Former Steeler and Pitt Panther James Conner says goodbye to the city of Pittsburgh. Big odds against “Big Ben” in the NFL MVP race. The Flyers continue to fail. And an ex-Pirates pitcher has a bad night.

All that in Wednesday’s “First Call.”

Au revoir

Running back James Conner posted a fond farewell to Pittsburgh upon signing his new contract with the Arizona Cardinals.

No one more grateful for the city of Pittsburgh than me. The last 8 years been building and molding me into the man I am today. Excited for what’s ahead but truly thankful for all the love and support during my best moments and most difficult times. pic.twitter.com/DpYmRjRBV2

— James Conner (@JamesConner_) April 13, 2021

Conner got a one-year $1.75 million deal to head west. He’ll likely split time with Chase Edmonds in Arizona. Conner also commented on that offseason ATV accident which resulted in a surgery on his toe, similar to one that may be used to correct turf toe on a lot of athletes.

“I was in a little ATV,” Conner said. “Just a little accident. A little toe issue. Thankfully, not as serious as a whole turf toe injury. Just had to get it addressed. Just had to get it fixed. I’m healing up well. I’m healing up nice.”

So it appears bad injury luck continues to follow Conner even when he’s not on the field. For his sake, hopefully it won’t follow him all the way out to Arizona.

Big Ben, long shot

BetOnline.ag has its opening odds for the 2021 NFL MVP award. And Ben Roethlisberger is quite a long shot at 66/1.

Who is he behind? How about the likes of Jameis Winston (50/1) and Jalen Hurts (40/1). He’s tied with Tua Tagovailoa and Trevor Lawrence — who has never taken an NFL snap.

The top five atop the odds boards are all quarterbacks. Kansas City’s Patrick Mahomes is the favorite at 5/1. Green Bay’s Aaron Rodgers is next at 9/1, followed by Buffalo’s Josh Allen (10/1). Then Lamar Jackson (Baltimore) and Matthew Stafford (Los Angeles Rams) at 14/1.

The first non-quarterback is Tennessee Titans running back Derrick Henry at 40/1.

Philly Phunk

Defensive woes and leaky goaltending continue to be problems for the Philadelphia Flyers.

They lost 6-1 to the East-leading Washington Capitals. Brian Elliott allowed six goals on 32 shots between the pipes for Philly.

Former Penguins Conor Sheary and Carl Hagelin both scored.

Sheary stays with a hot stick! pic.twitter.com/li6TUVRmd1

— Washington Capitals (@Capitals) April 13, 2021

*Carl has entered the chat* pic.twitter.com/RxzRNaM4iw

— Washington Capitals (@Capitals) April 13, 2021

Newly acquired forward Anthony Mantha was also among the goal scorers for the Caps. At 60 points, the win puts them in sole possession of first place in the East Division. That’s two points in front of the idle New York Islanders who sit in second place. The Penguins are four back with 56 in third place.

Meanwhile, the Flyers dropped to sixth because the New York Rangers broke out of a fifth-place tie thanks to a 3-0 shutout of the New Jersey Devils. The Bruins are currently tucked into the fourth and final playoff spot within the division. They helped their own cause with a 3-2 home win against the suddenly scrappy Buffalo Sabres.

So the Bruins are in fourth with 50 points, followed by the Rangers with 46 and then the Flyers are dragging in sixth with 44.

Oh no, JMo

Former Pirates pitcher Jameson Taillon had a rough start with the New York Yankees Tuesday. It was his second outing of 2021, and he lost a 7-3 decision to the Toronto Blue Jays.

Taillon allowed five earned runs and eight hits in less than four innings to absorb the defeat. Marcus Semien hit a home run along the way.

Semien gets the bullpen going pic.twitter.com/hPVE5SwMc4

— Toronto Blue Jays (@BlueJays) April 14, 2021

That was his fourth of the year.

Another former Pirate, J.A. Happ, was on the hill for the Minnesota Twins. He allowed two earned runs in 4 ⅔ innings against the Boston Red Sox. He got a no-decision as the Sox won 4-2.

Former Bucco Joe Musgrove pitches against the Pirates Wednesday night at PNC Park. It’ll be his first outing since throwing a no-hitter against the Texas Rangers Friday night.

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