First Call: Ja'Marr Chase's odd appeal strategy after spitting suspension; George Pickens shines after benching

Tuesday’s “First Call” examines a unique defense strategy for Ja’Marr Chase in his appeal for spitting at Pittsburgh Steelers defensive back Jalen Ramsey.

Justin Fields is getting benched in New York. George Pickens was already benched for Dallas.

A local college hockey team is ranked for the first time, and the Duquesne-Robert Morris rivalry in women’s basketball is about to have another installment.

‘Your honor, if I may …’

Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver Ja’Marr Chase is appealing his one-game suspension for spitting on Steelers defensive back Jalen Ramsey.

Field-level view of the second altercation between Ja'Marr Chase and Jalen Ramsey. Chase said "I didn't spit on nobody."

The video clearly shows he did.#Bengals @FOX19 pic.twitter.com/ooGzInoPdS

— Austin Briski (@austin_briski) November 16, 2025

According to NFL.com’s Ian Rapoport, the premise of Chase’s appeal is, basically, if “I meant to spit on him, I would’ve spit higher.”

Via “NFL Gameday” on Monday evening, Rapoport said of Chase’s defense, “His argument essentially being, as far as I understand, if he was going to spit on Jalen Ramsey, he would’ve spit on his face rather than on the floor or on his jersey.”

From @NFLGameDay Kickoff: #Bengals WR Ja'Marr Chase was suspended 1 game; The #Falcons may have lost QB Michael Penix for the season; #Steelers QB Aaron Rodgers is dealing with a small fracture in his left hand. pic.twitter.com/D7JfCfNKUJ

— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) November 18, 2025

Bold strategy, Cotton. Let’s see if it pays off for him.

If Chase loses his appeal, the Bengals will have to play Sunday’s game against the New England Patriots without him.

According to ProFootballTalk.com, former Green Bay Packers receiver Jordy Nelson will be the hearing officer.

Forgetting Fields

The New York Jets are benching former Steelers quarterback Justin Fields. Tyrod Taylor is taking over as the starter as the Jets prepare to take on the Baltimore Ravens.

That’s according to Dianna Russini of The Athletic.

The Jets are making a quarterback change, benching Justin Fields in favor of veteran Tyrod Taylor, per source.

New York faces Baltimore in Week 12 and ranks last in the league in passing yards per game. pic.twitter.com/Hf7y5WCZGH

— Dianna Russini (@DMRussini) November 17, 2025

The Jets also sat down Fields during the club’s Week 7 loss to the Carolina Panthers. He was 6 of 12 for 46 yards, three sacks and a passer rating of 59.7.

So far this year, Fields is 128 for 204 (62.7%) for 1,259 yards with seven touchdowns, one interception and a passer rating of 89.5. He’s taken 27 sacks, fourth most in the NFL.

This feels familiar

Former Steeler George Pickens and fellow starting wide receiver Cee Dee Lamb were both benched to open Dallas’ “Monday Night Football” game against the Las Vegas Raiders.

MNF’s Lisa Salters reported that the benchings were not injury related and this was a coach’s decision for unspecified reasons.

CeeDee Lamb and George Pickens did not play on the Cowboys' first drive due to a coach's decision. pic.twitter.com/owoJA7ZFpy

— ESPN (@espn) November 18, 2025

However, both of the pass catchers got into the game and scored touchdowns in the first half.

Nice catch and run for a 37-yard George Pickens touchdown!

DALvsLV on ESPN/ABC
Stream on @NFLPlus and ESPN App pic.twitter.com/yblz3Tv6y4

— NFL (@NFL) November 18, 2025

Dak finds CeeDee Lamb open in the secondary for six!

DALvsLV on ESPN/ABC
Stream on @NFLPlus and ESPN App pic.twitter.com/nHPbbJJOyw

— NFL (@NFL) November 18, 2025

Pickens ended up with nine catches for 144 yards and a touchdown. The Cowboys (4-5-1) won 33-16 over the Raiders (2-8).

Renewing acquaintances

The women’s basketball teams for Robert Morris and Duquesne play each other at 6 p.m. Tuesday at the UPMC Events Center on RMU’s campus.

Both teams are undefeated. Duquesne (4-0) boasts wins over Saint Francis, Slippery Rock, Western Michigan and West Liberty. The Colonials (3-0) have beaten UIC, Akron and St. Francis.

The local rivalry dates to 1974. This will be the 47th meeting between the programs. Duquesne holds a 33-13 series edge. The Dukes are on a six-game winning streak, including a 77-61 home victory last season.

More sports

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• To no surprise of teammates, Mason Rudolph doesn't skip a beat in return to Steelers QB position
• James Franklin hired as Virginia Tech's coach, just over a month after Penn State fired him

Movin’ on up

The Chatham men’s hockey team is ranked for the first time. The Cougars have appeared in this week’s USCHO Division III poll at No. 15.

History made. For the first time ever, Chatham Men's Hockey is ranked in the @USCHO Division III National Poll! https://t.co/Bwy2n0yfZb pic.twitter.com/aiDiVvEuIh

— Chatham_MIH (@Chatham_MIH) November 17, 2025

Coach Mike Gershon’s club is 6-0 overall and 2-0 in the United Collegiate Hockey Conference. Through the first six games, Nick Cyprian leads the UCHC with 12 total points, three goals and nine assists.

Junior goaltender Cameron Kuntar leads the UCHC with a goals-against average of 1.29 while also leading the conference in save percentage at .958 and saves with 136.

The Cougars travel to Brockport for a 7 p.m. game against the Golden Eagles on Friday.