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Brian Batko's Steelers chat: 08.24.20
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Brian Batko
2:35
Last week they worked out a dude who played at The U, Jermaine Grace. But early returns on Ulysees Gilbert and Robert Spillane are positive. Might just be that the Steelers like both those guys - Gilbert for his speed/coverage, Spillane for ST - and wouldn't want to get rid of one for the sake of making a move at ILB. That's my read on it, anyway.
Buzz
2:36
Hey Brian, Out of this year's Rookie Class who will make the biggest splash? Should the Steelers break the bank on Heyward?
Brian Batko
2:38
Chase Claypool. And I'd say they shouldn't break the bank, but should do whatever they need to get creative to keep him. I wonder if they'd consider cutting Stephon Tuitt next year to make the cap situation work with Heyward. If it DID come down to those two, even at his age, I might choose Heyward.
Dude
2:38
I get it but after all the off season talk that the Steelers are weak at ILB a guy like Malcolm Smith wouldn’t be an upgrade?
Brian Batko
2:40
Smith just signed with Cleveland yesterday, but yeah, you have a good point, Dude. I've been less than bullish on their moves, or lack thereof, at ILB this offseason. Could probably stash Gilbert on the practice squad in favor of a more finished product, too. I get it. But speedy linebackers who can cover better than Vince Williams don't necessarily grow on trees. That's why they were so desperate to get Devin Bush last year.
Nitro
2:41
Brian - From what you have observed is Ebron the real deal or the nominee for this year's hype train?  Predictions for him this year please?
Brian Batko
2:43
I'm not driving that hype train. Ebron's undoubtedly an intriguing guy given his pedigree, his production (at times) and the fact that he's only 27. But remember how excited everyone was about the fit with Donte Moncrief a year ago? Cautious optimism might be the way to go.
GLB
2:45
Hey Brian - do you think the defense will have a letdown this year due to be comfortable that Ben can lead the offense better than MR & Duck?
Brian Batko
2:45
No, if the defense has a letdown, it won't be because of that. It'll be because of some personnel changes and turnover regression, most likely.
Buzzard Bill
2:45
Hi Brian,  what is the latest update on the possibility of fans actually attending NFL games?  With these latest saliva tests coming in fast and at under $10, perhaps fans could be tested at their cost in the morning and then let into the stadium if they are tested negative.
Brian Batko
2:46
The Chiefs had fans at their open practice over the weekend. That surprised me, and tells me that the idea of fans still attending games isn't that far-fetched. Not a bad proposal you have there about the testing, if feasible.
2:47
By the way, it was only about 2,000 fans Saturday at Arrowhead Stadium, but still, better than none I guess.
Mason
2:47
So if you had to pick me or Landry Jones, in his prime, to win a big game, who you taking?
Brian Batko
2:48
Lots of questions from NFL players in the chat lately. I think I'm taking you, Mason. Don't let me down, man.
Donald
2:48
Hi Brian, Is there a plan established if games get postponed due to Covid, or is the plan to hope it doesn’t happen ?
Brian Batko
2:49
The NFL is still formulating a lot of plans behind the scenes. One I heard was moving postponed games to the end of the regular-season schedule and then simply pushing back the Super Bowl, if need be.
Joe Momma
2:49
Do you think having live tackling in practice is worth the risk?
Brian Batko
2:51
Yeah I think you need to do some of that, with the caveat that you trust your guys to know who to hit, when to hit and how hard to hit. And I think Mike Tomlin does.
Carl
2:52
Do you think the signing of Ray Ray is a bad sign for Switzer and Cain?  Thanks Brian.
Brian Batko
2:53
Not really. Diontae Johnson is banged up now and RayRay McCloud is a somewhat similar player, especially given his punt return chops. The guy they cut for him, Saeed Blacknall, was only gonna make the team for being a coverage guy on special teams, I think, and perhaps they're seeing they won't need that. Looking at you, Chase Claypool.
James
2:54
Hey Brian.   Any update as to how Dotson’s ankle injury is progressing? Thanks.
Brian Batko
2:54
No, but Mike Tomlin is set to address the media soon after practice, so he might have an update then.
Les
2:55
Hello, what is your prediction on how Cam Heyward's contract status will end up?  Will he be on a different team next year?  How much does Big Ben's contract next year hinder a deal with a player Like Cam getting paid/signed?
Brian Batko
2:55
Well it never helps the bottom line when you're paying big, big money to the QB, but I still predict Cam Heyward will not be on a different team in 2021. Though with each passing day, my confidence goes down, of course.
John
2:56
I know this doesn’t belong here, but the final episode of Yelllowstone was the dumbest thing ever — just had to say that
Brian Batko
2:56
I don't watch, but my grandma just got into binge-watching TV and that's one of her shows. I will ask her thoughts and report back next week.
2:57
That'll do it for this week's chat. Mike Tomlin to the (imaginary) (Zoom) podium soon. And again, if I didn't get to you, my bad. But feel free to shoot me your question for a mailbag. Can answer in more depth there, anyway. Have a nice week.
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