JotCast | Brian Batko's Steelers chat: 10.21.19

Brian Batko's Steelers chat: 10.21.19

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Brian Batko

2:20

Maybe. His contract seems to be pretty back-loaded. We simply don't have enough information at this point to know how they'll proceed. The NFL could also step in above the Steelers.

Alan in Nashville

2:20

Hi, Brian. I understand that the Steelers are not allowing Chickillo in the building today. I know we can't jump to conclusions but please tell us that if there's even a sniff of proof that he laid hands on a woman, he'll be sent packing. And I don't care who they have on the roster. They've done so much to shed the "Team Turmoil" label and they don't need a backup OSLB to change that at all. What do you think? Thanks!

Brian Batko

2:21

We know that NFL teams and decision makers don't value all players equally. To me, he's a player that certainly isn't going to warrant any extra wiggle room because of his ability to help the team.

AzVic

2:21

Hi Brian, we enjoy your Steelers chat. In your opinion, what are the Steeler's greatest needs come next years draft.

Brian Batko

2:23

I'm glad you speak for everyone there, AzVic. Edge rusher will be No. 1, assuming Bud Dupree lands elsewhere. And I think you can get a good one without a first-round pick. Look at Chase Winovich, who was a third-rounder. He's not playing all that much on defense for New England, but he's productive when he's in, and would maybe be a starter for a lesser unit.

Alex B

2:24

In order to compete for

a playoff spot the offense will have to evolve a whole bunch, will we see that going on the Miami game and beyond ?

Brian Batko

2:25

Could go either way this week. Against Miami, you can probably play another very conservative style and win, maybe even easily. But it could also give you a chance to let Mason Rudolph air it out and gain some confidence against a bad team. Unless the Dolphins get frisky, I think you'll see the Steelers focus on the ground game, for the most part.

Jeff

2:25

Great chat Brian. I understand why Montcrief was getting benched but isn't it time to give him another shot? He had a great camp and early on seemed to be the only one getting separation. I get that interception from the missed ball was devastating but like we did with Boswell, let him work it out.

Brian Batko

2:26

They did give him a shot in LA, sort of by default though, with James Washington injured. And hey, he caught his only target. Thing is, if you intend on cutting him within the next three weeks to likely recoup a comp pick in the draft, you might not want to risk him getting hurt.

Maxwell

2:27

Hi Brian, I have noticed the past several games that Keith Butler play calling sheet have actually got smaller maybe the size of an index card size. It's it possible to think Austin is calling the defense now? And yes before it was a large one.

Brian Batko

2:28

Ha, I have not noticed this myself. Maybe he's writing smaller. As for Teryl Austin and his influence, not sure how much say he has in the calls, but he is a former DC and seems to be working wonders with the DBs. Wrote about him over the weekend https://www.post-gazette.com/sports/steelers/2019/10/20/teryl-austin-s...

2:28

Do the Steelers have the worst set of skill position players in the league?

Brian Batko

2:28

They won't even have the worst set of skill position players on the field next Monday night.

John from Florida

2:29

I have been a Steeler fan for over 50 years and a NFL fan for that same time. However I must say that this year has been the most confusing time for following the rules of the game. On any given play an official can throw a flag and everyone in the stadium including coaches hold their breath to see what it is for and if it should be reviewed. No one including the announcers on TV know what to say about the rules. The players just look at each other and complain but no one really knows what to say. Even the newly hired ex officials have a problem explaining how it works. For goodness sakes, lets get back to simple rules and quit ruining the game that I used to enjoy so much ! I'm curious, What do the players say in the locker room about the new rules ?

Brian Batko

2:30

They generally don't protest too much. The smart ones point out that you shouldn't let one play or one call affect an entire game. Keep your eyes peeled for a fuller look at this on the website at some point soon.

Retire21

2:30

Jesse James must be in his hideout in the mountains because he’s M.I.A. In Motown. Nell is running in quicksand in the NJ swamps. AB is begging to play....anywhere. Steelers lookopretty savvy? Although L,J. Fort looked god in Ravens purple yesterday.

Brian Batko

2:33

Eh, yes and no. James would've been helpful here, but he got paid well by Detroit. Bell has had some nice moments but just hasn't had much help in that offense. A.B. might still be the best receiver on the planet, but, yeah.Even the guys they've moved on from more recently such as Tuzar Skipper and Diontae Spencer aren't much more than bit role players for their new teams.

Guest

2:33

A friend watching the ravens game brought up an interesting point. Why are Qbs allowed to run toward the sideline,fake stepping out of bounds and then stay in to get a few extra yards. Seems a bit unfair to a defender who will certainly be flagged if he hits a QB the least bit out of bounds. Love to see the rule changed to call forward progress stopped at the spot of the fake.

Brian Batko

2:34

YEah, Lamar Jackson's pretty good at that, ain't he? He's fearless. Love watching him play. Also don't mind having him on my fantasy squad.

Doug from Raleigh

2:34

Does it appear that anyone who was nicked up last week will not be able to go Monday night, or is that a question best asked of Paul on Thursday?

Brian Batko

2:35

We'll certainly know more later in the week. I think the Steelers' first official injury report will be Thursday. There don't seem to be too many lingering issues, though.

stephen

2:35

What is the status of last year's OL draft- Okafer? Is he being groomed>

Brian Batko

2:36

Good question. Chuks Okorafor the third-round pick has been inactive for every game. I asked OL coach Shaun Sarrett about him last week and he said "I think his eyes are opened now when he sees the competition, especially like with [Zach] Banner. He sees, here’s a guy who’s a big guy who’s bringing a lot of energy, and it’s a competition. He knows the best guy’s going to go on the field, so he’s competing with him every week and right now Banner’s winning the job, so it’s just something he’s going to continue to compete and come after."

guest

2:38

Hi Brian, how can the national media hob-knob Aaron Rodgers to the enth degree after a bit of a fluke game. I mean last year alone against the Panthers Ben has more TD passes than incompletions and a perfect rating for the 4TH TIME!!!! (AR only has one just now) and yet Ben's game is just meh. Same with his 500 yards 3x and AR a fat ZERO! I mean i can go on but safe to say Rodgers is overrated regardless of what his stats are...he flames out when games count haha

Brian Batko

2:38

Aaron Rodgers yesterday was throwing to Marquez Valdes-Scantling, Geronimo Allison, Jake Kumerow and Allan Lazard. as his WRs. He should be getting MORE MVP buzz if you ask me.

Sterling A

2:38

Hi Brian. You're now the head coach of the Miami Dolphins. Do you continue tanking as you obviously did by going for two against the Redskins in the hopes of getting the first overall pick, or do you do everything in your power to beat the Steelers in order to maximize the first round pick you got from them in the Fitzpatrick trade? Decisions, decisions...

Brian Batko

2:40

Oh hell yeah, I'm rich!

You raise a good point, though. IF there's any game the Dolphins might want to win, it should be this one, just for the chance of incrementally improving one of their three first-round draft picks. If I'm Brian Flores, in addition to being filthy rich, I'm trying to win this game. I'm betting on myself to be so bad we still finish 1-15 and alone in last place

TXSteeler

2:40

Did anyone ask why William’s and others just sat there and stared at the fumble that Bush picked up and ran in? Seems rather basic to have jumped on it, esp for veterans

Brian Batko

2:40

Keith Butler said he's just glad Vince Williams didn't kick it

Jon Snow

2:41

The Steelers with Tomlin leading the charge were very high on Lamar Jackson. Had they drafted him the Ravens prolly would have not won the division last year and we would have been in better shape this year when Ben went down. What are your thoughts?

Brian Batko

2:42

It's an intriguing hypothetical. With how well he's played, I guess I'd be a fool to pick any path that doesn't have that guy on my team. I'm sure there are a lot of franchises right now wishing they would've snagged him with their first-round pick. The future would look mighty bright.

Bad Form

2:42

You say the Ravens are the better team, but really, it can't be by much. I was not in awe of Baltimore when they beat the Steelers in a very close game.

Brian Batko

2:43

No, but let's remember the Steelers actually played pretty well in that one. Mason was having maybe his best game until he got knocked out. Hodges stepped in and did so admirably. But the Ravens improved their defense by getting Marcus Peters, I think.

Mike

2:43

Maybe it doesn’t matter because it’s Miami, but would you rather face Rosen or Fitzpatrick? You never know when Fitzmagic shows up!!!!

Brian Batko

2:45

Yeah I think I'd rather face Josh Rosen at this point. And I'll admit, I liked him going into the draft last year. He just hasn't been able to right the ship for himself in two rather brutal situations. Fitzmagic on Monday Night? You never know.

Todd Haley

2:45

Brian, Missing me much???

Brian Batko

2:45

I never met you, Todd.

Susan Lucci

2:45

Drama aside. Do the Steelers miss Bell or Brown more?

Brian Batko

2:45

Brown