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First Call: Steelers-Seahawks replay debate sparks Twitter spat; Von Miller trash talks Browns tackles; praise for Kenny Pickett | TribLIVE.com
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First Call: Steelers-Seahawks replay debate sparks Twitter spat; Von Miller trash talks Browns tackles; praise for Kenny Pickett

Tim Benz
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AP
Seattle Seahawks wide receiver DK Metcalf fumbles the ball after a catch as during a game against the Pittsburgh Steelers, Sunday, Oct. 17, 2021, at Heinz Field.

Wednesday’s “First Call” has some social media fallout from the Steelers-Seahawks replay controversy Sunday night.

There was an ex-Bucco battle on the mound in the NLCS Tuesday. Pitt quarterback Kenny Pickett is getting a strong endorsement from one of Clemson’s coaches. And Denver Broncos outside linebacker Von Miller is talking trash against the Cleveland Browns offensive tackle he’ll be facing Thursday night.

He just doesn’t know who it is.


In need of another timeout

There was a lot to dislike about that controversial instant replay clock stoppage during the waning moments of regulation in the Pittsburgh Steelers’ 23-20 overtime victory against the Seattle Seahawks.

Perhaps worst of all, it bailed out Seattle wide receiver DK Metcalf after he made a boneheaded play, choosing to stay inbounds with a running clock and his team without any timeouts.

That’s a point Hall of Fame tight end and FS1 host Shannon Sharpe made on Twitter.

Metcalf didn’t take kindly to the critique of his play.

The rebuke fired up Sharpe, who responded, “Nothing to question. That was ‘DUMB (expletive)’ play and your pride won’t let you admit it. ‘You’ can’t question anything I’ve done. Pray your resume will be as complete as mine, PRAY. Enjoy the rest of your day.”

From there, Metcalf questioned Sharpe’s resume in rather graphic fashion and called the former Denver Broncos All-Pro a “washed up has been.”

Eventually — perhaps after doing a little research — Metcalf realized he was in an exchange with an eight-time Pro Bowler and amended that statement.

I didn’t see another response from Sharpe. Maybe he just thought Metcalf’s previous response was too far “out of bounds” to forgive.

Sorry. I couldn’t resist. I’ll show myself out.


Miller’s mouth

Outside linebacker Von Miller sure was quiet against the Steelers when his Denver Broncos came to Heinz Field during Week 5.

The former All-Pro was held to just two assisted tackles as the Steelers won 27-19. He only had one solo tackle against the Las Vegas Raiders last week.

But now Miller is making noise … with his mouth. The eight-time Pro Bowler is promising a big bounce-back game against the Cleveland Browns Thursday night, regardless of who the Browns play at tackle.

It’s unclear if either Cleveland starter — Jedrick Wills or Jack Conklin — will play. They both missed the Browns’ loss against the Arizona Cardinals on Sunday.

“I will play well in this game,” Miller said, courtesy of Broncos.com reporter Aric DiLalla. “I’m going to have a great game … I don’t know who the tackle I’m going against is, but I’m going to kill him.”

If Wills and Conklin cannot play again this week, Blake Hance and James Hudson III will likely start again. Hance opened the game on the left side, Hudson on the right. Miller has just one sack the last three weeks, as the Broncos have lost three in a row.

Both teams are 3-3. The Steelers play the Browns on Oct. 31 after their bye this Sunday.


High praise

As Pitt gets ready to play Clemson Saturday, Panthers senior quarterback Kenny Pickett is drawing lofty comparisons from Brent Venables.

The long-time Tigers defensive coordinator said this week that Pickett reminds him of former LSU standout Joe Burrow.

“(Pickett’s) a lot like Joe Burrow from experience, calmness, accuracy and can run, makes all the right decisions, having a heck of a year,” Venables said via SI.com. “He’s got good players around him like Joe did, and a good system that takes advantage of his skill set. Thinking about the most recent guys, he’s probably the best comparison.”

Burrow won the 2019 national championship and Heisman Trophy. Then he went No.1 overall in the 2020 NFL Draft to the Cincinnati Bengals.

BetRivers.com currently lists Pickett with +1600 odds to win the Heisman this year. That’s sixth on their board. Alabama quarterback Bryce Young is the favorite at +150.


Ex-Bucco battle

Game 3 of the National League Championship Series featured a pair of starting pitchers with Pirates connections.

Ex-Bucco Charlie Morton got the start for the Atlanta Braves. One-time Pirates draftee Walker Buehler was on the mound for the Los Angeles Dodgers.

Buehler struggled for Los Angeles. He allowed four earned runs, seven hits and three walks in 3 2/3 innings.

As for Morton, the veteran right-hander struggled with control, allowing six walks. But he struck out five and gave up only two runs, including a Corey Seager homer in the first inning. He exited the game after the fifth inning with the Braves leading 5-2.

However, Atlanta’s lead did not hold with the Dodgers scoring four runs in the eighth inning to top the Braves 6-5. Tony Gonsolin got the win after 1/3 inning of relief. Cody Bellinger hit a game-tying home run in the eighth inning for the Dodgers.

Then Mookie Betts drove home the eventual winning run with a double.

The Braves still have a 2-1 series lead in the NLCS. Game 4 is in Los Angeles Wednesday night.

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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