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Brian Batko's Steelers chat: 10.19.20
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Brian Batko
2:38
Even at 2-3, I'm not sure Detroit is ready to punt on this season and trade a guy like that. Especially with Matt Patricia's job on the line and the NFC playoff race being as weird as it is (Bears in second, Cardinals in sixth, etc.)
Jacque Strap
2:39
Marathon chat yesterday by BB, and back at it again today. Good job by you sir.
Brian Batko
2:39
All I do is chat, Jacque. All I do is chat.
Freeman
2:39
Antonio Brown is eligible to sign in a couple of weeks, any thoughts on who takes a run at him?
Brian Batko
2:41
Colts could use him. They beat the Bengals yesterday with Marcus Johnson leading them in receiving. Yes, Marcus Johnson.
AK
2:41
I saw a story online about available ILBs.  Why does anyone think that guys who are unsigned FAs would be the answer? Seems to me they’re unsigned for a reason.
Brian Batko
2:43
Generally, I agree with you, but you never know if a guy is unsigned because he's only willing to play a certain role or for a certain price, and things change over the course of a season. Last guy like that I can remember the Steelers signing off the street for a sizable role was ... maybe Stevan Ridley?
Mark
2:43
Does anyone remember the days when Bud was a bust?
Brian Batko
2:43
No, no, no one ever said that, Mark. No way.
Doyle37
2:44
Despite the good job by Spillane, do the Steelers make a trade for a significant ILB...say part with a 4th round pick ?
Brian Batko
2:45
I certainly wouldn't mind parting with a fourth-round pick if I'm the Steelers. Not when you're in win-now mode like this team is at 5-0. As long as it's someone a little more useful than Chris Wormley.
Jim
2:46
Do we have to start thinking about keeping Dupree and TJ? With Bush down we need both even if Bush comes back next year.
Brian Batko
2:46
They're probably thinking about it. But the calculations won't be easy. T.J. Watt very well might reset the market for defensive players in the NFL.
DomfromYtown
2:46
Juju has been absolutely quiet, is he being doubled teamed? Do you think eventually things will open up once teams focus on Claypool?
Brian Batko
2:48
I asked James Washington this morning on Zoom how much JuJu is drawing coverage away from the other pass-catchers, and he said teams are keying on 19. It will probably help out JuJu now that teams see what Washington and Claypool have been able to do this season as the complementary pieces. And once Diontae Johnson is back getting open as often as he does, defenses will have to pick their poison even more.
Not Likely
2:48
Hi Brian. Thanks for doing the chats. I realize it is not likely, but what about trading David Decastro for a stud linebacker? It would have to be a great linebacker in return, and I think Dotson is doing great! He is gonna be a stud... Not much drop off with Dotson in there...
Brian Batko
2:49
At least you acknowledged that it's not likely.
Greg
2:49
From an injury perspective, does a player every pull himself from playing? Seems Mayfield may have been better off sitting that one out rather than serving up such a turd of a performance. Or are the Browns just that bad?
Brian Batko
2:50
Yeah, I think there certainly are times where NFL players tell coaches or trainers they need another week, or they won't be at their best to help their team in a given game. Those guys know their bodies better than anyone. Now, in this case, I don't think Mayfield was so battered that Case Keenum starting would've been a better option. Granted, hindsight is 20/20, but it's not like he was running around out there on a broken ankle.
Nick from VA
2:51
A lot has been made of how efficient Ben has been this year. I've been thinking about this a lot, and JuJu's numbers are way down for a #1 guy. I think there is a correlation here. JuJu isn't a selfish receiver (ahem #84) and so if he's not open, Ben doesn't feel like he has to force the ball to him. Given the overall depth at the WR position, do you think not having a diva as the #1 guy, is a big reason that Ben's been so conservative this year, and hence isn't throwing as many INT's? His one INT was a bad throw on a ball he tried to force.
Brian Batko
2:53
That probably does help, yeah. Ben seemingly has gone out of his way multiple times this year to praise the unselfishness of his pass catchers, JuJu especially. And guess what? JuJu has never had the attitude or personality that gives off the vibe he's overly concerned with his numbers. At the end of the day, he's banking a ton of cash off endorsements and whatnot anyway. He'll be fine regardless.
Winning
2:53
Would you call Ben's role as being more of. game manager, or just part of a really balanced offense?
Brian Batko
2:53
Just part of a really balanced offense.
Star Gazer
2:54
Hi Brian - Lines were dominating yesterday.  Best case, Titans run game held to x yards on Sunday?  If under 100 yds and Steelers win turnover battle, mark down the W?
Brian Batko
2:55
As with any football game, yes. As for best case rushing total for the Titans, I'll say 29 yards, which is what the Giants and Texans rushed for against the Steelers.
Matty
2:56
With devin Bush out, should we expect to see Marcus Allen in on passing downs more and a little more of UG3? Or do you think we use a 4th or 5th rounder to go snag an LB elsewhere
Brian Batko
2:57
Doesn't seem like they're too interested in using Marcus Allen on defense. Ulysees Gilbert will be interesting to watch because to me, he's not getting a helmet due to Spillane and Allen being ahead of him on special teams rather than it being an indictment of his linebacker play.
Barry J.
2:57
Will the Steelers be signing Craig Meyer to take Devin Bush's spot in the lineup?
Brian Batko
2:57
I'd rather have Craig as an edge-rusher.
V. Burfict
2:58
I finally saw the light!!!!  Any chance the team takes a flyer on me?  I'm available!
Brian Batko
2:58
Yep, I think you'd be great for this locker room.
Shawn
2:58
I read an article on pg about a year ago saying the Steelers never let stars walk without offering them a contract. Why would they stay from that model with juju?
Brian Batko
2:58
Because maybe they don't think he's a star.
Nate
2:59
To the readers:  If you haven't read Brian's article on Spillane, I recommend it.
Brian Batko
2:59
Surefire way to get in the chat right there.
3:00
OK pals, we'll end on that. Unbelievable turnout today, which is all due to my own charm and wit, certainly not at all related to the Steelers being 5-0 and heading into a matchup with the 5-0 Titans. Stay tuned for more coverage this week, including my mailbag and Friday morning podcast with Ray Fittipaldo. Enjoy the double dose of MNF.
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