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Brian Batko's Steelers chat: 09.28.21
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Brian Batko
2:45
I'm not sure. For all we know, at the time he was promoted, he and they didn't expect Roethlisberger back. Now, you can argue whether they should've or not, but it's hard to say. I really don't think the Canada hire was viewed as desperate or dumb across the league. Rams coach Sean McVay has a podcast I happened to hear a few times and on one episode he mentioned Canada, unprompted, as being a guy who genuinely understands offensive trends and where football is headed. So, take that for what you will.
The Standard is Substandard
2:46
Least used piece of equipment at the Steelers' practice facility - blocking sleds?
Brian Batko
2:46
Unless you count some of the backup D-linemen who have been forced to play meaningful snaps lately.
Rahman Chisty from Ocean city, md
2:46
Hi Brian. What is the chance of Tuitt coming back this week or anytime soon? what was the nature of his injury? Thanks for the chat.
Brian Batko
2:47
Knee injury. Our Gerry Dulac reported he needed surgery just before the season opener. Ipso facto, hard to see him back anytime soon. And you're welcome.
NCSteve
2:47
i seem to remember not too long ago the Ravens changed offensive coordinators midway thru the season and it completely turned their team around.  Who is out there that can come in and fix this offense
Brian Batko
2:48
Randy Fichtner is available for hire.
Jeff
2:49
Thanks for the chats B.  I have a hard time believing no one on the coaching staff saw this coming.  All through preseason and camp we heard how the OL coach was going to revamp the techniques.  At the same time how great the new OC was going to be mixing in run plays that got positive yardage.  I guess I wouldnt be so disappointed if we weren't fed a bunch of crap.  For the first time since I can remember the steelers got lazy when it came to these two coaches.  Both were promoted at a time when they had a say in things and we stunk.  Heck I would take last years line over this garbage, at least they kept Ben standing
Brian Batko
2:50
Well, there's no question in there, but your point is noted. It's funny, people out there (in this very chat included) kept saying this offseason that the new O-line can't be worse than last year. And I kept saying uh, yes they can. So far, they have been, right? But at least there's more upside with this bunch ... maybe.
Turk in MD
2:51
Hi Brian.Thanks for the chats. We cannot ignore the mounting injuries, but we also cannot ignore this team has lost 6 of their last 8 reg. season games, including 2 to the Bengals.  Have we hit rock bottom or is that an over-reaction.
Brian Batko
2:52
Never tempt the gods by asking if your team has hit rock-bottom, Turk. And yeah, every team is dealing with injuries at this point. I'm not gonna use that as an excuse too much, and to their credit, the coaches/players aren't either.
Ralph LA
2:52
In practice do you see Ben making long passes to his receivers? Are the receivers dropping passes in practice?
Brian Batko
2:52
Steelers' regular-season practice policies prohibit us from reporting what we see and hear. That's nothing new.
Jay
2:53
Hello Batsy.  If this season continues in the way we expect it to continue, can you envision if Tomlin or Canada keeping their jobs?  Or do you believe players will absorb most blames?
Brian Batko
2:54
Well, let's see here. Last year the offense wasn't good enough, so the Steelers changed their coordinator, changed their O-line coach, changed their running back and changed the majority of their O-line. Gee, what's the common denominator in these struggles, Jay? And "receiving corps" is not the answer we're looking for.
Paul from Sacramento
2:55
Hi Brian, Lookin forward to your podcast with Ray on the state of things. Do you think that Canada could try the Fullback (Watt) shift to center (49ers did it Sunday night) to try a QB sneak for 1 yard..That Ben/or coaches are reluctant to do.. or more to the point, do you think Canada is innovative enough to take from others playbooks?
Brian Batko
2:57
Thanks, Paul. I'm looking forward to our discussion, as well. As for converting short-yardage, I'd say they need to be open to trying just about anything. And I do think Canada is open-minded about that kind of stuff. I keep coming back to this, and I'm not trying to make excuses for a guy whose offense looks unimaginative thus far: Canada isn't a dumb guy. He didn't even play college ball. You don't get this far in this industry if you're not a good offensive mind, especially with his background.
Chris
2:57
Brian. Why don't they instill a "jumbo" package for running. Every other team has one? Double tight ends and Watt. Worth trying, right?
Brian Batko
2:59
Speaking of Randy Fichtner, he really liked his "nipple-rubbers" didn't he? Of course I'm speaking of tackle-eligible extra blockers. You're not seeing that from the Steelers, but they have run some plays here and there with multiple tight ends and Watt. They've even run a couple with three TEs!
3:01
OK folks, now that we're getting into the weeds of personnel usage and whatnot, I think I've fired all my bullets at this juncture. I know you all haven't, so come back tomorrow to chat with Gerry or shoot me a tweet/email/etc. for my mailbag. Maybe I'll answer. Have a nice rest of the week.
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