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Brian Batko's Steelers chat: 12.02.24
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Brian Batko
12:45
Always err on the side of close with this franchise, Ty. I certainly don't see them blowing out the Eagles, Ravens or Chiefs. Cincy at home could be a laugher but the Steelers might not even have anything to play for in Week 18.
Lou
12:45
Happy Holidays Brian!  I’ll be traveling into town for the KC Xmas game! Where should I eat post game?
Brian Batko
12:46
You too, Lou. I guess it might depend on what is and isn't open on Christmas. But assuming all those North Shore establishments are humming for a gameday, maybe Burgatory or Southern Tier?
Web
12:47
what has happened to Roman Wilson?
Brian Batko
12:48
Injuries, mostly. But emergence of Calvin Austin doesn't really help the urgency to get him back either. It's a redshirt year.
The Gurker
12:48
Brian, will Pickens end up a hero or a zero when it comes down to the biggest games ahead? Do you have any intel on whether teammates are demanding that he respect the group effort instead of killing it? Of his penalties, the punting of his TD ball into the upper loge got a pass. His trigger finger completely changed the tone of a drive and the context of the game. How do you control a player like this who, at least on paper, seems less ridiculous that AB was.
Brian Batko
12:50
I'm not sure about the teammate thing. My sense from being in the locker room is that he's not a pariah or anything. You see him celebrating with guys, they all know how good he is, etc. But it is kind of like the bad kid in class who everyone's just waiting and watching to see what he does next. Hopefully we can all have a distraction and drama-free final month here.
Benson DuBois
12:51
Did the Bengals err in giving Higgins the franchise tag?  Looks like they sure could have used some upgrades on D with that $21MM.
Brian Batko
12:52
Maybe, but I think Tee Higgins is really good. Now, will they back up the money truck for Ja'Marr Chase? Strange time in Bengal-land. Just when it seemed everything was in place for a long, sustained run of success ...
Mick
12:52
Hi Brian.  If I were the Steelers' GM, I would try and re-sign Najee and Russell to extensions now before the market price increases significantly for both of them.  Any chance that this may occur?
Brian Batko
12:54
Highly doubt it. Not only is there a longstanding organizational unwritten rule/policy/philosophy not to negotiate in-season, it's not like those players don't have agents who could project their market value this offseason anyway. Of the two, I think it's much more likely Russell Wilson returns. They knew what they had in Najee going into this season. Russ has been a revelation.
Cold in Brooklyn
12:55
Thanks for the chats, Bats, and hope you had a great holiday. Yesterday TJ was finally moved around a bit, and lo and behold, he had a disruptive day. Do you think the resistance to have him occasionally switch sides was coming from him, or from the coaching staff? Who was being stubborn?
Brian Batko
12:57
I did, and same to you. And I'm not sure I'd say it was stubbornness. More so he's been leading the NFL in sacks more often than not for four years now, so why mess with what works? They ran into some rough patches this season and adjusted. I give him and them credit for that.
DBs
12:57
Hey Brian hope you had a great Thanksgiving. Is JPJ headed in the same direction as just about every other DB drafted in the Tomlin era?  Meaning no improvement and a 1-contract guy?  I see Tomlin said he had him play a certain way this week. So what about the last several weeks?  This style could cost a big game.
Brian Batko
12:59
No, I'm definitely not writing him off yet. I think he's a far more naturally gifted player than the likes of Artie Burns, Terrell Edmunds, Sean Davis, Justin Layne, Senquez Golson, et al. Let's also not forget the challenge of what he's being asked to do week in and week out, often following a certain receiver and being on an island. There's bound to be some growing pains.
Ryan
1:00
Brian what do you think about the play of Pat Freiermuth he looked good yesterday in Cincinnati
Brian Batko
1:01
You mean in Muthinnati? Maybe if I would've had more belief in him and started him in my fantasy football matchup I wouldn't be sweating out David Njoku beating me tonight in Denver.
OK everyone, I've got to skedaddle. Thanks for another good chat and we'll be back again next week. Steelers-Browns Round 2 coming up Sunday. Have a nice week.
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