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Brian Batko's Steelers chat: 08.30.21
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Farrell pool Jack
12:38
The Haskins experiment is done. Cut him now! He can't occupy a valuable spot on the 53 man roster. He can learn on the practice squad. Haskins = Josh Rosen.
Brian Batko
12:39
Did you hear me on the radio with Joe Snarky today? I sort of made that same comparison of Haskins to Rosen. Not ready to put Haskins in that box just yet, but Friday night was not encouraging. And neither was the Lions game, really.
SOCAL21
12:40
Isn't it possible, they keep Berry?
Brian Batko
12:40
Yes, it's possible.
NC Steel
12:40
Biggest problem fr the team appears to be the OL. I'm guessing they will be below average for the first quarter of the season, but then will gradually improve, and might be pretty good by the three quarter mark. Why does run blocking seem to be so much harder for these guys, even the young ones who never played under Fichtner?
Brian Batko
12:41
Right now, it could be adjusting to a new scheme with Canada, or new techniques with Klemm. On-paper, they have the requisite strength and burst to be good in that area. But early returns are worrisome.
Muth
12:41
Between Baby Gronk and Muth, it's pretty close, but I guess I can live with Muth.  Plus, Baby Gronk is not conducive to a chant-like setting. Best hands in the 'burgh since Randy Grossman?  Look it up if you have to.......Groooooooosssssss.....
Brian Batko
12:42
Plus he doesn't like Baby Gronk. I've suggested Muth Miller. Or Pat Freierheath. One thing that eludes me is whether Muth rhymes with youth or booth. Kind of bugging me.
ErnieHartnerMr.305LIT
12:42
My man da Killer B, will the Steelers accept bitcoin as a valid method of payment in the near future?
Brian Batko
12:43
If I hear anything I'll let you know.
Daniel
12:44
Happy Monday, I don't know what to expect from the Steelers this season as there are many positives as well as negatives. Positives: more fit Big Ben, Canada's offense, balanced attack with Najee Harris Negatives: what to expect from Chucks and Banner, TJ Watt holding, CB position, tough schedule. I think this season poses Tomlin's greatest challenge and will set his legacy in Pittsburgh. What are your thoughts for upcoming season?
Brian Batko
12:45
You pretty much nailed it Daniel, other than the TJ Watt thing. Not too concerned about that. Plug Tuitt in there and I'm with you. As for legacy talk with Tomlin, greatest challenge, etc., that seems like a bit of a prisoner-of-the-moment take. He's had a ton of challenges, big and small. It's certainly different due to the Roethlisberger factor, but hey, he's got a new OC and a youth movement on offense that kind of keeps this from being a particularly pressure-packed year.
RJT
12:46
Will James Pierre be the outside corner or do you expect the Steelers to make a move for a nickel back?  I’ve read good things about Pierre in training camp but he seemed to be struggling in the preseason games.
Brian Batko
12:47
Everyone's going to give up catches from time to time. He looked strong to me against the Panthers, and yes, he's been steady in practice. If they make a move for a slot guy, it can bolster your secondary in dime packages and maybe in base, too. But hey, maybe they're still comfortable with Arthur Maulet as that guy.
FallsWarrior
12:47
Ray says Harvin makes the squad. Gary says Berry won the camp. What say you?
Brian Batko
12:47
Who's Gary? Give me Not Berry.
Jay Daven
12:48
Brian, when is TJ going to begin contact drills?  The first game is in 2 weeks.  Can his absence from contact go beyond the first game or is a contract agreement imminent, like in hours?
Brian Batko
12:48
I still think it's imminent. Does that mean he'll end the hold-in and do team drills today at 1:30? Probably not. But again, I'm not worried about this. It'll get done by Week 1, and probably even by the end of this week.
V. Fontaine
12:49
What one position do you think the Steelers will look to upgrade via the waiver wire or trade before the start of the season? Corner? ILB? OT? Something else?
Brian Batko
12:51
Maybe none, but if they do, my money's on slot corner, followed by OL - tackle or maybe even center. But Tomlin seems to be fine with Green as a Day 1 starter.
Weegie Thompson
12:51
Nice chat, if the Steelers do not make the playoffs , is Tomlins job in jeopardy?
Brian Batko
12:51
I don't think so.
The GM
12:51
Brian, from what you've seen thus far, would you feel comfortable going into 2022 with Mason Rudolph and Haskins as a potential starter if #7 does retire?
Brian Batko
12:52
If I'm trying to win the Super Bowl? No. If I'm trying to get an accurate read on what I have at that position, and thus how to proceed in the post-Ben era? Sure.
VaSteelersFan
12:52
Hi Brian, I know it wasn't a great day for Haskins (he looked like Mason Rudolph out there!). But he didn't get a lot of help from his receivers or O-line. Too many drops, lack of toe tap from Ray-Ray, and an unimpressive run game. Are folks being too harsh on Dwayne?
Brian Batko
12:52
Folks are usually too harsh on every player. Just ask Javy Baez.
Yuri
12:53
Hello Brian.  Do you think Banner and Tuitt will play in the season opener against Buffalo?  Thank you Brian.
Brian Batko
12:53
The guess here is yes.
Mike M
12:53
Brian, what’s your surprise cut to get to 53?
Brian Batko
12:54
Depends what qualifies as a surprise. Benny Snell? Could happen. Justin Layne? Maybe.
Dubby
12:54
I know that it’s fun to second guess everyone about everything all of the time, but shouldn’t Steelers fans just shut up and let the people who actually evaluate football players for a living evaluate the football players?
Brian Batko
12:55
As long as the media can keep speculating on it.
Jacque Strap
12:56
B Money! Who would you take, Snell or Ballage? Of course you have to take the line play into account, but Snell has never done anything impressive to me. Don't know why he'd be #2. Slow and not elusive, bad combo for this line.
Brian Batko
12:56
I think Ballage has been the better runner, but Snell might offer more on "teams," as they say in the biz. If one has to go, I'll keep Kalen.
Joe
12:57
Who you got making the 53 man roster at D line? And is there anything new about Tuitt and his situation or playing ability?
Brian Batko
12:57
Tough call but I'll go with Heyward, Tuitt, Alualu, Wormley, Loudermilk, Davis. And Buggs if they keep 7.
ev
12:57
Hello Brian, thank you for the chats.  So far in this preseason, Big Ben was in the shotgun for the majority of his playing time (from the one game I saw, anyway).  Will he be under center this year at all?
Brian Batko
12:57
Yes. He did it several times in the Lions game when they were scoring touchdowns.
John
12:58
I'm bummed about Sexton. Not like Ray-Ray hasn't had his share of miffs. Being cut at this round, does that mean he wont make the Practice squad?
Brian Batko
12:58
Eh, it's not a definite, but I would agree that's not a great sign. As exciting as he was at times, he was always a long shot.
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