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Brian Batko's Steelers chat: 09.30.19
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Brian Batko
12:31
That's kind of a backhanded reasoning for why I don't hate the trade for Nick Vannett. It's not like the Steelers have been nailing any fifth-round picks anyway. Even the two guys you mention might be gone next year. At least Jerald Hawkins netted them a draft pick from Tampa Bay when they dealt him preseason. Artie Burns, even at the time it seemed, they reached for. Sean Davis, maybe him too. But remember that the Bengals grabbed William Jackson one pick before the Steelers in the first round, and they chose to settle for the next best corner.
Pitt Panther in NC
12:32
Could Ben have screwed us by insisting on Fichtner and a short pass offense? Also minimizing running game? I read the Steelers do anything he wants.
Brian Batko
12:33
I don't think I'm going to criticize Ben for negatively affecting a Steelers offense that he's no longer able to be part of right now.
Randy F.
12:33
Wouldn't it be neat to run a bunch of sidecar hand-offs tonight?
Brian Batko
12:34
Pony backfield, baby, lay it on me.
Steeler Nation · Peasant '63
12:34
At this point... isn't Pick 33 the best we can hope for, since it would force ARII to consider cleaning house? Of course, by example, it's doubtful that he's capable.
Brian Batko
12:35
Love the optimism, Mr. Peasant.  Why so much hand-wringing about possibly trading the No. 1 pick when you could be psyched about having the first pick in the second round?
Tom Stephens
12:35
Steelers will win by 10 tonight.
Brian Batko
12:35
OK, Tom
Lettuce Wynn
12:35
Are the Steelers catching up to the rest of the NFL, especially the Pats, in using FA and trades to bolster the team?  Building through the draft is so 2010
Brian Batko
12:36
Possibly. Good piece from Ray Fittipaldo this week on exploring different approaches, and he talked to a couple former execs about it. If you haven't read it, check it out: https://www.post-gazette.com/sports/steelers/2019/09/29/miami-dolphins...
Kramer
12:36
I'm excited for Rudolf I still believe he can be our future but our o line needs to get it together what's your assessment on rudolf so far? I know hes only started 1 game by the way love the chats!!!!
Brian Batko
12:37
Thank you, Kramer. My assessment is that it's too early to tell. He was very shaky in the first half last week - indecisive, not comfortable in the pocket, missing a couple chances downfield. But he looked a lot better in the second half, thank you very much, Mr. Verrett.
Huh?
12:37
I am always surprised when some asks (You, Gerry or Ray) a question, you give your opinion, then they go off on you. Are any of you just sitting at your desk scratching your head?
Brian Batko
12:38
I'm actually sitting at my kitchen table right now, occasionally stroking my beard. We're pretty used to how this goes by now.
ClownShow
12:38
So the Steelers most likely lose tonight. Have you guys at the PG scheduled your meeting yet to talk about who to blame tomorrow besides Tomlin?
Brian Batko
12:39
Huh?
Mark
12:39
Hi Brian.  I bet Rudolph wishes he had the sure handed Jesse James to throw to.  The decision to let the Outlaw walk is looking more stupid by the minute.  What say you?
Brian Batko
12:40
Hey, Mark. I say Jesse James would certainly have been helpful this season, but probably not enough to justify the price tag ($22.6 million over 4) the Lions put on him. It's a logical argument, though.
Coach15
12:41
Y do we not hear management outright address the same excuses, they're paying  performers/players BIG $$, & should demand better results--communication issues, penalties, poor special teams play, defense non-existent, clock management, & run-blocking are issues as a fan, I'm tired of hearing about-
Brian Batko
12:41
Kevin Colbert has a policy of not doing media in-season, as far as I know. If you couldn't tell by now following this franchise over the years, it's not a very reactionary group at the top.
NickFromVA
12:42
I think ClownShow was suggesting that you and your colleagues provide cover for Tomlin and the rest of the Steelers coaching staff after a loss. While I don't agree with him on that, I do think that the coaching staff gets too much of a pass. A lot of the issues I see with this team are coaching related.
Brian Batko
12:42
A chatter starting a question with "I think ClownShow was suggesting..." is why these exercises are fantastic
NickFromVA
12:42
I'm not so sure I agree this team is as bad as everyone thinks. Let's face it be they've lost to a 4-0 team, a 3-0 team, and a 3-1 team. And only the first one was a blowout. A few breaks in Pittsburgh's way, this is a 2-1 team. Do you really think they are that bad?
Brian Batko
12:44
No, I don't think they're the worst team in the AFC North, which is where they sit right now. But, uh, they might be. We'll find out a significant data point on that front in about 10 hours here. Nick you make a solid point that the schedule has been difficult, probably even more so than expected given how SF is playing. We knew that going in, though. I definitely predicted an 0-2 start, and said 1-3 was possible. Now, that's the best-case scenario. Obviously.
The Fleas in Dan Fouts beard
12:44
What's your addy?
Brian Batko
12:44
bbatko@post-gazette.com
Ryno
12:45
If the Steelers end up drafting in the number ___ spot or above next year, you will be upset about trading away the first round pick for Fitzpatrick?
Brian Batko
12:46
Even if they get the top pick, I don't think it'll be that bad of a move. Have to imagine they at least entertained that calculation going into the trade, even if they weren't expecting to finish with the worst record in the league. But that all gets baked in to the decision, based on the likelihood of that happening.
Texas Steeler
12:46
How big a role does the new TE play this week? How much production can we expect from another teams backup TE?
Brian Batko
12:47
I think Nick Vannett will probably get the start, for better or worse. Even though he's not ruled out, I can't imagine Vance McDonald playing. Vannett has a chance here to prove he's capable of doing more than Seattle asked of him. I also think Zach Gentry will be involved. If you're in some crazy deep fantasy league or do a daily thing for Monday night games or something, throw a dart at him.
Matt-Fl
12:47
Washington breaking out tonight?
Brian Batko
12:48
I'll say yes. But I predicted that last week too and it didn't happen that way. Could've had a long touchdown if not for drawing the DPI that directly resulted in Diontae Johnson's score.
You Listenin' Art?
12:48
Quick... How many 'S' in Steeler Nation?
Brian Batko
12:48
1
Alex B.
12:48
The Steelers offense has gone into a shell, they played to conservatively in the first half against the 49ers, this defense is not going to hold opponents down. Why handcuff  Mason Rudolph need to use all weapons and incorporated Samuels and Washington more.
Brian Batko
Greg
12:49
Hey Brian. You’re reporting is insightful and refreshingly upbeat. Very appreciated! What’s the best question you’ve received so far this year? This one?
Brian Batko
12:49
Yes, this one, by a mile
Duke
12:49
Hi Brian...I hope the recently departed Sam Davis will be inducted into the next Steelers Hall of Honor.  I believe the late Steelers captain has been under appreciated since his retirement, partly because he did not call attention to himself while playing and also due to his post/retirement health problems which kept him out of the public eye.  Your thoughts?
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