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Brian Batko's Steelers chat: 10.23.23
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Brian Batko
1:01
Hi everyone, entertaining victory yesterday for the Steelers and I was there in LA to see it. Inglewood, technically. But let's chat, shall we?
Tampa too
1:02
Why do you think Jones is not starting over Moore?  Why not play yournumber one draft pick?
Brian Batko
1:04
Yeah it's a little bit tricky to figure that one out. I was just asking myself that as I wrote a story about the run game getting going, kinda sorta, against the Rams. At a certain point you have to wonder if they really just don't think Broderick Jones is ready. That doesn't change the fact that I thought Dan Moore played just fine yesterday, but when you talk about building continuity on the OL and trying to establish your identity, it's starting to look like a redshirt year for the rookie.
the undisputed truth
1:04
Kenny Pickett frequently was compared to Kirk Cousins. But isn't he really the opposite of him? Kenny puts up ugly stat lines but comes alive in the clutch. Is this now looking like a bad comp?
Brian Batko
1:05
I think the comp might be solid in terms of skill sets, body type, physical traits. But you're right that when it comes to the intangible, they're bizarro versions of themselves. And to be honest, if Kenny Pickett's ceiling is Kirk Cousins with the clutch gene, that's not so bad is it? You might actually be able to win a lot of games - maybe the biggest game? - if he becomes that.
artie bridge
1:06
Brian, I don't know what to make of this season or this team.  Four wins and we've only looked marginally good in 1 1/4 of them.  BUT, with 11 games remaining, we would only have to go 6 - 5 to have an excellent shot at playoffs (and 7 - 4 would be a virtual lock.)  Bring some clarity to this madness.
Brian Batko
1:07
Well, I do my best to bring clarity each and every game, day, article, chat, podcast, what have you. But yes, that's difficult to do with the Pittsburgh Steelers. I will say this, though, I found the way they won yesterday to be far more encouraging than *gestures at the Baltimore game* whatever that was. There was a lot of good. From Pickett's play down the stretch to the dam breaking a bit for the run game to the defense moving in the right direction. For the first time in a while it feels like this formula might be somewhat repeatable, and could potentially even turn into four quarters worth of consistency at some point? Gasp
Jay
1:09
Hello Brian.  The steelers' offense reminds of my ex-gf.  Crazy most of the time but that brief moment of brilliance give you that false sense of hope what could be but never materialize.  Through 3 quarters the offense had 100 yards?  Steelers could easily or should be 1-5 right now with this historically bad offense but 4-2 can give enough reason to maintain status quo
Brian Batko
1:12
Hello Jay. Hope you're doing well, man. I don't share the concern in this case about maintaining status quo on a false sense of belief. In fact, let's keep with your analogy a bit. The Matt Canada offensive era of the Steelers now feels like a failing relationship that isn't gonna work out long-term, and both sides know it, but you still have a Hawaiian vacation scheduled that's been on the books for a while. You made the plans when things were feeling good, and now you just have to set aside the writing on the wall and try to make the most of this week in paradise without tricking yourself into thinking this can last.
Sunner in Orlando from Lebo
1:13
Looks like the Rams doubled TJ and chipped on him a bunch. Could this be an issue for the D if other teams copy this plan? I know it frees up others, but it is concerning that TJ had only 1 tackle.
Brian Batko
1:14
Copy? Every team does this to an extent. It's only an issue for T.J.'s ribs, shoulders and apparently the left pinky finger that blew up in/after the Ravens game. Because he always finds a way to make an impact, and if teams are going to devote a ton of attention to him, I have the utmost confidence Alex Highsmith will hold up his end of the bargain.
Frank the Tank
1:16
If Broderick Jones cannot start now it must have been a poor draft pick. What happens next year with Moore and Chuks both back and under contract??  Do not understand how he stays on the bench. Porter and Benton should play more also. Do you agree?
Brian Batko
1:19
Let's not go that far yet, Frank. You're bordering on impatience, my guy. A lot can happen next year. They could move on from Okorafor in the offseason and save $8.75 million. They could tell Moore from the get-go he's gonna move to right tackle or be the swing. But I don't necessarily disagree with you, especially on the defensive rookies.
troysteelerfan
1:20
What do you think Tomlin's message needs to be - behind closed doors or in public - to Johnson and Pickens about their penalties.  The two taunting penalties show a lack of emotional control and immaturity and this offense isn't capable of overcoming stupid post play penalties like that on a consistent basis.  Why does it seem like it's so difficult for some players to just shut up and go back to the huddle and let the scoreboard do the talking?
Brian Batko
1:23
Troy, I hate to sound like an old curmudgeon, but I really do have to agree with you. The most confounding thing to me about that whole situation was when Pickens drew the taunting penalty, a few plays later he makes another huge catch - good for him! he's the man! he's very helpful for my fantasy team! - and again he can't stop himself from gesturing on the sideline and making a bit of a scene. Like...if there was ever a time to just chill out a little bit. What would I say if I were Tomlin? I'd probably say look, I know you guys are productive players and we need you, but at a certain point you have to come stand next to me if this keeps happening.
CanadianSteelersFan
1:24
Is it safe to say that without TJ Watt, we don’t have a winning record? My kid looks at me at halftime and says “ Looks like TJ needs to do something great again to get us back in the game or we’re gonna lose.” We all know what happened next.
Brian Batko
1:26
Yeah, at this point he has to start being talked about nationally as an under-the-radar MVP candidate and not just a DPOY front-runner. I don't know if it's just Watt fatigue or what, but I still feel like he doesn't get as much buzz as Micah Parsons, Myles Garrett and maybe one or two others who escape me.
Scuba Steve
1:26
Najee Harris has a career-long run of 37 yards...and that was his rookie season. He simply is not elite runner and most definitely not a difference maker.
Brian Batko
1:26
How about this: Najee is a difference-maker, but not a game-changer. And I don't think a first-round pick on a running back is a good pick unless he's a game-changer. Does that make sense?
Jed
1:27
Hi Brian, I thought Joey Porter played really well. He came back from a missed tackle with a good tackle shortly after. He had tight coverage most of the time. How many snaps did he play, and did he start? He needs to continue to be in there. Our best cover CB. Looks good at the line up close.
Brian Batko
1:29
Joey Porter Jr. played a career-high 53 snaps, 78% of the defensive total. He did not start, but to me, that has to be an adjustment that's made going into a matchup with Trevor Lawrence, Calvin Ridley, Christian Kirk and Zay Jones. Their best coverage corner by far, and last time I checc'd, that's kind of the most important job for any corner. Patrick Peterson and Levi Wallace are big boys, they can handle playing less or even being benched entirely.
Jim_Bow_Dean
1:30
Wallace has been terrible. Any chance we will see Rush? Heck, even Pierre might be better at this point.
Brian Batko
1:31
I thought the Darius Rush addition was wildly overrated/miscalculated by those who expected him to be a contributor anytime soon, but after yesterday, I might be in more of a hurry to get to Rush hour. Just...Peterson and Wallace are a tough deal. You respect both guys, and they do have a knack for making plays on the ball, but to quote Avon Barksdale, "a little slow, a little late" happens way too much.
Zbudah
1:32
Hi Brian. I hate that technicalities can change the integrity of the outcome of the game, rather than the facts and how a play actually . IF KP didnt get the first down, it doesnt automatically mean LA would have won, but it would have given them a chance. The call should have been reviewable in some aspect, not ignored because the opposing team didnt have a timeout left.
The Cleveland game vs SF a week ago was similar when SF was penalized for a hit on a defenseless receiver, that was actually a clean shoulder to shoulder hit. That game was directly affected by the penalty as CLE would have lost possession and the game would have been over.
Does the league have any way to remedy some of these types of scenarios that can be a game altering decision?
Brian Batko
1:33
Maybe the Rams will recommend 4th-down plays fall in the same category as scoring plays and change of possessions as automatically reviewed if close. Do we really need more stoppages and booth interference, though? Probably not. This is an age-old debate between the "gotta get it right" and "human error is part of the game" crowds.
Steeler Fan from Bayou Country
1:33
BB... Good afternoon! Any inside info on why the lack of involvement from #80 Washington?? I understand being a rookie and the learning curve involved, but.... what are we missing here?
Brian Batko
1:35
Darnell Washington showed some chops in training camp and the preseason, but he's just not a dynamic pass-catcher. He tested well athletically, but as far as on-field speed and quickness, that's not his strong suit. The Steelers see that every day and know that, so I'd just say it's not really something they're building into their offense on a weekly basis.
Donna
1:35
Good afternoon Brian.  I’ve heard local media say they don’t think benching Pickens and Johnson for a series would stop them from getting taunting and unsportsmanlike penalties.  Do you think fining them would have any effect?  Thank you.
Brian Batko
1:38
I'm not privy to whether there's some sort of kangaroo court in the Steelers locker room for those types of offenses. And in this case, I do find Pickens and his disposition to be more of a troubling ongoing issue. Johnson admitted to getting caught up in the moment and having a little too much fun shushing Ahkello Witherspoon, his buddy and a recent former teammate. But Pickens doesn't say much to take accountability for his penalties, be it the taunting or unnecessary roughness stuff from this year and last, so you wonder if he's grasping that concept at all...
Adam
1:39
Why is the D always giving up tons of yards but keeps teams out of the end zone? We can’t really stop the run or pass or get off the field on 3rd, yet we hold teams to low points.
Brian Batko
1:40
This is the modern NFL, every defense is going to give up tons of yards at times and bend against good offenses. But overall, the Steelers still have a well-compensated, talented defense, which is why they frequently don't break.
Lou
1:41
Hey Brian.  I’m not sure what the Steelers O is morphing into, but if Kenny went from not just final drive good, to 4th Q good….then I think if he can do what he does for at least 2Q then this team might be transforming into a legit O and with the D playing well, we are talking at least 11 games won and the playoffs.  So the question is…. Do you think Kenny/Canda have made turn I the right direction of real success?
Brian Batko
1:42
Not ready to say that yet, but again, I'm more optimistic about their progress than I was this time 24 hours ago, that's for sure. What are they morphing into? I have no idea! But that's not necessarily a bad thing. The idea of an offensive identity is so overblown to me. How about the plan is that you can take what a defense gives you and beat a team however you need to. That's the identity that good offenses have.
Peter H
1:43
Amid the hoopla for the receivers etc I'd like to give a shout-out to Isaac Seumalo.  Some really excellent run blocking.  Some more of that and the Steelers will start to look like a football team
Brian Batko
1:43
Isaac, are you reading this? Peter H just gave you your flowers.
Emilio
1:43
I was at SoFi stadium.and the Rams don't seem to have that many fans. They won the Superbowl 2 years ago and they have an amazing stadium. Is there a future for the team in LA?
Brian Batko
1:45
I don't have a pulse on the LA football fan base, but man, what a cool environment there. The stadium isn't easy to navigate, and yet, that doesn't really matter because it seems like every level/concourse/section has basically any amenity you could ever want. And the overall feel, both inside and the atmosphere right outside? It's pleasant. Not old-school, tailgate central type of fun, but just breezy vibes that fit the setting. I'd recommend it as a Steelers road trip, for sure.
Gene
1:45
Is Godwin Igwebuike the 3rd RB on the roster or will McFarland replace him after he comes off IR?
Brian Batko
1:46
Fully expecting Anthony McFarland to replace him, both as RB3 and kick returner. I was actually surprised McFarland wasn't activated from IR this week, but I guess they're being cautious with him given his injury history.
Children
1:46
Hey Brian.  What is up with these taunting penalties?  They are selfish, childish, and Johnson's could have cost us the game.  While they are disturbing, Tomlin's reaction is much more disturbing.  He typically pats them on the behind then puts them back in the game - on the very next play!  No punishment at all.  I even saw Tomlin hugging Johnson after the game.  If the leader of the troops doesn't try to stop it, what can be done?
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