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Brian Batko's Steelers chat: 09.25.22
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John
2:00
If you're satisfied with mediocrity, you got the right coach! With Tomlin you'll never see another super bowl but you'll still have your barely winning seasons.
Brian Batko
2:01
And we're off to a roaring start today, aren't we? Should be fun...
Fan from Saskatoon
2:01
Watching Steelers games this season  , announcers keep mentioning all the money that was spent upgrading the offensive line  . But other than  bringing in Daniel's and Cole a lot of that money was given to Okorafor . How is resigning part of the problem  an upgrade  ?
Brian Batko
2:03
This chat is huge in Saskatoon! Greetings to you. I actually think Chuks Okorafor has been OK, that ineligible man downfield penalty notwithstanding. To me, the Mason Cole and James Daniels signings weren't exactly huge money spent for upgrades. And I really don't think the OL is at the top of the list of issues right now, surprisingly.
Aaron Miller
2:04
Hey Brian! I have to say the offensive execution is the worst I’ve seen yet and I am wondering why the Steelers organization have faith that things would get better when it’s trending down with both Mitch trying to play safe ball so he doesn’t lose his job and with Matt Canada running on offensive scheme that does nothing but short passes. I’m not even mad about Pickens being offsides on the onside kick because the Steelers deserved to lose that game. Will the Steelers win a game against the lowly jets? or is the TJ Watt-less record going to continue? Thanks Brian!
Brian Batko
2:06
The main thing they have to figure out right now is whether it's more execution or scheme. That'll go a long way toward determining Mike Tomlin's decision(s) on QB and OC. Will they win against the Jets? I haven't decided yet. The stats with/without Watt really are stark though. They're now 0-9-1 since last season when he doesn't play at all, leaves early or is returning from injury. If you watched closely last year, he was never completely right in those first games back from the groin issues.
CasualFan
2:07
Did the last 2 teams do most of their damage to the Steelers (via ground game) while Alualu was on the field?
Brian Batko
2:08
Not that I noticed. He's been playing about half the game, so it's not as if he's getting limited opportunities and they're running on him when he's in there. The whole front seven has to wear this right now.
2:09
And the secondary, too, when you look at all those missed tackles.
NYC George
2:10
Dare I say it?  Warren deserves an equal split with Najee.
Brian Batko
2:10
No, I wouldn't say that.
NY STEELER
2:11
Hi Brian. For two years now the offense has been horrible. Blame has gone around from Ben, OLine play calling. In any other sport the coach would be fired. To me the blame goes to Tomlin. He makes the decisions and so called adjustments.  He’s not getting it done. Been there too long. Time for a change. What do you think?  Thanks
Brian Batko
2:12
Sure, it does start with him. There's been a lot of change on offense over the past few seasons, and figuring out the transition hasn't been one of the better bullet points on his resume so far. I think he deserves a chance to see this through with Kenny Pickett as the QB of the future.
Sam
2:13
Would being 1-5, maybe 2-5 be more or less incentive to push Watt along and back into the lineup?  He obviously helps, which is tempting to rush him back in there.  But I wouldn't want them to put him at risk for greater injury over a lost cause season anyway.  Sadly 4-13 might be a better big picture result than something in the middle of the pack with 7, 8, or 9 wins.
Brian Batko
2:15
I don't see them letting their win total, or lack thereof, affect the recovery time for TJ Watt. He's too valuable, now and in the long term, to risk his health. And knowing him, when he's ready to go, he's going to want to be back in there.
TV
2:15
Will we see a change at QB for the Steelers on Sunday?  Follow up regardless of answer - do you think we SHOULD see a change at QB?
Brian Batko
2:17
My guess is no, and my opinion is no. I've been lukewarm on Mitch Trubisky from the start. Didn't love the signing, although it made more sense to me once I saw how modest the compensation was. And once they drafted Pickett, it was clear that Trubisky wasn't the long-term solution they had in mind. But I also think there's something to be said for how they've played their hand to this point, and Trubisky was good enough for me Thursday night to keep this job another week.
SoCalSteeler
2:18
Hey Brian - How much of what is happening on offense do you attribute to coaching/schemes vs adjusting to life without a franchise HOF QB? It's happening in New Orleans as well. You clearly feel the difference between a true franchise QB and a below average QB...don't ya think?
Brian Batko
2:20
I'd say just about anything in football, especially at the NFL level, is weighted more toward the players you have than the coaches you have. What I mean is good players make coaches look good more than good coaching makes players look good. Do I think Matt Canada is getting outschemed by opposing defenses thus far? Yeah, probably. But the Steelers aren't going to have a QB advantage in many games either. That's where they hope Pickett will come in eventually.
CTSTEELERFAN
2:20
Hello Brian and thank you for the chat. In your opinion, would their be any noticeable improvement in the offense if the QB were allowed to audible at his own discretion? Thank you
Brian Batko
2:23
Not really sure what to make of that, other than that this is the second year in a row we're dealing with this story line. I've seen it suggested that it's a pride/control thing for Canada as the OC/play-caller. And I guess that's possible. But I tend to think he'd like to win and that scoring points would do more for his ego than anything else, which makes me believe he has his reasons for what does and doesn't fly pre-snap.
Bob in Texas
2:23
I saw that Mason Rudolph "didn't get a helmet" last Thursday against the Browns.  Probably a good idea with Myles Garrett around.
Brian Batko
2:23
Thanks, Bob.
TSH
2:23
Hi Brian!  Thank you for the chats!  I think the O Line is making some progress.  Although, I thought the Browns having two, first round draft picks on the O-Line who wore down the Steelers D Line was a great comparison and why it's time to invest earlier draft picks into the O Line.  What are your thoughts?  Thanks Much!
Brian Batko
2:26
Agreed, the Steelers OL is faring better than I expected after what we saw in preseason. Perhaps they're still a bit limited overall in what they allow the offense to do, but that's the difference between a unit like theirs and what the Browns have built. Those guys might be the best group in the league. Then again, what have they done with it lately? Won one more playoff game than the Steelers. Obviously, an elite OL isn't worth much without the skill guys to make the rest work.
Paul
2:27
Hi Brian, did the Steelers not take into account the aging DL with Alualu and Heyward taking so many snaps early on?
Brian Batko
2:28
Sure they did. That's why they drafted DeMarvin Leal and signed Larry Ogunjobi. But a lot of guys on D are playing a lot of snaps right now because the offense can't stay on the field.
Sherry
2:29
Can we look at the glass half full and proclaim that Steelers should be 3-0?
Brian Batko
2:29
Go for it, Sherry!
2:31
But in all honesty, this is what the NFL has become for the teams like the Steelers who are probably treading water in the middle. And most franchises are unless you have a laser-armed gazelle at QB. The Steelers will make some plays and win games (see: Cincy). Their opponents will make some plays and win games (see: Patriots, Browns). That's how it is in a league with so much parity. It's no secret that they hope/need Pickett to be their winning edge.
Ule
2:32
Now that BR is retired, who has saved this team's W-L record more than any single player, how many losing seasons will the Rooney's endure before they move on from Mike Tomlin?
Brian Batko
2:32
I guess I'll let you know once I see one. Still not predicting it for the 2022 Steelers.
Richard
2:33
Hi Brian, enjoy your chats.  Does Kevin Colbert still have a role with the Steelers even though he is officially retired?  Thanks.
Brian Batko
2:34
Not in an official capacity. His name is nowhere to be found on the team's website. He does still come around from time to time. Wouldn't be surprised if he chops it up with Omar Khan, Andy Weidl, et al. But I bet he has far too much respect for those guys, Mike Tomlin and the organization to try to throw his weight around.
Kurt
2:35
Does Mike Tomlin really think this offense will magically be better?  Everything they do on offense looks so difficult to even get a first down.  Look around the league and teams are moving the ball with ease and scoring points.  Also none of his assistants especially on offensive side of the ball are head coaching candidates, does he just hire yes men?
Brian Batko
2:38
I'm looking around the league, Kurt. And I'm seeing some teams that move the ball with ease. Then there are also the 49ers, Broncos, Packers, Bucs, Colts, Saints and Bears. If you think the Steelers are in a tier below the rest of the NFL or something, do a bit more research. Not saying it's good, but they aren't on an island with their struggles, either.
JerseySteel
2:38
Hi Brian - I have seen All 22 views of many plays vs the Browns posted on Twitter. In most of them, you can see some wide open receivers in the MOF or deep down the sideline. That makes me concerned that the issue is more the QB making reads than the play design getting people open. Thoughts?
Brian Batko
2:40
There's certainly been some of that. Especially against the Patriots. Reading coverages, making decisions and getting the ball there accurately were all parts of playing the position that Trubisky struggled to do consistently in Chicago. It's carrying over here. But it's also more than fair to wonder about the big-picture structure of the offense, what they're trying to be, etc. And in the smaller picture, Trubisky's receivers came up small for him a few times in Cleveland when he did his part.
Cam
2:41
Mr. Brian, does that overhyped (but jovial) Aaron Donald guy really consistently whip up on double teams, or is that more of that infamous West Coast hyperbole? Cause personally, I'm finding it a little difficult at the moment.  I'm surely 1.5 times stronger than your average OL man, but 2.0 times is a little much to ask, no?
Brian Batko
2:42
Not sure I've ever seen Aaron Donald described as jovial. Most of the best defensive players on earth aren't. But if this is Cam Heyward, I don't envy your position with T.J. Watt sidelined. You two work well together.
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