First Call: Best Super Bowl play 'debate’; Steelers O-line supporting new hire

We may have a Steelers-Patriots Super Bowl dust up thanks to our friends “across the pond.”

Steelers offensive linemen current and past are running to the defense of new offensive line coach Adrian Klemm. At least one big name quarterback is staying put. And the “cannons won’t thunder” in Tampa on Super Bowl Sunday.

All that in Wednesday’s “First Call.”

Backing from Banner

Criticism of the Steelers’ promotion of Adrian Klemm has been thick in Pittsburgh fan and media circles.

Many seem to feel that the decision to have him replace Shaun Sarrett as the new offensive line coach will be a continuation of last year’s problems on the unit. After all, Klemm was Sarrett’s assistant last year. So how much will things really change?

On Monday, however, former Steelers offensive lineman Trai Essex backed the decision. And now another Steelers offensive line alum, Ramon Foster, is expressing the same support.

No lie...Klemm is the BEST option. Having been around him, he’s a guy who gets it and knows how to challenge everyone in the room with an ego removed. Solid solid hire. With the room transitioning soon, he’s the guy for the job. I co-sign this.

— Ramon Foster (@RamonFoster) February 2, 2021

Current offensive lineman Zach Banner is on board, too.

Y’all don’t kno Klemm. We do. And that’s all that matters...

— Zach Banner (@ZBNFL) February 2, 2021

Klemm will have his plate extremely full. With tackle Alejandro Villanueva likely leaving via free agency and center Maurkice Pouncey potentially retiring, it’s entirely possible that David DeCastro could be the only regular starter back at his normal position (right guard).

Matt Feiler is a free agent, too, and could be moving on. That would mean Kevin Dotson will probably move into a full-time starting role at left guard. And decisions would then need to be made about whether Chuks Okorafor and Banner can be a reliable tandem at the tackle positions.

Plus, the team is likely to spend a high draft choice on an offensive lineman of some repute that Klemm will have to tutor.

Banner, Essex and Foster better be right.

Wanna try that again?

The “NFL UK” Twitter page tweeted out a question that’ll certainly raise some eyebrows stateside.

Well, eyebrows in the western part of this state anyway.

On This Day, 6 Years Ago...

THAT Malcom Butler interception.

The best Super Bowl play of all time?@Mac_BZ pic.twitter.com/S6nYbsu7mx

— NFL UK (@NFLUK) February 1, 2021

Sure. A legendary clutch interception from Malcom Butler of the New England Patriots securing their fourth Vince Lombardi trophy in Super Bowl XLIX.

But “best Super Bowl play of all time”? Uh, James Harrison would like a word.

The Immaculate Interception was one of the greatest plays in NFL history. Thank you James Harrison (@jharrison9292) for everything you brought to the game. @steelers #HereWeGo pic.twitter.com/anwlZJAZTG

— NFL Films (@NFLFilms) April 16, 2018

Now I know what the opposing argument will be from New England. There were 30 minutes to go after Harrison’s interception. Whereas Butler’s pick was a game-deciding play with the Super Bowl hanging in the balance.

Ok. Then Santonio Holmes would like a word, too.

On this day back in 2009, Santonio Holmes made a 6-yard catch deep in the end zone with 35 seconds left, to give the #Pittsburgh #Steelers their record-setting sixth #SuperBowl win. Photo by Christopher Horner. pic.twitter.com/vJRRmQj7gW

— Tribune-ReviewSports (@TribSports) February 1, 2021

I know. That’s an offensive play. But I’m just covering my bases.

Scratch him off the list

The vast array of rumors regarding quarterbacks who may be on the move was trimmed by two over the weekend when the Detroit Lions and Los Angeles Rams swapped Matt Stafford and Jared Goff.

It sounds like you can remove Matt Ryan, too. The NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero reports the Atlanta Falcons are planning to keep Ryan in 2021. He went on to say that the team has had no trade conversations about either Ryan or receiver Julio Jones.

Ryan is 35 years old. He has a cap hit of $40.9 million in 2021. His dead money charge would be $49.9 million if he is traded before June 1.

The Falcons will try to improve on a 4-12 record with Ryan, Jones and new head coach Arthur Smith.

Cannon fodder

Speaking of Super Bowls in Tampa Bay, many people were wondering if the hometown Buccaneers were going to be able to shoot off their pirate ship cannons after their team made big plays this Sunday.

After all, they are “hosting” the Super Bowl. But the answer to that question is “no.”

The NFL tells me that cannons will NOT fire at Raymond James Stadium Sunday. Only when the team is introduced. Story to come.

— JennaLaineESPN (@JennaLaineESPN) February 2, 2021

While the cannons may not fire in their typical fashion, we look forward to showcasing parts of our tradition while working within the league’s guidelines. pic.twitter.com/HOxqtZj6kQ

— Tampa Bay Buccaneers (@Buccaneers) February 2, 2021

Lame! Instead of shutting it down for the Bucs, why not just allow the cannons to fire for both the Bucs and Kansas City Chiefs?

As usual, the NFL is leaning toward less fun rather than equal fun.