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Brian Batko's Steelers chat: 08.28.23
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Brian Batko
1:47
They'll do their best, but there's no guarantee they will be sharp. The lack of padded practices really is a challenge, and some NFL people believe that teams have gone too far in the other direction of keeping players safe but not preparing them for the physical rigors of the real thing. But the Steelers coaches will try to keep sharpening technique, scheme, assignments, and the conditioning aspect in hopes of being ready to roll Week 1.
STEEL72
1:48
Bats, I was quite surprised to see Simmons go to NY for a 7th. I really wanted the Steelers to add him and it seemed for a while they were possible suitors. Do you have any info about how this all shook out?
Brian Batko
1:49
I don't know if the Steelers had interest in Isaiah Simmons. They tend to like versatile, hybrid linebackers/safeties with his body type, and we know they've never been one to turn their back on a first-round pedigree, especially on defense. My guess is they just feel like they already have some players like him on the roster who they're comfortable with, and maybe Simmons' standing isn't all that high among NFL talent evaluators who scour the film. After all, he still got traded for a 7th.
Lou
1:50
Hey Brian! Does Calvin Austin have what it takes to be another Devin Hester (sp?)from the Bears? RE Punt Return Master!
Brian Batko
1:51
You spelled it right. But no, I'm not putting Calvin Austin anywhere close to that territory. He's looked shifty in the preseason on punt returns, but we might never see another Devin Hester.
James from CA
1:51
In your opinion, who does the team keep on the practice squad that don't make the 53?
Brian Batko
1:54
Depends who clears waivers. But I like what I've seen from Dez Fitzpatrick at WR. Zach Gentry at TE if he doesn't make it, although Rodney Williams is a nice player too. Maybe Dylan Cook and Ryan McCollum on the OL. On defense, David Perales, Luq Barcoo are a couple names. And just about anyone who doesn't make the team at DL.
John
1:54
Will the Steelers win a playoff game this year? Yes or no?
Brian Batko
1:54
I don't know.
John
1:55
Follow up question: When will the Steelers in their next playoff game? This season? 2024? 2025? Before 2030?
Brian Batko
1:55
Before 2030 seems like a safe bet.
Z
1:55
Do you see Rudolph being traded before the NFL’s deadline?
Brian Batko
1:55
Nah. NFL teams clearly don't have a huge appetite for Mason Rudolph, as proven last year at the trade deadline and this year in free agency.
1:56
That said, if the Steelers could get anything for him, I'm sure they'd take it.
CJ
1:56
Brian why don’t more defensive backs look back for the football on deep sideline routes so they can make a play on the ball rather than pass interference
Brian Batko
1:56
They don't wanna get beat. Better to get called for a flag than give up an easy touchdown, right?
Doyle37
1:56
Over/under per game for jet sweeps by Austin ?
Brian Batko
1:57
Vegas has it at 1.5
Dave from Dovuh
1:57
A 'meta question' on chat sessions:  Do the chat questions get better as we get closer to the start of the season?
Brian Batko
1:58
Allow me to channel my inner Mike Tomlin for this answer: I don't know that I've thought about it from that perspective.
Laura
1:58
Doesn't it make more sense to release players today if you hope/intend to resign them (perhaps after 1-2 end up on IR)? Have to go 24h on waiver wire, seems better to do today when all teams are focusing on cuts, rather than tomorrow when everyone is searching for depth to add.
Brian Batko
2:00
I don't think that's a factor. Teams have enough scouts and player personnel execs to worry about their own cuts and see what's going on around the league. Plus, it's not like the players cut so far are guys who were viewed as realistic candidates to make the team. In fact, of the almost-20 who are gone, I'd say only two - Tanner Muse and Kenny Robinson - were even close.
Weegie
2:01
What are we to make of using Heyward as a running back against Atlanta ?
Brian Batko
2:01
The more you can do.
2:03
OK everyone, we're all out of time. Thanks for chatting. If you enjoy these and all our other work at the P-G, please consider subscribing. Steelers season is almost here and if you sign up now, you can get unlimited access for 3 months for a very low price https://t.co/doXkPyWt3h
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