gets in there.
DJ
12:32
Any concerns that the offense, which is totally new, is having some success against the very expensive defensive in camp?
Brian Batko
12:33
Not really. As Tomlin always says, this time of year, a win for the offense is a loss for the defense. Any dominant play by the defense is a subpar play for the offense. On the bright side, I haven't seen many plays where I feel like the offense screwed up and the defense failed to take advantage of vice versa. It happens sometimes, but obviously you want to see good coverage, better catch and things of that nature.
schnail
12:34
Does the lack of WR depth, along with Arthur Smith's love of the TE, add up to more opportunities for Connor Heyward this season?  Last year I kept hearing what a dynamic player he is, but he only got 1 or 2 touches a game.
Brian Batko
12:35
That would not surprise me. Dynamic is a strong word, but Connor Heyward just makes plays. Consistent is a good description. Sneakily effective another. He's not a big target, especially by TE standards, but he seems to catch every ball that comes his way like he has magnets for hands. And he can go up and get it when he needs to, as well. If he can separate enough against NFL defenders, I like his chances of helping in this offense.
Jim (Cosmo) K in Jax
12:37
Hi Brian, what's with all the Cosmo screen name popularity? I would never call you Bats and to eliminate confusion, I will be Jim (Cosmo) K in Jax going forward... I feel like I have a slight claim to the name as my last name is actually Kramer and I was/am a fan of the show. Maybe my 412 Kramer cousins are participating in the chats...

Hope you're enjoying "camp" and keeping cool! My friendly advice to you is not to be called for offsides and have to do laps like the offense has been doing... Defense doesn't get penalties? If I were a veteran pro player I'd tell Tomlin to go do a lap if he suggested I do one. He actually should be doing several laps for his lapses (pun intended) in challenging officials' calls.

Hope you and your family are well! Does the regular season start soon? The off-season never ends!
Brian Batko
12:39
Not sure. Every now and again we have some impostors pop up. The regular starts Sept. 8 for this team. But don't rush me. Laps or no laps, I'm taking it one day at a time. Finding joy in the drive back and forth to Saint Vincent. Only mentality to have this time of year.
Gregg from Shaler
12:39
Just read Ray’s first roster projection and CB is the most concerning group. Saw some players with little to no experience. Why haven’t we explored Pat P returning in a reserve role or as a potential slot until Sutton returns?
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