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Brian Batko's Steelers chat: 09.15.25
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Brian Batko
10:47
That's the entire catch-22 of how good the Steelers have been in one-possession games. On one hand, it's impressive how often they find a way. On the other, you're leaving yourself susceptible to the randomness of sport when you can't put together a full 60 minutes, play complementary football and beat a team decisively. I understand that's easier said than done in the NFL, but the good teams do it. A lot.
Yates
10:48
Brian-  Two quick questions.  Does our defense seem slow or just soft?  Any chance we have a way too late change in OL coaches in season?
Brian Batko
10:49
1. Soft is a strong word to use, but I can't say they look particularly fast to the ball. 2. Never say never, but never.
Junior High
10:49
Money well spent? Sam Darnold, 3 years, $105.5 million, $37.5 milion guaranteed.
Brian Batko
10:50
No, not really. I don't consider Sam Darnold an elite QB. Nor do I see him getting the Seahawks to where every NFL team wants to go. But as stopgap solutions go, he's OK, I guess.
Alan in Bama
10:51
Good morning Brian, let the Tomlin bashing begin. I’ve liked him in the fact that he won a superbowl and took us to another. The Steelers were always playoff competitive until Ben’s waning years. That’s said, can we hang the Belechik’s nothing without Brady on MT?His draft picked O line looks like a turnstile? His de facto Defense lcoordination with the highest paid, talented D is horrible? His offensive drafts have been weak, don’t forget Pickett. Just getting started, holy s$&t, pass the Tylenol!!!!
Brian Batko
10:53
You're a little late! There is no doubt we are seeing how much harder this whole coaching thing is when you don't have a Hall of Fame quarterback.
(Aaron Rodgers is, don't get me wrong, but I'm talking more big-picture Tomlin post-Ben - and Rodgers is no longer THAT Rodgers, obviously)
Henry Hill
10:54
Greetings Brian; career day for Drake Maye next week?
Brian Batko
10:54
I wouldn't be stunned, Henry.
Scranton
10:54
At this point, it's the Defensive Coordinator...right?
Brian Batko
10:54
Not that simple when the head coach is basically the defensive coordinator.
Stormcrown
10:55
I hear more & more analysts & reporters citing Tomlin's defensive schemes as something that opposing teams have 'solved' dating back to the middle of last season. Is there any substantial truth to that storyline or is it just vaguery and vibes?
Brian Batko
10:56
That strikes me as an oversimplification. Tomlin's been doing this 18 years. If it were that easy to "solve" he'd have been getting his defenses consistently grilled long, long ago. They were a top-10 scoring defense the past three seasons. But it goes without saying that if they don't figure out a counter-punch soon, this season is going to end that streak.
DrKnow
10:57
These same MT hate pundits, were whistling Dixie just a week ago! It’s week 2 for Christ sake
Brian Batko
10:58
Such is life in the NFL DrKnow
Dan Flashes
10:58
What’s your guess on the breakdown of control/input on defense between Tomlin and Austin? This defense is woefully underwhelming and someone on the coaching staff deserves some blame, no?
Brian Batko
10:59
It benefits both those men to close ranks and obscure the specific details of how the roles are allocated, but my best guess is the defense is effectively Tomlin's baby, his philosophies reign, his coaching points are heard the loudest. And Austin is entrusted to run it the way Tomlin wants, particularly on gameday when the head coach has a lot more on his plate.
Kevin
11:00
Hi Brian, I think Payton Wilson is going to be a good player but he seems to be  little slow to react at times and takes bad angles like he did on Walker's 19 yard touchdown run.  Is Holcomb healthy and could he help in a rotation at inside linebacker ?
Brian Batko
11:00
Yep, horrible pursuit on that Walker touchdown run. I'm no football coach but he has to go get that guy down, no hesitation.
Farmtastic
11:00
Morning, Brian. Man. This was a particularly discouraging loss. Let's try to remember that this is just a game. These multimillionaires have no idea we even exist. Go play with your kids, touch grass, do something for your wife. Not you specifically, Brian. You also continue the fantastic coverage so I can have something to read/listen to while i do some nonsensical overpriced project for my wife.
Brian Batko
11:03
Well, that's a good one to end on, Farmtastic. A little perspective here on a Monday morning. But your passion is appreciated. WE know you exist! And we're always happy to see you in the chats and mailbags. If you'd like to engage even more with us, in the comments with other readers and all that, please consider subscribing so we can keep it all up. https://my.post-gazette.com/purchase/
Thanks everyone, Ray will be in tomorrow
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