First Call: Steelers alumni trash Matt Canada; Kevin Dotson's praise in L.A.; Chase Claypool may be out in Chicago

The Pittsburgh Steelers alumni base has seen just about enough of offensive coordinator Matt Canada. One former Steeler had a fine debut in Los Angeles, while another may be on the way out in Chicago.

And we’ve got awards to hand out for Duquesne football and Robert Morris women’s hockey.

All that in Tuesday’s “First Call.”

Dunking booth

Multiple Steelers alumni are piling on the struggles of embattled offensive coordinator Matt Canada.

Retired safety and ESPN analyst Ryan Clark called for Canada’s dismissal and described the Steelers’ 30-6 loss in Houston as “sickening” during “First Take” on Monday morning.

“Stop bumping your head up against the Matthew Canada wall,” Clark said. “Send him back. Wherever you want to send him. Send him back to Pitt. I’ll even take him back at LSU … if he can coach defense because our offense does well. It’s sickening what you saw from the Pittsburgh Steelers yesterday, and I expect wholesale changes.”

The @HoustonTexans had 0 respect for the Pittsburgh Steelers!! It showed in the way the played, the way they dominated, and the way they furnished. A rookie head coach and a rookie quarterback treated the @steelers like little brother!

It’s absolutely embarrassing what took… pic.twitter.com/fMmmIFpdo7

— Ryan Clark (@Realrclark25) October 2, 2023

Former linebacker Ryan Shazier responded to a social media post about Houston cornerback Steven Nelson, claiming that he had a hunch that a pass to Calvin Austin III was coming before he intercepted Kenny Pickett on the Steelers’ first drive of the game.

They have to do better. This isnt madden these are professionals.

— Ryan Shazier (@RyanShazier) October 2, 2023

It’s so rotten that Antonio Brown thinks he could do a better job as offensive coordinator himself, and ex-tight end Eric Ebron agrees.

???? keep going im co signing it all! cause sum gotta change. Wasting Najee. Wasting GP. Wasting Pickett https://t.co/ZHIhKkQWMJ

— Ebron85.eth (@Ebron85) October 1, 2023

Come to think of it, it’s so bad that I think they both might be right. If the Steelers fail to reach 400 yards of offense Sunday against Baltimore — and I’m assuming they will — it will be the 40th straight game that they failed to reach that plateau.

Fine first effort

Former Steeler Kevin Dotson got his first start with the Los Angeles Rams at right guard Sunday.

Fellow offensive lineman Alaric Jackson was ruled out of the game against the Indianapolis Colts after suffering a hamstring injury in Week 3 against the Cincinnati Bengals. The Rams moved Joe Noteboom to left tackle and activated Dotson for the first time this season. According to Pro Football Focus, Dotson finished with a solid 86.0 overall grade (89.3 run-blocking, 60.8 pass-blocking). That led all offensive linemen on the Rams in the 29-23 overtime victory over the Colts.

Head coach Sean McVay seemed impressed.

Kevin Dotson “The Humble Beast❗️” pic.twitter.com/vutkMu76g1

— The Pharaoh ???????? (@kennyispeace) October 3, 2023

The Steelers traded Dotson to L.A. in August when he was displaced on the roster by the acquisitions of Isaac Seumalo and Nate Herbig at guard this offseason. Herbig received a 46.0 grade in his first start against the Houston Texans on Sunday. Seumalo has a 62.3 grade for the year.

The Steelers acquired the Rams’ fourth-round pick in the 2024 NFL Draft and their fifth-round pick in 2025 as compensation in the deal. The Rams received Dotson, as well as the Steelers’ fifth-round pick in 2024 and a sixth-round pick in 2025.

More sports

• Blowout losses becoming all too common for Steelers, who once again need to bounce back
• Kenny Pickett injury does not appear serious, not yet ruled out for next Steelers game
• 5 things we learned: Might be time for Steelers to give Mitch Trubisky a start at quarterback

Keystone Claypool?

Trade rumors are swirling around former Steeler Chase Claypool. The Chicago Bears have apparently told the wide receiver to just stay away from the facility after he was benched for last week’s game against the Denver Broncos. He won’t be part of the team’s plans for Thursday night’s contest against Washington either.

“This morning, we informed him that he’s not going to be here this week for the game as well, and we just feel that’s best for the team at this time,” coach Matt Eberflus said.

Word is the Bears may trade or release Claypool. One potential destination appears to be Philadelphia.

An NFC East scout told @MattLombardoNFL that the #Eagles could potentially view Chase Claypool as a quality backup or depth piece.#FlyEaglesFly pic.twitter.com/iYJkHTdA46

— JAKIB Sports (@JAKIBSports) October 2, 2023

Claypool has just 18 catches for 191 yards and one touchdown in 10 games since the Steelers traded him to Chicago after Week 8 last year.

Prior to last week’s game, Claypool complained that the Bears weren’t using him properly. He was a healthy inactive on game day at home against Denver on Sunday.

Positive return

One week back to action. One victory. Two conference awards.

That was the haul for the Robert Morris women’s hockey team as the team returned to the ice this weekend against Union after a two-year absence. After losing their first game of the year 5-2 on Friday, the Colonials rebounded with a 3-2 win in Schenectady on Saturday.

Sophomore Morgan Giannone registered four points during the two games. She led College Hockey America in scoring over the weekend and was named the conference’s Forward of the Week. The Oakville, Ont., native scored the Colonials’ game-tying and game-winning goals in RMU’s win Saturday.

Full replay of the game-winning goal by Morgan Giannone! @RMUWHockey wins! Congrats head coach @LBittle8 on Career Victory #1! pic.twitter.com/KgXR7VYcMl

— Colonial Hockey Foundation (@ColonialHF) September 30, 2023

RMU’s Chloè Puddifant was named Defenseman of the Week. She posted a goal and an assist in the series.

Coach Logan Biddle’s team plays at home Saturday against St. Anselm at 2 p.m. The men’s team opens its season at 7 p.m. against Bowling Green, also ending a two-year hiatus after both teams were eliminated from the athletic department budget before a fundraising campaign brought them back.

More praise

Similar awards were handed out to the Duquesne football team after its 14-point comeback against Long Island University.

The Dukes won a 31-28 contest thanks to a 34-yard game-winning field goal from Brian Bruzdewicz with seven seconds left.

Bruzdewicz for the WIN ‼️#GoDukes pic.twitter.com/32vMZuvCpz

— Duquesne Football (@DuqFB) September 30, 2023

For that and four extra points, the Peters Township grad was given NEC Player of the Week honors.

Also, freshman running back Edward Robinson was named the conference’s Rookie of the Week. The Maple Heights, Ohio, native rushed for 70 yards on 10 carries and scored his first career touchdown.

Edward Robinson caps off an 80-yard drive to give us our first lead of the day!#GoDukes | @EdRobinsonIII pic.twitter.com/QHiMjkhGVC

— Duquesne Football (@DuqFB) September 30, 2023

Duquesne (2-2) next plays Delaware (3-1) on the road Saturday.