First Call: Cam Heyward not thrilled with top 100 list; ex-Steeler injured, ex-Pirate’s rare HR accomplishment
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Thursday’s “First Call” illustrates why Pittsburgh Steelers defensive captain Cameron Heyward is unhappy with his NFL Network top 100 ranking.
We look at some movement from the Baltimore Ravens and Cleveland Browns.
Plus, ex-Pirate Josh Bell just pulled off a significant accomplishment, and an ex-Steeler pulls up lame in another team’s training camp.
Unhappy Heyward
Steelers defensive lineman Cameron Heyward was ranked 45th on the NFL Network’s list of top 100 players.
And Heyward apparently thinks he should’ve been higher.
In his latest episode of “Not Just Football with Cam,” Heyward seemed puzzled by his spot on the poll.
“I was (No.) 42 the year before, so I dropped in the rankings. I had half a sack more, and I just don’t get it,” Heyward said.
“How are you really judging a quarterback versus a D-lineman? We rank offensive players and skill players higher because we think we understand it. The common eye understands that more. Defensive players, and O-linemen, I feel like they couldn’t care less. They just throw them out there and say, ‘Hey, this is a sticking point.”’
Heyward sounds dubious about the notion that the list is really voted on by NFL players themselves.
“I think it’s a load of crap,” Heyward said. “I don’t think it’s voted on by players. Half the guys walk out on that thing anyways when they show them the (darn) papers. I’m one of them most of the time.”
Heyward was particularly upset that Steelers outside linebacker Alex Highsmith wasn’t on the list.
The Bell tolls for thee
Former Pirates slugger Josh Bell pulled off a rare accomplishment as his Miami Marlins beat the Cincinnati Reds 5-4.
The switch-hitter homered from both sides of the plate in the same game.
The first bomb was during a scoreless game in the top of the fourth. It went the opposite way while he was batting left-handed.
The first home run of the day belongs to Josh Bell!
(via @Marlins)pic.twitter.com/6sYQbzZPT9
— FOX Sports: MLB (@MLBONFOX) August 9, 2023
His second home run was a three-run shot in the top of the eighth to tie the game 4-4 from the right side.
Josh Bell ties the ball game with his second bomb of the day.
(MLB X @Adobe) pic.twitter.com/nSLJGhlVs2
— MLB (@MLB) August 9, 2023
Bell became the first Miami player to homer from both sides of the plate in a game. After the contest, he told Bally’s Sports that he had accomplished that feat only once before.
When he was 11 years old.
North notes
Two AFC North rivals of the Steelers are in the news.
Josina Anderson of CBS Sports reports that the Baltimore Ravens have presented Jadeveon Clowney with a contract. The free agent defensive end visited Baltimore on Tuesday but left without signing a deal as he is taking some time to mull over the offer.
The 30-year-old Clowneytotaled 14 sacks and 42 quarterback hits the past four seasons combined, while missing 19 games. Via ProFootballTalk.com, Clowney has signed four consecutive one-year contracts that averaged almost $10 million a season.
Meanwhile, former Cleveland Browns running back Kareem Hunt hasn’t found a contractual fit. Last week he worked out with the New Orleans Saints and didn’t sign a deal. On Wednesday, via CBSSports.com, he left Indianapolis on Wednesday without a deal despite the Colts offering him a contract.
Also, free agent defensive lineman Shelby Harris visited the Browns late last month and agreed to terms with the team Wednesday.
Chicago situations
Former Steelers wide receiver Chase Claypool was reportedly having a strong training camp for the Chicago Bears.
But now he is dealing with a hamstring injury.
Chase Claypool was just running a route against Jaylon Jones and pulled up on his route and started grabbing at his Hamstring.
— Nicholas Moreano (@NicholasMoreano) August 9, 2023
When asked about the severity of the injury, all Bears head coach Matt Eberflus said was, “We’ll see.”
Claypool ended up with only 14 catches and 140 yards in seven games for Chicago last year. This is the last year of his entry-level contract after being traded from the Steelers to the Bears in the middle of last season.
Chicago’s first preseason game is a home contest Saturday against the Tennessee Titans.