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Brian Batko's Steelers chat: 11.02.20
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Ron
2:30
Call me crazy, but I don’t think the game would have been very close if not for that phantom roughing penalty when we were up 7-0 and were going to get the ball back. They can’t coddle that running back on the sidelines...he can’t have it both ways.
Brian Batko
2:30
Ron, that's crazy.
Guest
2:31
Afternoon Brian
Brian Batko
2:31
Hi, Guest.
Margaret
2:32
What was the problem with the Pitt O in the 1st half?
Brian Batko
2:32
Suspect play-calling, bad run-blocking and a backup QB who's not as good as Kenny Pickett.
Bill in SF
2:33
I'm sure I'm the 100th person to ask this, but any updates on the severity of the Alualu and Heyward injuries?
Brian Batko
2:33
Not quite 100, Bill.
Dave
2:34
Any word on Ben’s elbow? I am assuming all is fine based on his performance. The Steelers radio broadcasters made it a point to raise concerns about it yesterday after he fell on it.
Brian Batko
2:35
But they also said coming out of halftime that Ben got the A-OK from team docs. I happened to be listening to the radio broadcast at half. Postgame he said his arm felt fine.
Jack splat
2:37
Heyward, Hilton and Alialu.  No way any of these guys should play Sunday.  I know any given Sunday, yadda, yadda, but Dallas is bad and the Steelers need these 3 guys 100% for the stretch run and playoffs.
Brian Batko
2:37
It seems like Hilton was close this week. And good luck telling Cam Heyward to sit out if he's healthy.
Big Dan
2:39
I know it would drive yinzer world insane, but I’m available and ready to resume my consequential career in the ‘Burgh. Think KC still has my cell number?
Brian Batko
2:39
Glenn D
2:40
In your opinion, why didn’t the offensive try any jet sweeps or plays like that against the Ravens.   Our offensive game plan seemed to be very generic.
Brian Batko
2:41
Not sure. I was definitely looking for some sort of spark like that in the first half. Maybe they were concerned that the Ravens defense is just too good and too disciplined to fool them with those tricks. Granted, James Conner's touchdown run did have pre-snap motion from Chase Claypool, which probably helped.
Alois
2:42
Interesting they brought in LB help instead of D-line, what do you read from that?
Brian Batko
2:42
That Ulysees Gilbert's injury and the overall depth of the ILB position is more of a concern than the DL injuries and the overall depth there. And I would agree with that.
Guest
2:43
How did Marcus Allen look yesterday? saw him flying around
Brian Batko
2:43
Only played 11 snaps, most of 'em late, I think. Didn't look much better or worse than Gilbert the previous week to my untrained eye.
daniel
2:44
How about Dontari Poe to PS if he is motivated to shed some weight?
Brian Batko
2:45
That's a good point. In 2020, never hurts to take a look at guys you can stash on the practice squad now that more veterans and more bodies period are eligible. Look at the Ravens and Dez Bryant.
William
2:45
Pitt hadn't attempted a running play in a long time on that last 3rd down attempt by Conner. Should Pitt have let Ben throw it again like they did on 2nd down?
Brian Batko
2:46
OK at this point I have to direct all your Pitt questions to John McGonigal. I think his weekly chat is on Wednesday or Thursday.
GM
2:46
Hi Brian, This year has been a great one to say the least!  How likely is it that we have COTY (MT), DPOY (90), OROY(11), and CBPY (7) this year?
Brian Batko
2:48
COTY? He's leading in the clubhouse. DPOY? Eh, no clear favorite between him, Donald, Garrett. OROY? Not gonna happen for Chase, I'm afraid. CBPY? Absolutely leading in the clubhouse, although Alex Smith playing even one snap after what he went through is honestly incredible. But hey, do you wanna throw Ben's hat into the ring for MVP? If they keep this up...
jud
2:48
Did Berry do enough to overcome the rumors that he's a stopgap?
Brian Batko
2:49
So far, yes. Weird year for the Steelers punting situation, no doubt about it. Pat McAfee, Marquette King and Corliss Waitman should all get a shot at some point.
Rich
2:49
Do the Steelers try to find D line help before the deadline?
Brian Batko
2:51
Guess here is no, but now that Chris Wormley is down, it might depend how strongly they feel about Isaiah Buggs and to a lesser extent Hank Mondeaux. Now that I think about it, sure, why not go grab someone from a tanking team or even the PS/FA market. Remember in camp when that seemed like one of the fiercest/deepest roster battles?
Raymund
2:51
plenty of season left Brian, however the only seed worth getting realistically is the 1st for the bye (rest) this season, 2-4 or even 2-7 seeds is the same thing without crowds at stadiums so no home field advantage really.. that is why is so important to get that seed and not let the chiefs get it.. are you in?
Brian Batko
2:52
I'm in like Flynn, Raymund.
The Dude
2:52
Seems pretty clear at this point in the season that Randy Fichtner isn’t really much of an asset to the Steelers. Obviously they have to roll with him for now but can they get him some immediate help and what about a change for next season?
Brian Batko
2:53
I disagree, Dude. Fichtner had been doing some of his best work this year before OC Ben took over Sunday. Let's not forget about Matt Canada, too. I don't have much bad to say about the coordinators, to be honest. It's always easy calling plays from the recliner.
Alex B
2:53
The secondary has blown coverages this year and maybe not an alarming rate but enough to be concerned about. Any thoughts as to why and how this can be corrected. Is it just a scheme or are guys blowing their assignments.
Brian Batko
2:54
Por que no los dos? Minkah put his hand up and said last week's 73-yard strike to AJ Brown was all him, a physical mistake, no miscommunication. This week when we talk to players, I think we'll hear otherwise about some of the late-game breakdowns.
Titan in Charlotte
2:54
Brian Steelers look great, but as a PITT alum, give me something to make college football relevant again...like what position should I be watching as it relates to potential Steeler draft picks?
Brian Batko
2:55
Hey there, Titan, and fellow Pitt alum. Watch out for a stud tackle, look into the top running backs (cough, Clemson) and let me know if there are any tight ends out there these days who can still block worth a lick. I have my doubts.
2:56
OK, that's a solid hour of NFL/Steelers chatter. Wish I could stay, but then I'd be here all day. You've all been a wonderful audience. Come back same time tomorrow for Ray Fittipaldo.
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