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Brian Batko's Steelers chat: 08.19.24
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Brian Batko
2:34
Good question. Candidates figure to be Ryan McCollum, Mason McCormick and Spencer Anderson, but those last two have worked more at guard (or even tackle in Anderson's case) much more than center this preseason. Doesn't mean they can't and won't ramp up in wake of the Nate Herbig injury. McCormick already did take some snaps in the last camp practice at Saint Vincent.
Thomas W.
2:35
Not being impressed with the offensive line to date and their position coach, I was wondering if Mike Munchak is still considered a hot commodity In coaching circles?
Brian Batko
2:37
Not sure of his whereabouts or desire to return to coaching for the first time since 2021 with the Broncos but I do know Arthur Smith worked under him in Tennessee and very much respects him.
Same Old Same Old
2:37
Hey Brian.  Last week was universally dismissed as "it's the first preseason game".  Well, they got worse the second game and saw the same flaws that have plagued the team for years.  Slow starts.  Poor 3rd down conversions.  False starts.  Poor challenges.  The players change yet the results remain.  Doesn't this point to coaching and organizational failures?  Maybe we just aren't good at coaching and setting up the players for success?
Brian Batko
2:39
I mean, I dismissed it as "it's just a preseason game," regardless of P1, P2 or P3. Let's save some of this same old, same old talk for Week 1 if it goes poorly. And, in retrospect, we can say we saw the signs in preseason. I'll give you credit.
Steel City ExPat
2:39
Lots of talk about Broderick Jones' poor performance....he had a good rookie year, what happened?
Brian Batko
2:41
Could be a number of factors. Injury, playing out of position, bouncing around between both tackle spots, etc. You just hope it's something relatively answerable like that as opposed to a guy regressing because of work ethic, conditioning, things of that nature.
21-58-66
2:42
BB - Thanks for the chats. What am I missing? Why does HCMT continue to be almost totally unsuccessful in challenges? It doesn't seem on the surface to be that complicated. I don't understand why he would not address a glaring deficiency.
Brian Batko
2:44
You're welcome. I agree that it's an area where the team can improve. Easy for me to say because it's not my money but why not hire another staffer who folds that important duty into his/her role? I can understand not wanting too many cooks in the kitchen but seems like they could use someone making a pretty key side dish of the in-game operation.
Lou
2:44
Hey Brian. Is there any news on Jones elbow issue and Fautanu’s knee?
Brian Batko
2:44
Hey Lou. No practice today, so next chance for updates straight from players or Mike Tomlin will be tomorrow back on the South Side.
Mike P.
2:45
Should I be more concerned about the tackle situation, or about the CB situation at this point? I'm not sure the line will be able to gel quickly enough, and I'm not sure JPJ can be a CB1 without holding every play/who is the nickel CB
Brian Batko
2:46
I'm not writing off Broderick Jones or Troy Fautanu yet. And I'm probably more of a Dan Moore believer than most. So I'd say finding a starting nickel corner is a relevant topic. Beanie Bishop looks good thus far but we've only seen him in a game one time.
FC
2:46
Wow, that was bad.  Did Smith accidentally grab Canada's playbook out of his office desk?  I sure hope so!
Brian Batko
2:46
They may have burned all of those.
Zach B
2:48
Tomlin is going to absolutely ruin B. Jones, just play him at LT so he can be in his natural position and send Moore or someone else to RT until Fataunu is back healthy. This is not rocket science - Tomlin needs to start changing his ways big time, the NFL has clearly past him by. What say you Brian??
Brian Batko
2:49
Hard to argue that the Steelers have botched their share of OL evaluations, developments, etc. in recent seasons. But I'm not jumping to conclusions that Broderick Jones is ruined or going to be ruined.
Jeff M
2:50
How long should the Steelers wait out Aiyuk? Should they pivot to looking for a mid season WR trade from a team out of contention?
Brian Batko
2:51
I don't know but it'll be an interesting scenario if they don't get anything done by Week 1. Because then if they do still swing the trade, they'd technically need to break their rule of no contract extensions in-season.
Savage
2:52
With all of the drama with Aiyuk, I think it would be wise to turn our attention to Davante Adams.  He is clearly unhappy with the Raiders and they continue to make excuses as to why he is not playing.  I would imagine they would likely take a similar offer to what we are rumored to be willing to pay Aiyuk (2nd '25, 3rd '26) .  He is signed for the next three years at an average salary of 28 million.  Seems like a win-win, especially with the Raiders not having their QB of the future on their roster at this time.
Brian Batko
2:54
The big difference of course is that Davante Adams is closer to 32 than 31 at this point, and we have no idea if he'd want to be here either. But I'd say it's not a bad idea relative to what they'd have to give up and pay for Aiyuk. Adams is also someone who'd be great to mentor George Pickens and potentially settle into more of a No. 2 role behind a young guy who's that talented.
Steelers Forever
2:55
I admit the Steelers offense doesn't look good at all right now 2 preseason games in but remember last year in the preseason when Pickett look like the second coming of Joe Montana and the offense looked like they would average 30 points a game in the regular season lol .. do you feel Steeler Nation need to chill before pressing the panic button and let this thing play out.
Brian Batko
2:56
Yes, it's safe to say I do. But we'll do this again a week from now and depending on how things look in Detroit, maybe I'll be singing a different tune.
2:57
OK folks, that's a wrap on today's chat. Thanks for stopping by and enjoy your week.
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