In a perfect world, DK Metcalf is the focal point of the Pittsburgh Steelers’ offense. His $150 million contract and the Steelers’ lack of aggression in finding another receiver both support that idea. But in reality, Sunday’s loss to the Los Angeles Chargers was just another quiet day for him.
Metcalf has had a few explosive plays this year, but his targeting has been random for the most part. Despite the lack of production from the rest of the receiving core, he isn’t catching many passes. And that’s something former Steeler Trai Essex has a problem with.
“I’m disappointed in our usage of him,” Essex said Monday on 93.7 The Fan. “You gotta get these guys involved, you gotta keep them engaged. And this offense is not keeping them engaged. He disappears for large portions of the game. He doesn’t get targeted for large portions of the game. And he is too important of a piece of this offense for that to happen. I think, maybe what you’re seeing is maybe he’s just not totally engaged with what’s going on because he’s not involved enough.”
The Steelers are targeting DK Metcalf at a lower rate than his 2024 season in Seattle. Last year with the Seahawks, Metcalf saw 108 targets in 15 games, averaging 7.2 per game. This year, he has 54 in nine games, which comes to an average of six. Of course, you’d like the focal point of your offense to have more than six targets every Sunday. It’s concerning, considering those targets in Seattle came when he shared the field with Jaxon Smith-Njigba. This year, as the focal point, that number has somehow decreased.
However, the real issue is the lack of receptions. Metcalf’s never been a super-high volume guy when it comes to receptions, but when Aaron Rodgers targets him, it’s just not working well enough. For example, he got behind the defense on Sunday, but Rodgers couldn’t get the ball to him.
The chemistry doesn’t seem to be there yet. Metcalf has 32 receptions so far, an average of just 3.5 per game. If you’re paying somebody as much as the Steelers are paying him, he simply cannot get the ball less than four times per game. Throughout his last four games, Metcalf has 13 combined receptions.
DK Metcalf himself could take some blame for that. But with his quarterback playing terribly yesterday, it’s not all his fault. And really, the play calling has been sporadic at times. While some are unhappy with Metcalf’s lack of action, others feel the same way about JaylenWarren and the tight ends. But the bottom line is, Metcalf and the Steelers must find a fix quickly. A matchup against a struggling Cincinnati defense next week could help things get back on track.
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