First Call: Steelers’ Mike Tomlin on Le'Veon Bell trade talk; Did Seahawks look at Antonio Brown?

Monday’s “First Call” features rumors about Antonio Brown and Le’Veon Bell. Woes for the Browns. Progress for the Ravens. And a problem for the Penguins.

Is that a "no?"

During his postgame press conference after a 26-24 win over the Indianapolis Colts, Mike Tomlin was asked if the Steelers inquired about a trade to reacquire Le’Veon Bell.

The New York Jets running back claimed last week that the Steelers were one of at least four teams that showed an interest in dealing for him before the deadline.

Tomlin claimed “not to my knowledge.”

So, that’s not a “no.”

Unfortunately, Kevin Colbert doesn’t give postgame press conferences.

According to ESPN.com, the Steelers were worried that James Conner’s shoulder injury suffered last Monday night versus Miami was potentially season ending. But, according to Adam Schefter, when the franchise learned that Conner’s injury wasn’t that severe, talks with New York faded.

Jobless thanks to Seattle?

Also from ESPN, Schefter reports that the Seattle Seahawks considered making a run at former Steelers wide receiver Antonio Brown.

That is, until they claimed Josh Gordon.

Sources: Seahawks did due diligence on Antonio Brown before claiming Josh Gordon.https://t.co/HBTq1WwfV7

— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) November 3, 2019

Schefter reports, “Even star quarterback Russell Wilson was pushing the Seahawks to sign Brown before they claimed Gordon.”

Yeah. It always sounds like a great idea until A.B. freezes his feet, goes AWOL, or refuses to put on his helmet.

Thanks for nuthin'

One time.

One time!

No self-respecting Steelers fan ever wants to root for the New England Patriots. But sometimes it has to happen.

Sunday night was one of those times. The Pats were visiting Baltimore. And most of Pittsburgh wanted a New England win so the Steelers could pull within a game of the first place Ravens.

But the home-standing birds were too good. They improved to 6-2 and handed the Patriots (8-1) their first loss of the season, 37-20.

They did so because quarterback Lamar Jackson made plays like this one.

Lamar is on another level @lj_era8 #RavensFlock

: #NEvsBAL on NBC
: NFL app // Yahoo Sports app
Watch free on mobile: https://t.co/iejHcWRXCq pic.twitter.com/DxbjK1KUUT

— NFL (@NFL) November 4, 2019

Yikes! Talk about shake. Jackson showed it there and then some.

Jackson accounted for two rushing touchdowns and one via a pass. He also totaled 226 yards from scrimmage.

Firing Freddie?

The Cleveland Browns lost to the struggling Denver Broncos Sunday.

The loss dropped Cleveland to 2-6. The Broncos improved to 3-6.

And now there is some talk that head coach Freddie Kitchens will get fired.

#Browns QB Baker Mayfield on Freddie’s job status being a topic of discussion: “It’s a topic for you guys. Within our building, we know what’s wrong.” Says execution is the key. “We’re gonna stick together. Keep pushing forward.”

— 92.3 The Fan (@923TheFan) November 4, 2019

Keep in mind, Kitchens is only halfway through his first season.

The Steelers get to play the Browns twice over the next four weeks on Nov. 14 and Dec. 1.

One more step

The Boston Bruins came within one game of winning the Stanley Cup a year ago.

But they lost Game 7 of the Cup Final to the St. Louis Blues.

There’s been no hangover of disappointment for Boston, though. They are off to an awesome start to begin 2019-20.

That’s bad news for the Penguins as they visit TD Garden Monday night.

Boston leads the Atlantic with 22 points. Washington (25) is the only team in the East with more.

Other superlatives for the Bruins include the lowest goals against total in the NHL (27). Their plus-19 goal differential is tied for the NHL lead with Vancouver.

And Boston has yet to lose a regulation game at home (6-0-1). Right wing David Pastrnak leads the league in goals (13) and points (27). And goaltender Tuukka Rask has the best goals against average (1.49) and best save percentage (.949) in the game.

So the Penguins should have a really easy time Monday.