Yesterday, we outlined three Pittsburgh Steelers in need of a bounce back season. Wide receiver DK Metcalf wasn’t on the list, but he certainly would qualify. Traded from Seattle and given a historically large contract, Metcalf’s first year was underwhelming: 59 receptions, 850 yards, and six touchdowns with the end of his season marred by a two-game suspension.
Back for Year 2 with Aaron Rodgers returning at quarterback is reason enough to be optimistic. Mike McCarthy’s hire is another factor. His track record of producing 1,000 yard receivers is strong. In his 18 previous seasons as a head coach, he’s had at least one player hit four-digits 15 times.
Below is the list.
Mike McCarthy 1,000-Yard Receiver List
Year 1,000 Yard WR
2024 CeeDee Lamb
2023 CeeDee Lamb
2022 CeeDee Lamb
2021 CeeDee Lamb
2020 Amari Cooper
2018 Davante Adams
2017 None
2016 Jordy Nelson
2015 None
2014 Jordy Nelson/Randall Cobb
2013 Jordy Nelson
2012 None
2011 Jordy Nelson
2010 Greg Jennings
2009 Donald Driver/Greg Jennings
2008 Donald Driver/Greg Jennings
2007 Donald Driver
2006 Donald Driver
Of those 15 instances, it’s happened in each of his last six years. All five in Dallas and his final one in Green Bay (he was fired before the end of that 2018 season). The only exceptions were health-related. In 2017, Davante Adams racked up 885 yards in 14 games. Had he played all 16, there’s a good chance he reaches 1,000. In 2012, Randall Cobb finished at 954 in 15 games. Like Adams, he was on pace for 1,000 yards.
In fairness, McCarthy’s largely had stellar quarterback play to get receivers those numbers. A prime Aaron Rodgers and Dak Prescott. Still, it happened in Dallas in years in which Prescott was hurt, Brett Favre’s final seasons past his prime, and Rodgers’ formative years before he became an elite quarterback.
McCarthy’s offense wants to feed its playmakers. A contrast to Arthur Smith’s approach of spreading the love and getting everyone involved. That means Metcalf will get fed. With more help around him and his own physical talent, Metcalf should cruise past 1,000 yards this season and prove why Pittsburgh gave up so much to get him.
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