JotCast | Brian Batko's Steelers chat: 01.06.20

Brian Batko

2:01

Hello everybody! Not much has happened in Steeler land since we last chatted a week ago, but we are fresh off a weekend of wild playoff football, so I'm sure you all still have a lot on your mind. Here. We Go.

Change the guard

2:01

Hi Batko, Even with the year left on Bens QB do we draft a QB in this draft? I think Hurts would be a great addition and a steal in the 2nd. Time to think about the future and it's not #2 or #6.

Brian Batko

2:02

I really don't think so. As much as I do like Jalen Hurts - he gives off some Deshaun Watson/Dak Prescott type vibes - to me, the Steelers have too many other areas where they need to improve. And while it's always good to think about the future, they have a window that's still open right now, with this defense and Ben Roethlisberger presumably returning healthy.

2:03

And I'm with you that neither Mason Rudolph nor Duck Hodges is the successor to 7. But you can still cross that bridge when you get to it. I don't see that being in 2020.

Heath Miller Fan

2:03

Brian, based on the success the playoff teams have running the ball it seems obvious the Steelers need to make a significant commitment to improve the running game. No more BS and half hearted strategies. And accomplishing this goal must include a starting running back in the draft& upgrade from Ramon Foster. There is NO WAY you can rely on Connor to lead this team’s running success.

Brian Batko

2:06

Fixing the Oline, in whatever form that might take, is more significant than upgrading the backfield, in my opinion. But I'll say this much: 2020 seems like an AWESOME draft for running backs. So maybe the Steelers have one fall to them in the second or third round (assuming they get their comp pick) and get a steal. Plus, how many teams around the league really need a new back at this point? Miami for sure. Maybe Tampa, maybe Denver. And JK Dobbins, Najee Harris, Jonathan Taylor, D'Andre Swift and Travis Etienne are all studs likely to come out this year.

2:07

Who's winning the AFC?

Ravens (50.5% | 55 votes)

Chiefs (45% | 49 votes)

Titans (2.8% | 3 votes)

Texans (1.8% | 2 votes)

Total Votes: 109

Kevin

2:07

What’s your prediction for most overasked question of the offseason?

Brian Batko

2:09

Great question, Kev. Definitely concerns about the QB situation, and almost certainly about the health of Ben. And rightfully so, really. Problem is, we can hear and read and write all we want about how his recovery is going, or how he believes it's going, but we won't truly know until he's back on the field, and probably not until he's back in game action, right? It's gonna be a long eight months from that standpoint.

STEEL72

2:10

Brian, likelihood of Colbert being lured away by Tepper?

Brian Batko

2:11

Not gonna lie to you, I really have no feel for that one. It's up to Kevin what he wants at this point in his career. But it is hard to imagine him working anywhere else, and from the outside, it seems like it'll be pretty much a total tear-down and rebuild in Carolina, at least on offense outside of Christian McCaffrey.

jimmy

2:12

Hello - am i the only human on earth that seees so many problems with Coach Randy? He was a qb coach thrown into the OC spot and its easy to see he is over his head. Plz dont tell me 'everyone was hurt' this year, cause i have a thousand examples of how a great OC can adapt/adjust/scheme for backups. Also Haley's top 5 offense for 5 straight years had Ben making easy decisions(which he needs), now with Randy Ben was throwing 58 times a game. Can you tell me who the OC candidates they interviewed and DIDNT hire after they fired Haley....cause it seems they caved to Bens request of having Randy as OC, and didnt bring in a sharp/tenured/advanced talented OC that they cud have. To me the ABSOLUTE weakest link in the entire organization is their OC, Randy.

Brian Batko

2:13

No, you definitely aren't the only human on earth who thinks that.

Dave

2:14

If Ben’s injured elbow forces him to retire how much dead money will count against the Steelers 2020 cap?Thank you.

Brian Batko

2:16

According to the numbers from overthecap.com, he would count against the Steelers for 25 million next season and 12.5 million the following year.

JuJu 2017

2:16

Brian, do you think the Steelers are taking a gamble thinking #7 will return healthy in 2020? After this years NFL Draft, Baltimore, Cleveland and Cinncy will have a future Franchise QB.

Brian Batko

2:17

No, I think it would be more of a gamble to try to find your heir apparent in a year you might not need to, at the expense of other positions. If that makes sense.

Titan in Charlotte

2:17

Hi Brian, not a fan of Fichtner but have to accept he will be OC next year. After watching the playoffs, it seems the Steelers front office MUST upgrade the TE situation for him. Do you think this is number 1B priority, with Dupree being 1A. I like our chances with a healthy Ben and a stud TE.

Brian Batko

2:18

Pretty much, yeah. I've been saying TE is a bigger need at this point than QB, WR and RB, when you look at the skill positions. But if the Steelers do intend on cutting Ramon Foster, OL might suddenly become priority 1B after keeping Bud Dupree. Depends on what this staff and front office thinks of the guys in waiting: Zach Banner, Chuks Okorafor, BJ Finney.

Ralph LA

2:19

Has Boswell talked at all about how he “fixed” whatever was wrong last season?

Brian Batko

2:19

Not really. For better or worse, Chris Boswell doesn't say much.

SteelHeart

2:19

Hi Brian - Happy New Year ! If there is any silver lining in the 2019 season, do you think that coach Tomlin has learned that a team CAN WIN with "RB by committee" versus the "run em until their wheels come off" approach ? Thanks

Brian Batko

2:20

I do. Coming into the year, I believed that Mike Tomlin would indeed alter his usual approach and use more of a committee. He did, but partially because of James Conner's health holding him back. Do you use Conner less in attempt to keep him healthy? Do you use him differently? Do you bring in someone new altogether? Figuring out how to approach that in 2020 will be part of the evaluation process for Tomlin and his staff this offseason.

2:21

Who's winning the NFC?

49ers (58.4% | 52 votes)

Packers (15.7% | 14 votes)

Vikings (11.2% | 10 votes)

Seahawks (14.6% | 13 votes)

Total Votes: 89

Franco

2:22

when will we know what the Steelers will do with Bud? Any specific dates that will be relevant? (start of FA, ect..)

Brian Batko

2:24

The first day teams can designate a franchise player is Feb. 25. The deadline to do so is March 10. It's entirely possible the Steelers will tip their hand before Feb. 25, which is what happened back in 2016 with Le'Veon Bell.

California Bill

2:25

Big question- Bens arm strength?Are they planning for the worst?

Brian Batko

2:25

As Tomlin would say, they'll have a hardcore plan but be light on their feet!

Still waiting to find that one in a fortune cookie by the way

abowers

2:26

Did the NFL investigate Myles Garrett's accusation that Mason Rudolph used a racial slur? There are fans that are claiming the NFL covered it up to protect the brand. My own feeling is that if it was said and picked up on the field mics, then FOX Sports would have reported it that night. They own the rights to the broadcast, I doubt the NFL would have the ability to censor whatever was captured on audio.

Brian Batko

2:27

Yes, the NFL said back in November they investigated it and found no evidence.

Alaska Steeler

2:27

If Stillers don't spend the huge $$ to tag/sign Dupree, what position in free agency gets those dollars?

Brian Batko

2:28

Well, in that case, it'd probably have to be edge-rusher.

Lenny from NY

2:28

Hi Brian. Do you know why Rudolph mostly lines up in shotgun. I read that he is not comfortable under center. But he’s in the pros know , shouldn’t he be doing it. Thanks

Brian Batko

2:30

So does Duck. So did Ben before he got hurt. That's the changing tide of offense, both in the NFL and in college. A lot more shotgun, or if you're Baltimore, the pistol. To your question, unless I missed it, Rudolph has never once said he isn't comfortable under center or prefers not to do it. Not that I would expect him to, or any other QB, for that matter.

livinthedream

2:30

Happy New Year Brian, So we are to believe NE is ready to turn the keys over to a rookie named Jarrett Stidman and wave goodbye to the GOAT? What is going on? Although it would make 2020 interesting to have talent like Tom Brady and Eli Manning sitting on the sidelines waiting for somebody's starter to get knocked out.

Brian Batko

2:31

I'd be surprised if Tom Brady isn't back with the Patriots. He strikes me as a guy who's going to have a Mariano Rivera type of farewell tour.

Jacque Strap

2:31

I understand that the Steelers have continued to pay Ryan Shazier for good reasons - allows him to stay around the team and use their facilities to rehab, which I have agreed with. If they moved him to a coach/scout (i.e. took his salary off the cap), would he still have access to their rehab facilities, or is there more to it than that?

Brian Batko

2:33

Oh, I'm sure he would. They're doing right by Shazier, and I imagine they'll continue to do so for as long as they can.

TheChotGun

2:33

Brian, love you and love the chats; thank you for a great season. Serious question - is there no dress code for coaches on the sideline? Randy Fichtner' sideline apparel, in particular, seemed unbecoming of the organization and our city.

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