You are viewing the chat in desktop mode. Click here to switch to mobile view.
X
Brian Batko's Steelers chat: 10.12.20
powered byJotCast
Prev Page View Full Chat
Brian Batko
2:35
Oh, Realist. Where were you during the 2019 season?
Bill
2:37
It looks like the Fitzpatrick magic has disappeared! The secondary is very disappointing, and it seems if there is no pass rush they can't cover anybody.
Brian Batko
2:38
Yeah, I don't really know what's up with Minkah. But hey, it's better to be quiet and off the stat sheet than be noticeably getting beat when you play that position,
Devin
2:38
Is it too early to worry about my tendency to disappear from both the stat sheet and the in game action?
Brian Batko
2:38
Yeah, I don't really know what's up with Bush. But hey, it's better to be quiet and off the stat sheet than be noticeably getting beat when you play that position.
Turk in MD
2:39
Hi Brian, thanks for the chats.  Last week Mr Dulac felt the team will most likely draft an OL in the 1st round.  After seeing the continued struggles in the run game. I have to agree.  Your thoughts and will they also have to get out of the gun and put BR under center more?
Brian Batko
2:40
I was asked about next year's draft in my last chat, as well, and threw out the idea of drafting a TE, especially an all-around TE who can give you Ebron's pass-catching and McDonald's run-blocking. But yes, Gerry is right that a T would be a wise choice, too. HOWEVER. If Travis Etienne is there in the first round ... man, I don't like using a first-round pick or spending big money on a running back, but, well, then I watch Clemson play.
George
2:42
Ebron caught it got two feet down, then had the ball punched out.  It was a fumble recovery not an Int. Why are people so fast to say the ball hit the ground like that made it impossible to overturn?  Did we get away with one there?
Brian Batko
2:42
Probably, but it's certainly worth noting that the issues for Ebron yesterday were the ones that dogged him in his career coming into his Steelers tenure. Probably not a huge deal right now, but ...
dallas yinzer
2:44
With the Steelers giving up plays to third and long, why take a timeout and allow a possible end of half drive for points?  Let the time run down, then use your timeouts with the offense.  At least once a game, there is a coaching strategic error.  Thoughts?
Brian Batko
2:45
I think the competitor in Tomlin probably kept believing they'd get a stop on third down. It didn't strike me as much of an error. He was trying to use TOs on defense so he could get the ball back and let his offense run a two-minute drill.
Jeff
2:46
Thanks for the chats B.  Whereas I like the going for the jugular at the end of the game to try to put it away I don't understand emptying the backfield without even an option to run.  Yes it worked out but that late in the game I would think the opposing team would still respect the run since it would take time off the clock.  not if there is not anyone back there!
Brian Batko
2:47
No problem, Jeff. Emptying the backfield in that situation when it works is a great call. Running when the opposing team knows you're going to run is dumb, unless of course you get the push up front and move the chains. Then, it was smart.
Chuck from Michigan
2:48
Brian, secondary play and defense by Steelers DB's  has been very marginal over the last few seasons.  Cannot believe they were not double teaming "13" at any time in yesterday's game.  Any possibility Justin Layne gets thrown into the DB mix, and/or can Terrell Austin/Keith Butler devise some other defensive twists than just zone coverage?
Brian Batko
2:50
I don't think you'll see much of Justin Layne this year unless there's an injury, much to the chagrin of those in East Lansing. Nelson and Haden haven't been great, but let's look around the league. Every team is giving up passing yardage and big plays to some degree.
Brett
2:50
Last year it appeared that the front 7 collapsed the pocket much quicker causing quarterbacks to miss throws and make the secondary look great. Perhaps the secondary might not be as good as thought to be. Your thoughts?
Brian Batko
2:51
Still think the front seven has been pretty darn good. The numbers back that up, too. You always need your pass rush and coverage to work in harmony, of course. Do I think the play of the secondary last year was bound to regress a bit? Sure. Do I think it's as much of a liability as it looked at times the last couple games? No, not just yet.
Guest
2:53
Hi BB . . . Do you think Claypool might pass James Washington on the depth chart soon? I like Washington, but it's hard to argue with 4 TDs in one game.
Brian Batko
2:54
Yes, I've thought all along that the Claypool pick was most worrisome for Washington, given both of them being inclined to play on the outside. Washington played one more snap than Claypool yesterday, but in the Texans game, Claypool out-snapped every other wideout, so that depth chart isn't much of a pecking order at the top.
Tampa Too
2:55
Why is it that some offside penalties are called after the play is over  (a free play) and some are whistled dead before the play is over?
Brian Batko
2:56
Because if a defensive player is coming in "unabated" and can use his penalty enough to his advantage to get a clear hit on the quarterback and decapitate said quarterback, the refs are trying to stop that.
Titan in Charlotte
2:56
Brian- great time seeing two WPIAL RBs showcased this weekend. I always liked Connor, but wouldn’t it be nice to have a RB with game breaking speed as our #1 in this backfield?
Brian Batko
2:57
Yep. Which is why I mentioned Etienne from Clemson earlier. I thought he was a better prospect than any of the backs in this past year's draft, and can't believe he returned to school.
JerseySteel
2:57
Hi Brian - is this the deepest WR group in years. For a long time the 5th WR didn't contribute too much beyond Special Teams (Heyward-Bey, Switzer, etc). McCloud helps on ST and contributing on offense. Diontae goes down, and Claypool goes wild. Thoughts?
Brian Batko
2:58
I think so, JerseySteel. I wrote about it a few weeks ago, in a story headlined "Steelers have their deepest receiving corps in years..." https://www.post-gazette.com/sports/steelers/2020/09/24/Steelers-have-...
Lamberts missing tooth
2:58
Word on DJ?
Brian Batko
2:58
Diontae Johnson took a direct shot to the back yesterday, according to Tomlin, who didn't seem overly worried about his availability for the Browns game. But stay tuned.
James
2:59
Hi Brian, no question for you today.  Just want to Tunch to know he is in my thoughts and prayers. I know I’m not in that.  It is refreshing and inspiring to see a man of faith not being afraid to express his belief and try to live it everyday with class and humbleness.  May God Bless Him.
Brian Batko
3:00
1000% James. I've gotten to know him a little bit covering the Steelers, most of all last year in Cincy when he noticed that I'm not at a lot of the road games and walked over to sit with me in the press box for pregame lunch. We chatted about life, not at all about football. All the best to Tunch Ilkin as he battles ALS.
We'll end on that. Thanks as always for the plethora of questions. Didn't even come close to getting them all, but hopefully you enjoyed the chat regardless. Have a great week
Connecting…