First Call: Ex-Steelers ILB offers idea for team at that position; Jaromir Jagr pulled into Vegas street show
A former Pittsburgh Steelers player thinks he has the answer to the franchise’s concerns at inside linebacker. Chase Claypool is expecting bigger and better things in Chicago this year. A pair of former Pirates had a rough day on the mound.
And we have a very unique “Jagr Watch” for you.
All that in Monday’s “First Call.”
A fan of Foster
The Pittsburgh Maulers lost the USFL championship Saturday against the Birmingham Stallions 28-12. But they did have a defensive standout in the game.
It was former NFL linebacker and University of Alabama standout Reuben Foster. He had a strip sack and a big hit on a fourth-down stop. That caught the eye of former Steelers linebacker Vince Williams who suggested that Foster may end up playing for “the other Pittsburgh football team.”
Yeah he’s going to end up playing for the other Pittsburgh football team. https://t.co/LqiSSEQMvB
— Vince Williams (@VinnyVidiVici98) July 2, 2023
HUGE TURNOVER!!! The touchdown does not stand, but the ball is ours! #USFLChampionship
: @nbc | @peacock pic.twitter.com/MSp1gXwE7T
— Pittsburgh Maulers (@USFLMaulers) July 2, 2023
Foster was the No. 31 overall pick by the San Francisco 49ers in 2017, despite a failed drug test at the NFL Combine. He then got into an argument with a hospital worker and was sent home.
From there, Foster had numerous legal issues and injuries that derailed his NFL career in San Francisco and Washington. He last played in the NFL in 2020 with Washington.
Former Pitt kicker Chris Blewitt had four field goals in the game for Pittsburgh. The Maulers were coached by former Steelers assistant Ray Horton.
Different spin
Former Steeler Chase Claypool has been a source of concern for those discussing the Bears in the Chicago sports media.
But Claypool is keeping a positive outlook. During a recent trip to the United Kingdom, Claypool told “Talk Sport2” that the Bears are on the upswing and he is full of optimism.
"It will be a night and day difference from last year!"
"It's an exciting and dynamic team!"
Wide receiver @ChaseClaypool previews the NFL season for the @ChicagoBears pic.twitter.com/0BAn6gMxbA
— talkSPORT 2 (@talkSPORT2) June 29, 2023
“This year from last year will be a night and day difference,” Claypool said. “I’m excited. With the additions we had in the offseason — being able to stack that knowledge from last season — all those learning and growth spurts that we had to go through, I think it’s going to be great.”
Heading into free agency, Claypool needs to impress his Bears coaches if he wants an extension. After arriving in Chicago last year following a trade from the Steelers, Claypool managed just 14 catches and 140 yards in seven games.
Back in June, Claypool got a vote of confidence from his offensive coordinator, former Pitt and Steel Valley quarterback Luke Getsy.
More sports
• Pirates pitcher Mitch Keller 'really excited' to be selected to All-Star Game for 1st time
• Penguins forward prospect Sam Poulin ready to get back to hockey
• Former Steelers WR Deon Cain savors MVP trophy after winning USFL championship
Just part of the show
This is a whole new kind of “Jagr Watch.”
No. This one has nothing to do with Jaromir Jagr joining the Penguins again. Or even the Vegas Golden Knights. But Jagr is in Las Vegas and apparently having some fun on Fremont Street.
It appears that he unexpectedly became a member of a Vegas street show.
when you walk by the show in Las Vegas and you are the tallest, they pick you and you become a part of the show not a good feeling pic.twitter.com/G0m7vxAJzw
— Jaromir Jagr (@68Jagr) July 2, 2023
Jagr appears to be a lot more coordinated on skates and with a stick in his hand than on dry land doing … whatever that was. It looks like Jagr still needs to find something more stable for his post-hockey career than “Las Vegas street performer.”
From bad to worse
The 2023 season keeps going in the wrong direction for Jameson Taillon. He is really having a rough go of it in his first season with the Chicago Cubs.
The former Pirates pitcher yielded six runs (five earned) in five innings Sunday during his team’s 8-6 loss to the Cleveland Guardians. Taillon didn’t absorb the loss and didn’t walk anyone. He tallied six strikeouts. But he allowed six hits along the way, including a RBI to former Pirates teammate Josh Bell.
He also gave up this bomb to Andrés Giménez.
That one is GONE gone.
Andrés Giménez puts two runs on the board for the Guardians! #ForTheLand pic.twitter.com/phSip8EfJJ
— Bally Sports Cleveland (@BallySportsCLE) July 2, 2023
Taillon’s earned run average on the season is now up to 7.07.
Not alone
Taillon wasn’t the only ex-Pirates pitcher to wind up on the wrong side of a result Sunday. So did Gerrit Cole.
Shortly before being named to the All-Star game, Cole lost for just the second time this season as his New York Yankees fell 5-1 to the St. Louis Cardinals. Cole gave up two runs in six innings, allowing six hits and two walks while striking out five.
Jordan Walker got the scoring going for the Cardinals.
The kid comes through again!
Jordan Walker drives the first pitch he sees up the middle and the #STLCards lead! pic.twitter.com/XSko8a2X1e
— St. Louis Cardinals (@Cardinals) July 2, 2023
Cole falls to 8-2 with an ERA of 2.79. For Cole, this will be his sixth All-Star appearance and third with the Yankees.
Tim Benz is a Tribune-Review staff writer. You can contact Tim at tbenz@triblive.com or via X. All tweets could be reposted. All emails are subject to publication unless specified otherwise.
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