Promising RB Baron Batch looking to bounce back

[RuthlessBurgher]

In KC, Haley worked with an offense where Dexter McCluster and Jamaal Charles could co-exist...if Batch and Rainey are two of the best players, the Steelers will find a way to utilize both players...

There is a roster spot for both...last year the Steelers carried 6 WRs, 4 RBs and 3 TEs...

We'll just have to see how it shakes out...

I hope they are able to keep Batch and Rainey, because each guy provide a different useful skill set for us and both show promise. I would hate to see us lose one of those guys for a run-of-the-mill schlub type such as Dwyer or Clay. I thought Dwyer was more than that once upon a time, but I've soured on him. Perhaps he'll prove me wrong in Latrobe and display his full promise, because I think he could be an asset if properly motivated (but in the end, I'd rather have a guy who is self-motivated and doesn't need others to push him in order to perform).

[NorthCoast]

I hope they are able to keep Batch and Rainey, because each guy provide a different useful skill set for us and both show promise. I would hate to see us lose one of those guys for a run-of-the-mill schlub type such as Dwyer or Clay. I thought Dwyer was more than that once upon a time, but I've soured on him. Perhaps he'll prove me wrong in Latrobe and display his full promise, because I think he could be an asset if properly motivated (but in the end, I'd rather have a guy who is self-motivated and doesn't need others to push him in order to perform).

I think 'heart' is often overlooked in today's NFL. We like to talk about numbers because numbers give us comfort in 'measurables'. I want a guy with a passion for the game, wants to play and contribute any way he can. I don't want a Kordell Stewart, who somehow could not see that he could have made his mark as an all-world WR rather than a forgettable NFL QB.

[Oviedo]

I hope they are able to keep Batch and Rainey, because each guy provide a different useful skill set for us and both show promise. I would hate to see us lose one of those guys for a run-of-the-mill schlub type such as Dwyer or Clay. I thought Dwyer was more than that once upon a time, but I've soured on him. Perhaps he'll prove me wrong in Latrobe and display his full promise, because I think he could be an asset if properly motivated (but in the end, I'd rather have a guy who is self-motivated and doesn't need others to push him in order to perform).

I also really hope that they find a way to keep both Batch and Rainey. IMO Clay and Dwyer are interchangable. Get rid of one of them. Unlike you, I am still hopeful that the light will go on for Dwyer. This is his make or break year. We will still have a numbers issue though when Mendy comes back at mid-season.

[hawaiiansteel]

No hesitation from Batch

Posted by Teresa Varley on July 29, 2012

Running back Baron Batch has waited almost a year to get back to hitting in pads, and after doing it for two days he impressively is right back in the swing of things.

“It felt good,” said Batch. “It felt good to get back out there and start hitting again with the pads on. It’s been roughly a year since I have been in the pads and I have been anxious to get out there and it felt good.”

Batch suffered a season-ending knee injury in training camp last year, bringing his rookie year to a quick halt. When he took the field for the first time on Saturday he said there were some thoughts about contact in the back of his mind, but after the backs-on-backer drill that quickly went away.

“That is probably one of the most physical drills we do in camp,” said Batch. “Being able to do that helps with confidence, getting hit with what I went through.”

Coach Mike Tomlin was pleased with what he saw out of Batch on the first day of hitting.

“I like the fact that there was no hesitation in his play,” said Tomlin. “For a guy that’s coming off a knee injury, I thought he moved with authority and trusted his knee, not only in competition periods but in individual work. You get an opportunity to see those things when they’re working with Coach (Kirby) Wilson as running backs. He’s a sharp young guy and he’s coming back nicely.”

So far Batch has been trying to go through practice without wearing a protective brace or sleeve on his knee.

“One of my goals for coming back off this was to be able to go through OTAs and minicamp and be able to come back out here and not have to wear a brace,” said Batch. “I’ve met those goals and it feels good, and I won’t have to wear a brace.”

[URL]http://blog.steelers.com/[/URL]

[hawaiiansteel]

Steelers notebook: Baron Batch showing off physicality

By Mark Kaboly
Published: Friday, August 3, 2012



• At 5-foot-10, 210 pounds, Baron Batch isn’t the biggest running back on the Steelers’ roster. But the second-year player out of Texas Tech stood tall during the backs-on-backers drill Friday night. Batch won or was even all six times he ran the drill and was physical every time. Batch beat Mortty Ivy, Ryan Baker and smacked the helmet off Adrian Robinson. Also looking good on offense were David Johnson and Jonathan Dwyer.

Lawrence Timmons and Chris Carter stood out for the defense.

[URL]http://triblive.com/sports/steelers/2332421-85/steelers-batch-offseason-victorian-drill-practice-rookie-roster-agent-amu[/URL]

[flippy]

I wouldn't say that Batch is "a little bit bigger" than Rainey. He's 30 POUNDS bigger, with completely different body types. One is meant to be a responsible 3rd down back (needs to be able to protect his QB via blocking, run draw plays, catch screen passes, and run hard to get to the sticks), while the other is more of a scatback/slot receiver/special teams maven (think Eric Metcalf 2.0).

A difference of 30 lbs. gets you from Danny Hrapmann to Ike Taylor to Rashard Mendenhall to Heath Miller to Brett Keisel to Willie Colon to Alameda Ta'Amu. A difference of 30 lbs. would also get me in shape again, but that's beside the point.

Just to make it clear how different the 2 are.

BB is roughly the size of Curtis Martin. He's not only built to be a 3rd round back. He's built big enough to carry the load as an every down back. He's not small by any means. Short, yes, but he's a decent sized RB.

CR is roughly the size of Wes Welker. He's built to be a returner, scat back, slot WR. And he's got unique change of direction I don't think I've ever seen in a college kid. His brother was an incredible athlete. CR is an athletic freak.

I can see situations where you can have both of these guys on the football field at the same time and they'll be a headache for defenses to deal with. Just think about your 5 skill players being Wallace, Brown, Sanders, Rainey, and Batch. I'm not sure you can defend all 5 of those guys.

[Chucktownsteeler]

Just to make it clear how different the 2 are.

BB is roughly the size of Curtis Martin. He's not only built to be a 3rd round back. He's built big enough to carry the load as an every down back. He's not small by any means. Short, yes, but he's a decent sized RB.

CR is roughly the size of Wes Welker. He's built to be a returner, scat back, slot WR. And he's got unique change of direction I don't think I've ever seen in a college kid. His brother was an incredible athlete. CR is an athletic freak.

I can see situations where you can have both of these guys on the football field at the same time and they'll be a headache for defenses to deal with. Just think about your 5 skill players being Wallace, Brown, Sanders, Rainey, and Batch. I'm not sure you can defend all 5 of those guys.

I agree with this and glad someone posted it. Rainey goes about 178 lbs. and Batch about 215 lbs. They are two different animals entirely. I don't see Rainey as a RB to be honest with you. More of a punt returner/ kick-off specialist and a hybrid/ slashy type player out of the backfield.

C-town