You are viewing the chat in desktop mode. Click here to switch to mobile view.
X
Brian Batko's Steelers chat: 11.23.20
powered byJotCast
View Full Chat Next Page
Brian Batko
1:59
OK everyone, let's go ahead and get started. Suddenly, there's a level of uncertainty surrounding Steelers-Ravens on Thanksgiving night, but as a blanket reminder, let's just remember these situations are fluid and the NFL has dealt with plenty of them so far this year. Now, here we go.
Theon
2:00
Great chat as always, Brian. What the heck is going on with the Ravens now? I hadn't heard a thing about this yesterday now they're calling off the Thanksgiving game?
Brian Batko
2:01
Well it just started, Theon. It might be a terrible chat by the time it's over. What's going on with the Ravens is the team announced multiple members of the organization have tested positive for COVID-19. We don't know how many "multiple" is, or even whether those team employees are players, coaches, other staffers, or some combination. So, it's very vague. What we do know is they shut down their practice facility for the rest of the day. We'll have a better feel for all this when we see if they can practice in-person Tuesday.
schnail
2:02
Have the Steelers given much of an explanation of why they cut Stefen Wisniewski?  He's been snapped back up by Kansas City.  Did they need the roster space?  The cap room?  Were they unhappy with his performance?  Did his feet get blisters in a cryo chamber?
Brian Batko
2:03
Ha. You know what, that move has kind of slipped through the cracks. Was never addressed by Mike Tomlin or anyone else. He does appear to be headed to KC's practice squad, but to me, it just seemed like a situation where he was having trouble getting/staying healthy, and Kevin Dotson had surpassed him anyway. Granted, Dotson then went on the reserve/COVID list and is still there, so that's not great for OL depth. But yeah, probably a numbers deal for Wisniewski.
Steeler in Virginia
2:05
It seems like the Steelers have stepped up in a big way in the red zone (why do some call it the "red area" now?) this year. Is it just me, or have they caused a high amount of turnovers when their backs are against the wall?
Brian Batko
2:07
You could say that about both sides of the ball. At last check, the offense is seventh when it comes to scoring TDs in the red paint, and the defense is eighth in preventing opponent points in the red territory. Now, I do think getting a high number of takeaways in the red space is somewhat fluky, but certainly give the Steelers credit for generating turnovers at opportune times.
Jordan B
2:08
Are you concerned about the pass defense when the Steelers face a top tier quarterback (i.e Mahomes) in the playoffs?
Brian Batko
2:08
Of course, but I'd be concerned about any pass defense against Mahomes/Rodgers/Brady/Brees/Wilson/Murray, not just the Steelers.
2:09
Really though, it's a bit crazy to think the Steelers in their last three games have faced two rookie QBs and one making his first career start after being out of the league. Lamar Jackson, struggles being what they are, will be a step back up.
Yates
2:09
Brian- Like the behind the scenes pieces you have been doing on the players.  Any teasers for upcoming stories you want to put out there?
Brian Batko
2:10
Thanks, Yates, I appreciate that. I could tell you what I'm working on, but then I'd have to ... well, you know.
2:11
On that note, though, it's definitely tough to do stories like that without being able to report in the locker room. I'm not one to complain about the Zoom nature of 2020 interviews, but getting those little asides and one-on-one discussions with players is the biggest thing we've lost through virtual media.
Luis
2:13
Brian, do you think Troy's career could have been extended if they'd have switched him to a MLB for a few years?
Brian Batko
2:13
Luis, no.
Nick from VA
2:14
I think a lot has been made of the defense's inability to stop the run recently, but I think yesterday's game helps to highlight part of the problem. To me, it's more about the fact that when the Steelers offense holds the ball for long periods of time, and more importantly gets out to a big early lead, it takes the opposing running game out of the equation. If you look at the Titans game and Ravens game in particular, they were up early on the Titans with a sizeable advantage in ToP and the Ravens game was the exact opposite. Therefore, it appeared as though the run defense did a great job against the Titans and bad job against the Ravens. I say the run defense is more of a by-product of what the offense does (or doesn't do). Does this make sense?
Brian Batko
2:14
Perfect sense, yes.
Peasant 1963
2:14
The Raiders just gave a blue print of what not to do against KC, Reed & Mahomes especially with 1:43 left... Reminded me of Jackoville's first drive 'cept Butler & the D stiffened and then shut 'em out after that FG. Butler is doing a stellar job... lot of work to do!
Brian Batko
2:15
I'll take your word for it, Peasant. I tried to stay up to watch the second half of that one but just couldn't do it. I'm an old fuddy duddy these days.
Leo Lee
2:16
Man in a perfect world, think about that 2016 draft and what the Steelers could have done instead of  wasted picks on Artie Burns and the safety. Derrick Henry would be killing it for us right now
Brian Batko
2:16
Yeah it's always interesting to me to go back and look at redrafts with the benefit of hindsight. But I think even in the moment, the Burns pick seemed like a reach. Just be glad the Steelers don't whiff like that too often. Every team misses on a first-rounder here and there.
The Eman
2:17
Assuming Heinz Field seats around 68,000 and an average ticket price of $150, the Steelers generate around $10 million during a normal season. Has there ever been any info on how much they make on concessions? Do they own all the concession income or is it operated on a turnkey operation with another entity. Have a great Tgiving, BB!
Brian Batko
2:18
That one's a bit above my pay grade, Eman. I don't believe I've seen revenue broken down by concession sales specifically. And I'm not totally sure how that is split, though I know Aramark is the company that handles all the concessions for the Steelers. Have a great Thanksgiving yourself, please.
Nick from VA
2:19
Any word on the severity of JuJu's injury?
Brian Batko
2:20
No, Mike Tomlin didn't have much of an update today either. I noticed it from the press box when it first happened, since it was in the same area the flag was thrown. Didn't see until the replay that he appeared to actually step on the flag itself. So at the time I had no idea if it was a cramp, hammy pull, ankle roll, or toe stub. Either way, JuJu looked downright frustrated on the sidelines, though I'm sure part of that has to do with the timing. Who wants to get hurt on your birthday?
bob
2:22
Before we start thinking about a super bowl.  lets remember that so far their opponents are 39 - 60 -1.  going forward they will be 32 - 28.  Not really tested yet, no?
Brian Batko
2:24
Ehhh I don't know, Bob. The remaining schedule has rematches with the three divisional foes they already beat, one of which will be without its franchise quarterback, another of which will be without its star receiver, the third of which now has to beat you in your stadium. At Bills is definitely a tough one, but then it's the Washington Football Team and the Colts, who also will be trying to win at Heinz Field.
And to say the Steelers haven't been tested is not true. The Titans and Ravens have been disappointing to an extent, but winning on the road against those teams is not easy for anyone.
Duck
2:25
Is it just me, or does it seem like Ben is finessing the ball on sideline routes rather than firing it on a line? I have some pointers on his mechanics if he is so inclined.
Brian Batko
2:25
I think it's just you, Duck.
mrbig
2:25
is colbert the team's MVP?
Brian Batko
2:25
Didn't you ask this last week?
jud
2:26
Great chats Bat's! With Ben playing pretty lights out so far and undeniably 80-90% of the reason they are 10-0, are we due for a bad game in here from him?
Brian Batko
2:28
Thanks, Jud. Always good to hear from you. I do think Ben is due for an off night here soon, but then again, his entire M.O. is different than it was in years past. He doesn't have to be a downfield gunslinger who's on the money all game long. When you get rid of it quick and make the throws easier on yourself, there's a better chance you'll be able to stay accurate and efficient week to week.
Billanterules
2:29
If Vance McDonald is out this week do they bring up Radar and possibly sign a veteran
Brian Batko
2:30
It sounds like McDonald will be good to go, based on Tomlin's comments today. But if Zach Gentry is out for the year, yeah I imagine they'd sign Kevin Rader to the active roster. That'd be a nice chunk of change for the Pine-Richland/Youngstown State alum, even if he's not in helmet on gamedays.
Tom in Dallas
2:31
QB with limited mobility, questionable on the long ball, running game is inconsistent, OL can't run block, #1 receiver under performing, defense susceptible to big plays, both runs and passes.  Sounds like the Steelers or one of the teams with 0, 1 or 2 wins?  Just kidding, of course, but reading comments from others during the season, sounds like we have lots of problems.  Good teams beat bad teams, even when not playing well....
Brian Batko
2:31
Wise words from JerryWorld.
Mercury
2:31
Brian, what’s the latest you’ve heard on the Ravens’ Covid outbreak? Sounds like we could be watching Netflix Thursday night.
Brian Batko
2:32
Nothing since the chat started, but then again, I give you all my undivided attention. I do know the 49ers and Packers had a slew of positive tests while trying to get ready for a Thursday night game, and that show went on. Those teams were still able to practice in-person at least once or twice though, which will be critical for the Ravens, I imagine. Wouldn't mind waching Netflix, though. Working my way through Season 3 of Ozark right now.
Connecting…