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Brian Batko's Steelers chat: 11.04.24
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Brian Batko
11:45
Hey everyone, gonna have to leave a little early for Steelers coverage so let's make up for that on the front end. Have questions, please ask them.
Stairway to seventh seed
11:46
Brian: I have often wondered what it is about the Steelers overall program that sees so many promising high draft picks perform well as rookies, but then regress substantially or at least fail to improve in year 2.  Burns, Edmunds, Bush, Claypool, and Pickett are prime examples.  This year Porter has improved, but the poor play of Benton and Jones threatens to derail the season.  Do you think there are common causes of this trend or is it just coincidental?
Brian Batko
11:48
Let's not paint with a broad brush on this one. Artie Burns was always a reach, in my opinion. Same with Terrell Edmunds. Devin Bush got injured. Chase Claypool is a fair one to wonder about. And Kenny Pickett probably went too high, too. Let's wait a bit longer on the Keeanu Benton and Broderick Jones progressions, or lack thereof. But I will say the Steelers' recent track record of first-and second-round picks is not lighting the world on fire.
bwalker
11:48
At this point I feel it's best to roll with what we have and forgo any major trades and gives these WRs a chance to see what they can do with Russell. Seems like I'm the only Steeler fan who feels this way. Thoughts?
Brian Batko
11:50
Indeed I think you are the only Steelers fan who feels that way. I can see both sides. Ultimately, I'd probably try to bring someone in but only if the price is right. That might be a tough needle to thread for Omar Khan, but you look at the Diontae Johnson trade and it's clearly a buyer's market.
DannySmithsGum
11:51
I’m going to have to disagree with rolling with what we have. This team clearly feels different than any team in the last 5 seasons. If they feel like they can win and compete for a title, why not make a splash and give up picks for a better WR. I dont know just my thought
Brian Batko
11:53
DannySmithsGum is a fantastic chat name, first of all. That's why I'm erring on the side of making a trade. You sort of owe it to this otherwise talented, experience roster to at least make an effort to upgrade your receiving corps and overall offense. And it doesn't necessarily mean Calvin Austin or Van Jefferson can't still contribute. If it doesn't work out, oh well, no harm no foul much like the William Jackson deal a couple years ago.
tommyz
11:53
Brian, do you think Omar will return from Seven Years in Tibet and make some significant moves?  thx
Brian Batko
11:55
Significant? Maybe not. But if I had to bet, would I bet on him doing something in the next 24 hours and change? Yes. It's quiet around here...too quiet.
Peter Z.
11:56
Hi Brian.  With Sutton coming back, do you see him starting immediately or will he share time with Bishop?
Brian Batko
11:57
I don't think he'll start right out of the gate. He's been around the last four weeks, as permitted by the NFL, but he was still suspended from practicing. Have to assume it'll take some time to get back into the swing of things and carve out a role. But he'll be waiting in the wings if Beanie Bishop struggles.
Stash
11:57
BB, L Jackson was not a good passer his first few years in the league, but now he slings it with the best of them. Does that mean that JF could develop a passing touch, or is too late in the game for that transformative process?
Brian Batko
11:58
Justin Fields still has it in there somewhere, I believe. I'm not ready to write him off.
Jeff M
11:58
Hi Brian, Do you think the 4th & 6th round picks being in limbo will handcuff the Steelers in trade talk? Several of the deals we have seen so far involved late round pick swaps.
Brian Batko
11:59
That has to be a consideration, sure. Steelers have done more conditionals in recent years, which does complicate matters. It's easy when it's a seventh-round conditional. A bit trickier when they're in the middle rounds.
Scooter
12:00
Does Pat Friermuth see more targets the 2nd half of the season?
Brian Batko
12:01
As long as he stays healthy, I'd bank on it, yes.
Peteburgh
12:02
Why do NFL receivers generally act like self centered egotists, acting like they saved all of mankind every time they catch a ball?  Props to the Steelers for not overpaying for another one.
Brian Batko
12:03
That's just what the position has become for whatever reason. Kind of similar to cornerbacks, too. You need a lot of swagger and short memory to play there. You're gonna drop balls, you're gonna get beat, but there's probably something baked into the psyche of those guys that keeps them coming back - and keeps them talking their talk when they do make plays.
Bill in SF
12:03
Hi Brian.  While a WR who can consistently get open would be nice, I'm wondering whether the Steelers should really be trying to find a solid one year rental RT at the deadline since that seems to be the weakest link on the offensive side.
Brian Batko
12:06
Hello, Bill. They've got a veteran in Calvin Anderson on the 53, albeit we saw how his lone rep in pass protection went stepping in for Dan Moore. Obviously, I'm far from impressed by Broderick Jones this season but I think I'd be willing to keep putting him out there. As for a backup plan, yeah, I wouldn't mind offering a seventh-rounder if someone wants to unload a swing tackle type of guy. That's about it though.
Mike
12:07
Let's say the QB depth chart stays the same for the rest of the season with Wilson and Fields. I know the belief is that the Steelers and Wilson work on a long-term deal. Do you think we make an offer to Fields as backup? It seems that he has done nothing but impress the staff, team and Mike Tomlin and he has shown to be more than serviceable.
Brian Batko
12:09
Doesn't hurt to make an offer. Take it or leave it, and maybe Justin Fields bets on himself to get a better opportunity for more money, or maybe he waits out Russell Wilson to some extent here because he likes the environment, wants to play the long game, etc. I would think he'd try to pursue a better avenue to starting, but you never know. Only he knows what he'll be prioritizing after the season. And there's still plenty of season left.
artie bridge
12:09
Brian, I think it's too early to call Broderick Jones a bust, but he has certainly disappointed.  My question:  any indication that Khan and/or Tomlin think his selection was a misfire?
Brian Batko
12:11
No, I don't think so, but they're watching the same performances we are. They see it. Here's what will be an indication of how Mike Tomlin feels: Whether Jones keeps starting. Here's what will be an indication of how Omar Khan feels: The trade deadline.
Arthur not Art
12:11
Hi Brian.  Thank you for the time, chat and great articles.  Realistically speaking, if a trade was going to be made, it probably would have by now.  Do you see the inability to land a deal to improve the WR and/or DL positions as a mistake that will cost them in the 2nd half of this season?
Brian Batko
12:13
Thank you for your great taste in chats and articles, AnA. I disagree with your premise, though. Deadlines spur action. We have evidence of Khan being active at or near the deadline, both imports and exports. If they don't land a WR, I'll consider it a mild whiff. Wouldn't blame them if they stand on their D-line depth.
Alan in Bama
12:13
Brian, seems like the chatter is still there for the Steelers to go after a #2 WR before the deadline. Wouldn’t it make sense to kick the tires on a run stopping D lineman if there’s anyone out there? Honestly seems like the rushing yards given up in the last couple of games is the biggest weakness. Your thoughts?
Brian Batko
12:16
Yes, it could make some sense, even if I wouldn't blame them for standing pat. Keeanu Benton hasn't exactly had the breakout season many predicted, including myself. Larry Ogunjobi doesn't stand out to me very often. DeMarvin Leal and Montravius Adams got hurt. If the Steelers have faith in Dean Lowry and Isaiahh Loudermilk, then fair enough, but Breiden Fehoko was brought back on the practice squad recently. Run-stopping is his specialty. They didn't think enough of him to make the team last year, but I suppose things have changed.
Lou
12:16
Hey Brian! What’s the chance Steelers get Darius Slayton? He seems like the best WR still out there. Giants are cooked.
Brian Batko
12:17
Giants should take whatever they can get for him. I have a feeling that's one that Khan might just wait it out. Only issue would be if another team offers more.
Oliver Putnam
12:17
Will Zach Frazier be a full participant at practice this week? I don't believe he has ever played with Seamulo on one side and McCormick on the other.  Should we expect a bit of a transitional period?
Brian Batko
12:18
Not sure yet. Steelers are practicing today, but it's a bonus session on the heels of the off week. They won't have to release an injury report until Wednesday. We'll see what we can find out post-practice. You don't want to risk rushing him back from this, but he's so tough that it'll be difficult to shorten the timeline for him. He wants to be out there.
Elroy Cohen
12:21
Brian, Is it me or has the defense been less aggressive as in previous years. It seems like the exotic blitz packages are a thing of the past, and we are relying on the front four for pressure
Brian Batko
12:23
They are blitzing less this season so far, but I think that just tells you how strongly they feel about their pass rushers when healthy. TJ Watt, Alex Highsmith and Nick Herbig? You should be able to get a lot of pressure with just your front four. And Keeanu Benton is a good interior pass rusher, too, not to mention Cam Heyward.
Michael
12:24
Brian, assuming they’re going to let Harris test the free agency waters to see what he’s worth, do you think there’s a price at which they’d bring him back or is he out the door regardless?
Brian Batko
12:27
I still tend to believe he won't be back because it'd be an admission of defeat by the front office that declined his option. But opportunities change, performance changes, evaluations still need to be made. It's interesting that a lot of the running backs who felt offended by their decreasing market value are making their old teams look bad. Derrick Henry, Saquon Barkley and Josh Jacobs are the league's three leading rushers.
TVC15
12:28
Is Russell Wilson enough to make the Steelers a playoff winner? The defense that gives up an average of 50 points in playoff games is not elite.
Brian Batko
12:31
You exaggerated that playoff defense number a little but, but you really didn't have to. I'd say 40.4 in their past five playoff games is damning enough on its own. But we'll see about Russell Wilson. Early returns are good. I'd say in an ideal world they can beat you with him as a game manager, they can beat you airing it out, and the defense can hold up its end if it becomes a low-scoring struggle. Should be fun to watch the second half of this season - and beyond?
OK folks, on that note, I do have to head out to see the beginning of practice and get some info on who is/isn't working. See you next time.
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