You are viewing the chat in desktop mode. Click here to switch to mobile view.
X
Brian Batko's Steelers chat: 08.06.19
powered byJotCast
Prev Page View Full Chat Next Page
Brian Batko
2:28
I've been waking up at 6 a.m. each morning to do a dry run down to Heinz Field. Locate the parking lot, walk up to the media entrance, then get in my car and drive back. Then head to Latrobe for camp.
BigAL456
2:29
Hey Brian, from everything I’ve been reading, it seems that Cam Sutton is having a heck of a camp. Do you see any high probability that he might beat out Hilton for the starting NB role? Thanks
Brian Batko
2:29
I don't know about high probability. I think the blitzing ability that we've seen there from Mike Hilton is second to none on this roster. But Sutton could be a really nice "utility man" sort of piece to keep in your back pocket in case of injury, lack of performance, sub-packages, etc.
Black and yellow
2:30
Which player have you had the most fun watching? Hope you’ve been enjoying yourself at Latrobe!
Brian Batko
2:30
I have been, thank you. Can I say Chris Boswell and Matthew Wright? It's the one position where I can definitely say how each player is performing!
Wisconsin Winters
2:31
Why must NFL players wear certain numbers for positions?  I like to see single digit numbers playing WR and DB in collage. I remember a player wearing 00.
Brian Batko
2:32
I'm not sure about that one, but they have loosened up those restrictions a bit in recent years. Bud Dupree wears No. 48 as a linebacker. Mark Barron is strictly listed as a linebacker, but still wears the No. 26 from his safety days. You'll see some bizarre numbers on wideouts in the preseason. The Steelers don't have any, but you'll see some single-digit guys out there across the league.
Mark
2:32
Brian, how much will the starters play Friday night when Bruce Arians brings the Bucs to town?
Brian Batko
2:35
Probably very little. Don't expect to see Ben Roethlisberger at all, but other skills guys might get a series or two.
BB
2:35
Brian - have not seen much about Marcus Allen so far this camp....good or bad.  Does he make the team this year?  Thanks.
Brian Batko
2:36
I think he'll have to hold off Kameron Kelly, Dravon Askew-Henry and PJ Locke. Could go either way. Haven't loved him in coverage thus far.
Scl
2:36
Any update on if Diontae Johnson’s hip injury is serious?
Brian Batko
2:37
Don't think so. According to Mike Tomlin, the hip issue was actually Friday night, and then he was back practicing Sunday after missing Saturday. But Tomlin said he left Sunday with a groin. Could be the same thing, but regardless, there's no indication that it's bad.
iowasteelersfan
2:37
I think I'm in the minority that feels Conner is already as good of a back as Bells was, but with a desire to at least act like the team is more important than the individual.  Am I wrong?
Brian Batko
2:38
On the first part, I'd say yeah. It's hard for me to get the best Bell years out of my brain. On the second part, no, not at all. I'll be curious to see if Bell is a problem at all this year for the Jets. I don't think he was as me-first as Antonio Brown, in retrospect.
Dr. Mike
2:38
I was cut off before I finished my question.  I would like one of the PG sports writers to investigate just who signed off on AB being allowed to live in Latrobe during last year's camp at St. Vincent College.  I can only imagine what that move had on the whole team's morale.  If I were told that last year before camp I would have called it fake news.
Brian Batko
2:39
That's water under the bridge, if you will.
Kool-Aid
2:39
I think you have a good jump on the Tomlinisms.
Brian Batko
2:39
Thank you.
JerseySteel
2:39
Hi Brian - any players on the roster last year whose roster spot is vulnerable and any late round or UDFA who have a good chance to make the 53 man roster?
Brian Batko
2:41
Hi, JerseySteel. Probably Zach Banner and/or Jerald Hawkins on the OL. Seventh-round draft pick (Derwin Gray) isn't really trending up, but UDFA Fred Johnson is coming on strong. Eli Rogers could yet end up being a wide receiver casualty. Someone up there mentioned Marcus Allen, maybe him too.
Jon in Oregon
2:41
Has their long snapper returned from injury?
Brian Batko
2:41
Yes, Kam Canaday is in camp today
ALB
2:42
Brian, the Steelers are placing a lot hope on McDonald staying healthy. Has he ever made it through an entire season without missing time?
Brian Batko
2:42
He has never played 16 games in a season, no.
Kryder
2:43
Arent Haden’s skills starting to decline with age? We saw some dropoff last year. I worry about paying for 2 years based on performance we might not see again. Unless the thought is to move him to safety?
Brian Batko
2:45
I don't think so. Not sure they need to go the Rod Woodson route with him just yet. He claims he had as healthy and useful an offseason as ever.
Goldstar
2:45
Can you name 2 camp standouts - one performing better than expected and one performing worse than expected?
Brian Batko
2:47
Matt Feiler to the good, Josh Dobbs to the not-so-good. I think it'll be tough for him to hold off Mason Rudolph, but "stadium ball" will matter a lot.
John Strange
2:47
Which is the more likely realistic expectation for Big Ben's final seasons with the Steelers? Zero playoff wins? At least one deep playoff run? A Super Bowl win?
Brian Batko
2:47
The expectation is deep playoff run(s) and a Super Bowl win. I don't know what will happen.
BlawnoxBill
2:48
Did you look at the pics of Bens house online that he recently put up for sale?  Does the PG pay enough for you to move your family in?
Brian Batko
2:48
My newspaper salary already affords me a mansion in the Hamptons, what do I want with a mansion in Hampton?
Jud
2:49
What's the word on our punter situation?  Camp leg or legit tryout?
Brian Batko
2:49
I don't know that Ian Berryman will take the job, but I think it's a legit tryout. Could always look around the league at others, too. Lots of camp competitions out there but only two punters here.
paullochrane@yahoo.com
2:49
suppose the steelers start out 0-4, does ben get replaced? throws a ton of int's every year, steelers and ben start the seasons out slowly because he doesn't play in pre season, does that change? i predict 7-9
Brian Batko
2:49
No and no.
Utah Jim
2:50
Diontae Johnson has had a number of injuries going back to OTAs.  Is it a concern?
Brian Batko
2:51
To me, it is a little bit. I just think you have to wonder a little bit about a smallish rookie who's been a bit fragile so far. Has looked dynamite at times though when he has practiced.
Tony
2:51
How good do you think Bush will be in the NFL? Pre pre season opinion.
Connecting…