The Pittsburgh Steelers have plenty of offensive issues entering Week 3. But it could really go a long way for the unit to start getting more production from top wide receiver D.K. Metcalf.
Through two games, Metcalf has eight catches for 67 yards. He’s also failed to secure four passes that may not officially count as drops but do in the minds of a lot of analysts.
Amid Metcalf’s slump, the wideout has received a lot of support from quarterback Aaron Rodgers. On Monday, Steelers offensive coordinator Brian Angelichio expressed his confidence in Metcalf.
“We believe in D.K.,” said Angelichio in his weekly press conference Monday. “D.K. has been a really good player in this league. He’s been a productive player, so we have tremendous confidence in him.
“We’re just going to keep practicing and believing in D.K., and we know that he’ll be the player we want him to be.”
Steelers OC Supports WR D.K. Metcalf
The Steelers don’t really have any other choice besides continuing to believe in Metcalf. He’s the team’s No. 1 wideout and, by far, the most proven healthy option on the roster.
The team added fellow veteran Michael Pittman Jr. through a trade this past offseason. But Pittman is currently dealing with a foot injury and didn’t play in Week 2.
The Steelers really missed Pittman. During his team debut in Week 1, Pittman led the Steelers in receiving yards while Metcalf struggled.
It’s not clear that Pittman will be ready to play in Week 3 versus the Cincinnati Bengals. Without him on Sunday versus the New England Patriots, rookie Germie Bernard played a larger role and fared pretty well (until tipping a pass for an interception). But third-year receiver Roman Wilson didn’t make much of an impact.
Even with Pittman on the field, Metcalf is supposed to be Pittsburgh’s top playmaker on the entire offense. He has to be that for the Steelers to be successful, and the unit particularly needs production from Metcalf as long as Pittman is sidelined.
Metcalf Responds to Dropped Passes
Since he joined the Steelers, the pressure on Metcalf to perform will be at an all-time high in Week 3. Since Sunday’s 20-3 loss, he’s received significant criticism from analysts and fans.
Metcalf told reporters he is frustrated too.
“It was very frustrating, especially starting with myself,” said Metcalf in the locker room after the loss, via 93.7 The Fan. “I’ve just got to be better.”
It 17 games over parts of two seasons with the Steelers, Metcalf has posted 67 receptions, 917 receiving yards and six touchdowns. The Steelers and fans expected more when the receiver landed $132 million in a new contract immediately after the team acquired him last spring.
With the Seattle Seahawks, Metcalf had three 1,000-yard campaigns, including one season in 2020 where he had 1,303 receiving yards and 10 touchdowns.
In Pittsburgh, opponents have held Metcalf under 60 receiving yards in all but four of his 17 games.
Yes, Metcalf has to be better. His teammates and coaches believe he can be. It’s time that he is.
Steelers OC Delivers Message to D.K. Metcalf Amid Drop Issues