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Brian Batko's Steelers chat: 10.05.20
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Brian Batko
2:41
Jeff, I think if the Steelers win the Super Bowl, Ben might want to go out on top. Honestly, I have no idea if the second part of your question is something either side would consider. But I also think it's silly to expect pro athletes to take less than what their franchise is willing to pay them. If they do, cool. If they don't, also cool. Not my bank account on either end of the deal.
Drew
2:41
Have you heard if any fans will be allowed for this week’s game?  Thanks.
Brian Batko
2:41
Nope, not yet. I do wonder about the "optics" of such a change as the NFL (and the Steelers, in particular) is dealing with some COVID-19 crises lately.
Gravel
2:42
Brian -  Are you starting to think that the Browns might finally be getting their act together?  Staying in the Division, I think the Ravens defense looks much more vulnerable than it did last year.  Thoughts on what you have seen from the Browns and Ravens?
Brian Batko
2:44
Yes, kind of. They've beaten the Bengals, Washington and Dallas, and got trounced by the Ravens, though, so let's not go overboard too much. The Ravens defense does indeed look a little weaker without Earl Thomas on the back end, but hey, they got picked apart by Patrick Mahomes. No shame in that. I think the Browns are better-coached with a similar stable of talent, so that helps, and that the Ravens remain the team to beat in the AFC North.
John
2:44
Hi Brian, earlier you mentioned that Minkah picking it up gives us the best opportunity to take our D to another level. On a similar note, what is your assessment of Devin Bush?
Brian Batko
2:45
He'd be a close second for me to that question. Needs to be better in coverage, and took a step forward against the Texans (a team without a great tight end). Sticking with Zach Ertz this week will be a challenge. But Bush is wearing the green dot, playing every snap and doing so for a 3-0 team. So, you can't be too disappointed with him.
Chaconutz
2:46
What hasn’t the NFL added a week 18 as a make-up week for postponed or canceled games?  I’m sure more COVID-19 cases will undoubtedly occur, and that would seem to be the perfect panacea which would prevent any more juggling of schedules (especially if it occurs after a team already had their bye).
Brian Batko
2:47
In retrospect, that would've been a very good idea. Or giving teams two off weeks, in the event of something like Steelers-Titans. Probably too late to do so now. "Panacea" is a very good word.
Turk in MD
2:48
Follow up to your answer about Hilton and the importance of OLB.  We’ve long discussed the team cannot afford to keep Bud and TJ.  Has something changed?  Bud is playing lights out, but how does the team keep him.  Highsmith was drafted to be Bud’s eventual replacement.
Brian Batko
2:49
No, I don't think anything's changed. I still think Bud Dupree will cash in big this year in free agency. And yet, they STILL might not have enough money to keep Mike Hilton, too, based on the numbers he's putting up. Especially if keeping JuJu, perhaps on the franchise tag, will also be considered. Hey, I could be wrong and the Steelers front office may well have a great plan for keeping this team mostly intact for the short term and kicking the cap can down the road for the long term. We shall see.
TP Ranger
2:50
Slightly off topic, but since you have seen a few of them any thoughts on Pitt's most recent disaster of the year against NC State? See anybody on that roster that the Steelers might be interested in?
Brian Batko
2:52
As the P-G's Pitt football beat reporter until early last year, I must say, I have seen a few of them. That one Saturday felt ... different. Maybe because of the 3-0 start, maybe because the point spread was so high, but also because Pitt just seemed to be in control so often. I kept thinking they'd find a way to pull it out. Obviously, I was wrong. Anyway, back on the Steelers topic, Jimmy Morrissey would be a nice backup center and maybe someone who could even replace Maurkice Pouncey eventually.
2:53
OK, let's end it on a dual Pitt-Steelers question, eh? Thanks, as always, for engaging. Ray Fittipaldo and Gerry Dulac will be here in the days to come. And if your question didn't make it in, keep an eye ou ton my mailbag this week. Enjoy the good football tonight.
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