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Brian Batko's Steelers chat: 08.31.20
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Brian Batko
1:58
Hey, chatters, the open portion of practice just ended at Heinz Field so let's talk some Steelers football.
David
1:59
How many "should the Steelers sign Leonard Fournette?" questions will you get today? Over/under 9.5.
Brian Batko
1:59
Heading for the over already, David.
Guest
1:59
Fournette seems worth a look to me with Bettis 2.0 potential. JB's problems with the Rams were more on field and LF's seems to be more off field. If character isn't a huge concern, what do you think? If we're talking AB or L Bell type concerns, then avoid him like a used hospital facemask.
Brian Batko
2:01
Even if I was guaranteed full certainty that he'd be a choir boy here, I don't think I'd be interested. He's not gonna play for free, and for a team that might need every bit of room they can get under the cap, why bother messing with a backfield group that's solid? Sure, he might be better than any one running back on the team, but with James Conner, that's a close call in my eyes.
Elton Veals
2:03
Any interest in Fournette?
Brian Batko
2:03
We are now at 3, because the first question counts.
RJT
2:04
Who has been practicing at the nickel/dime linebacker position?
Brian Batko
2:06
From the sounds of talking to various coaches, Cam Sutton and Marcus Allen are getting long looks there. Most notably, that precludes a guy like rookie sixth-rounder Antoine Brooks, but the writing was on the wall for him when we were told he was locked in to learning just safety given the lack of a real offseason.
Buster
2:07
Brian, Gerry mentioned in an article today that the Steelers like Justin Layne’s length. They liked Artie Burns’ and Cortez Allen’s length, too. All the CBs that contribute successfully (Haden, Nelson, Hilton, Sutton) are under 6 ft.  Do you think maybe they should concentrate on drafting more short guys who can play the position?
Brian Batko
2:09
That's part of what makes evaluating corners so tricky, Buster. It's tough to not be enamored with the size and length, given the way the league's top wideouts are trending. So sure, you're usually going to see those prototype corners go higher in the draft, often basing it on potential, trying to find the next Richard Sherman or Jalen Ramsey. With Layne, specifically, the Steelers were in a spot thanks to Haden and Nelson where they could take a bigger swing on a high ceiling.
Steeler1974
2:11
We are hearing a lot about the defense so far. The offense doesn’t seem to be getting much accolades. Is that a bad harbinger of things to come?
Brian Batko
2:13
Nah, don't read too much into the "who's winning in camp" type stuff between offense and defense. When Ben Roethlisberger was asked that very question last week, his answer was almost comically immediate, and clearly intentional, to give praise to the defense. It was just one word: "Defense." He did not bother breaking down where the offense is having success and vice versa, because that's exactly the type of info NFL teams don't want getting out this year.
NC Steel
2:16
How successful do you think the Steelers running game will be this season? Will they move up from their 29th ranking last season? After Conner, who will have the most rushing yards, Snell or McFarland?
Brian Batko
2:19
Yes, I think they'll move up. Some teams (cough, Jaguars, cough, Dolphins, cough, Jets?) seem like they have basically no intention of trying to run the ball. After James Conner, I'm going Benny Snell. Wrote about him today, and the more I think about it, I think those two will have the bulk of the yards. Not necessarily buying into a big role for Anthony McFarland, and when Jaylen Samuels is involved, I think it'll be as a pass-catcher https://www.post-gazette.com/sports/steelers/2020/08/31/benny-snell-st...
Tim
2:21
With all the talk and excitement about Claypool, what is your best estimation regarding catches and yardage for the upcoming season?  Also, will he have a role on special teams as most rookies usually do?
Brian Batko
2:24
I'll say 41 receptions for 531 yards, maybe take a few catches or give a few yards if he proves to be used as more of a deep threat. He'll definitely be a factor on ST. I think you'll notice him most on coverage.
Tim in Houston
2:26
Should be try and trade for Fournette before he hits waivers before 4:00 pm today? A conditional 7th?
Brian Batko
2:26
Points for creativity on that one, but no.
L Sweed
2:27
Why do they keep adding receivers to an already crowded receiving corps? Do you think they still have my number? I’ve been working hard with that Juggs machine.
Brian Batko
2:29
I'm not sure, Limas. To have bodies at practice, I presume, given that they've been banged up. JuJu has had a couple maintenance days recently, Diontae Johnson and Ryan Switzer were missing time, James Washington has been in and out of the lineup, so you need healthy men. The real question is whether a newcomer like Ray-Ray McCloud who was seemingly brought in to be a warm body has made enough of this chance to stick around, perhaps as a return man first and foremost. He's behind the 8 ball but he's standing out in a good way.
Scooter
2:30
I feel like everyone (Coaches, writers, Rooney) have talked and hinted about the need for a more balanced run/pass attack for the past 3-4 seasons. With Ben's return after surgery - is this the year we finally see it?
Brian Batko
2:33
Well, hey, they were definitely a lot more balanced last year. But I see what you're saying. The balance issue was most prominent in 2018, though, when the Steelers ranked second in pass percentage. Just two years prior, they were in the bottom half of the league in that stat. It would probably be good for all parties if they're able to be two-dimensional, though if this OL continues to struggle with run-blocking, they might have no choice but to revert to five wide, spread 'em out, let Ben operate.
Jack Splat
2:35
What is going on with Decastro’s (sp?) health?  Seems like this is beginning to be a serious setback.
Brian Batko
2:37
Good question, Jack. It's worth noting, I think, that Mike Tomlin didn't immediately characterize Dave DeCastro as "day to day" or "minor" when he went down the list of injuries from the controlled scrimmage Friday night. It also looks like DeCastro was nowhere to be found at practice today, so stay tuned. Stefen Wisniewski Insurance Policy could be invoked sooner than anyone would've expected.
Stefen
2:39
Does the brass know I’ve started in two recent Superbowls? This Feiler guy is getting on my nerves. If Chuks has not proved he is starter caliber at this point, maybe he is not. Just saying...
Brian Batko
2:42
The brass is aware, Stefen. You and the quarterback are the only Super Bowl winners on this team, so I'm sure they hold you in high regard. Matt Feiler shouldn't be getting on your nerves or anyone. He just shuts up and does his job. I have a feeling you do, too. We'll see how the right tackle competition plays out, but I could see it being a fluid situation on the line this year if the going gets shaky.
Guest
2:45
Hearing some good things about Mccfarland including a very interesting comparison to Kamara, from their size and their similar numbers in college. I'm not saying hes going to be as good as Kamara but it sounds like he sure could get some looks behind Connor and who knows what next year could look life for him. Your thoughts?
Brian Batko
2:47
Whoa, let's pump the brakes a bit before we go comparing him to one of the best backs in the league. McFarland's in concussion protocol now, which could be a short-term absence but still isn't great for a rookie, and plus he has a crowd in front of him. I'm thinking he'll be best used as an occasional change of pace, at least as a rookie.
Steeltowntim@aol.com
2:48
If Claypool is really good and Johnson and Washington the same does JuJu odd man out even if he has good year due to cap and amount he will get else where
Brian Batko
2:50
Yes, I think the progress made by those three could factor into how the Steelers approach JuJu this offseason as an unrestricted free agent. Don't get me wrong, I believe JuJu will still be this team's No. 1 receiver this year and be the most productive, but if he's not productive enough - or too productive - he'll likely end up elsewhere, for more money than the Steelers would be comfortable paying him. If he looks great and the financial component works, a franchise tag might be in order.
Big Al
2:52
Sticking with Juju, how has he looked in camp? Alot of focus on Claypool and some on Washington but I haven't heard much about Juju
Brian Batko
2:53
He hasn't been particularly noticeable, but he looks like JuJu to me. Not like he's dropping a bunch of balls or anything like that.
MDB
2:53
Are you buying into the rumor that the Stillers are seriously considering Clooney?
Brian Batko
2:53
George?
RJT
2:54
When the Steelers practice two tight end sets, who has been the wide receivers?
Have the Steelers been practicing with Ben under center more this year?
Brian Batko
2:55
Uh, hey there RJT, do you work for Bill Belichick or what? Steelers don't want us reporting on things like this.
MDB
2:55
LOL...Clowney
Brian Batko
2:55
Nah I don't think the Steelers are much in the market for Clooney or Clowney.
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