First Call: Steelers still favored for next game; Shane Baz set for MLB debut; Gerrit Cole crushed

Monday’s “First Call” has an early look at the Pittsburgh Steelers’ odds of bouncing back from Sunday’s loss when they host the Cincinnati Bengals this week.

Another chapter in the Chris Archer trade is about to be written. Gerrit Cole had a rough outing at Yankee Stadium.

And we found a less than flattering quote about Pat Narduzzi’s defense.

Not scared off

Gamblers apparently aren’t too worried after Sunday’s Steelers loss to the Las Vegas Raiders.

According to BetRivers.com, the Steelers (1-1) are already installed as 4.5-point favorites against the Cincinnati Bengals (1-1) this Sunday at Heinz Field.

The teams split two games last season. The Bengals are coming off a 20-17 loss in Chicago.

If you are a Steelers fan predetermined to bet on the Black and Gold regardless of circumstances, then get in now in case the Steelers get some good injury news on T.J. Watt, Joe Haden, Diontae Johnson and/or Devin Bush.

If word comes in that some of those players plan to play Sunday, that line may expand.

The gift that keeps on giving

The Tampa Bay Rays aren’t done reaping the benefits of the Chris Archer trade with the Pittsburgh Pirates.

As if getting Tyler Glasnow and Austin Meadows from Pittsburgh in exchange for Archer wasn’t enough, the Rays also got former Pirates first-round draft choice Shane Baz.

Now the right-handed pitcher will be making his MLB debut Monday versus the Toronto Blue Jays.

In five starts for Triple-A Durham since returning from the Tokyo Olympics, he has put together a 1.57 ERA with 31 strikeouts and three walks in 23 innings.

Via MLB.com, since getting promoted to Triple-A earlier this season, Baz has compiled a 3-0 record with a 1.76 ERA, 64 strikeouts and 11 walks in 46 innings over 10 starts.

Cole gets crushed

Former Pirates starter Gerrit Cole got smoked in his start for the New York Yankees Sunday.

The right-hander was pummeled by the Cleveland Indians, to the tune of 10 hits and seven earned runs in 5 ⅔ innings. Jose Ramirez helped with his 35th homer of the season as the Pinstripes lost to the Indians 11-1.

Our 6th run of the day on Gerrit Cole comes courtesy of José Ramírez. #OurCLE pic.twitter.com/rYNO0OwoaP

— Cleveland Indians (@Indians) September 19, 2021

The Yankees are now nine games back of the American League East-leading Tampa Bay Rays. They are 1.5 games back of the second wild card spot currently held by the Toronto Blue Jays.

With the win, Cleveland pulled within a game of .500 at 73-74.

Not saying much

This is hardly a compliment toward Pitt coach Pat Narduzzi.

After his Western Michigan Broncos upset Pitt 44-41 at Heinz Field Saturday, Broncos head coach Tim Lester said he used tape from six years ago to prepare for the game.

Via the Associated Press, Lester built his offensive game plan around tape study from a game between Pitt and Syracuse six years ago while Lester was an assistant with the Orange.

According to writer Will Graves, “While Narduzzi has tinkered a bit with his system over the last six years, Lester felt confident the Broncos would know where the pressure was coming from and (quarterback Kaleb) Eleby would make the right decision on whether to hand it off or pull it back to look for (receiver Corey) Crooms (8 catches, 161 yards) or Skyy Moore (11 receptions for 124 yards and a score).”

Lester said he watched tape of that 23-20 Syracuse loss to the Panthers in 2015 “300 times.”

What does that say about the predictability of Narduzzi’s defense if it’s still that consistent with tape from 2015?

Nice touch

Kudos to Tampa Bay Buccaneers wide receiver Chris Godwin for his postgame interview attire Wednesday.

The former Penn State pass catcher busted out a belated salute for Roberto Clemente Day.

Bucs receiver Chris Godwin wore a Roberto Clemente ⁦@Pirates⁩ jersey and yellow Nikes to postgame interview. Said sports bring people together and Clemente epitomized that. pic.twitter.com/OWH4Eqbdmx

— Greg Auman (@gregauman) September 20, 2021

Godwin had four catches for 62 yards and a touchdown Sunday. The Bucs outscored the Atlanta Falcons 48-25.