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Brian Batko's Steelers chat: 09.23.24
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Brian Batko
11:45
Should be in my opinion. I thought he looked really good in camp. Preseason action, not so much, but a lot of this stuff is what I was watching in Latrobe day in and day out.
Frosty
11:45
BB, getting Fields from Chicago was for a "conditional" -- 4 or 6, true?  What was the playing time "condition"?  Safe to say, with continued good luck, that we'll hit that bogie!
Brian Batko
11:46
Pretty sure it was reported to be 51% of the snaps. But yeah, good move there by Omar Khan because if Fields is playing more than half your season, it's because he's earned that. You aren't gonna care about a two-round difference in draft pick if you've found your *whisper* franchise quarterback *whisper* in the process.
SteelersFanInCT
11:47
I noticed in an empty set, the steelers still seem to bunch their receivers rather than have them spread out more.  Couldn't this contribute to the lack of players getting open?
Brian Batko
11:48
Well, I would not say the Steelers are built personnel-wise or designed scheme-wise to be a wide-open offense right now. They've got as many tight ends as they do receivers.
Sunner in Orlando from Lebo
11:48
Unless Fields has a blowup game where he throws 3 picks or he is injured, I can't see Russ getting a start. If you were Tomlin, how would you handle the QB room to keep Fields playing with confidence while you keep Russ on the back burner ready to go just in case?
Brian Batko
11:50
I suppose if I were Mike Tomlin I'd just be transparent with Wilson and tell him one man's misfortune is another man's opportunity, and Fields is running with it. Doesn't mean he's not still a vital part of the team and that he's being put out to pasture, but at least for now, it's time to embrace a role that's foreign to him in his NFL career: Backup.
GLB
11:50
Hey BB, thanks for the chats.  Any word on Dylan Cook and Jeremiah Moon, who are on IR designated to return?  Considering the recent injuries it could be pivotal for roster depth.
Brian Batko
11:50
They still have to miss another game, but I'd say look for them to begin practicing soon and have that 21-day window opened.
Gregg from Shaler
11:51
What’s the OL depth chart look like when Seumalo returns? Anderson swing tackle and McCormick top interior backup?
Brian Batko
11:52
Something like that. Depth is dwindling and obviously Fautanu's injury is a buzzkill, but Seumalo should be back soon, Cook as well, and in the meantime guys like Anderson and McCormick are getting their feet wet while winning. And on the practice squad, John Leglue has been there, done that in the NFL.
BPOS
11:52
While I'm not putting Fields in a tier 1 or or even tier 2 QB category, can we admit he's more than just a slight upgrade over Pickett? Unlike the former, he's not missing open receivers. We're much better off right?
Brian Batko
11:54
Yes, I'd say so. No one would argue the difference in physical traits, right? Fields was a five-star, all-everything recruit. Then he was the 11th overall pick in the draft. He runs a 4.4-ish 40. There's just more to work with there, and to me it goes without saying he would've been the first QB picked had he been in that 2022 class.
Dwight Stone
11:55
hey Bats 🦇, thank you for your work and taking these chats seriously.  Some of your cranky old colleagues are downright trite and low-key unbearable in their chats
Brian Batko
11:56
I'm about to charge at you like an offensive lineman protecting my quarterback
Eric from TX
11:56
Wasn't able to watch the game (feed was Houston/Minn), but tried to keep up through online updates.  Hard to make out how good/bad Najee and the running game were.  Until Q4, the stats were pretty bad. Is this just how we wear people down, or is there more to be concerned about here?
Brian Batko
11:57
They certainly wear on people. That's kind of baked into Najee's value as a player, in my view. But I do think it's fair to say they haven't imposed their will on opposing defenses the way they'd like to in the first three games. Then again, they also haven't had the O-line they expected to in the first three games. Wouldn't surprise me if they find their groove.
Jeff M
11:57
Do you think the wins vs the Falcons and Broncos are more impressive now because of the way they have both played since?
Brian Batko
11:58
Ehh, yes and no. It's the NFL, wild results happen on a week-to-week basis. But there's probably something to be said for facing a rusty Kirk Cousins in Week 1 and a rookie QB making his second start in Week 2. Those are two teams and offenses that should get better as the season goes along.
Pittfan
11:58
Hi Brian. If Fields continues his rise, do the Steelers break tradition and try to negotiate an in season contract? There is no way they will want him to test free agency if he continues on this path and the franchise tag might be more than they are willing to pay. My guess is they thought Russ would be in there (and he still could be) driving down Fields' price and preserving the 4th round pick.
Brian Batko
12:00
That would be interesting. I lean toward no, but it is a business and QB is a unique position not just in football but all of sport.
bwalker
12:00
Duck Hodges biggest accomplishment, having starts for Steelers as an UDFA or scoring Lainey Wilson? I'm thinking Lainey. Bats?
Brian Batko
12:00
I'd watch a Duck Hodges documentary, I know that much.
12:01
OK folks, I've got to head down to the UPMC Rooney Sports Complex for a victory Monday. The players' reward? More facetime with reporters! Thanks for chatting.
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