Steelers Now
Despite being paid like an upper-echelon receiver, DK Metcalf isn’t heading into this upcoming season considered one. The Pittsburgh Steelers’ No. 1 wideout had a down year by his own standards during his first go-round in black and gold.
Steve Smith Sr., who enjoyed a 16-year career spent with the Carolina Panthers and Baltimore Ravens, recently defended Metcalf, the Steelers’ leader in receiving yards (850) and touchdown grabs (six) last season.
“DK Metcalf is not the problem,” Smith said Friday. “He can ball. However, he cannot throw the ball to himself. You’ve gotta remember, this is a team, too, they carry five wide receivers only. … You’ve gotta also remember, last year they were looking for anybody to help this offense. They were not anticipating George Pickens’ void being (an) impact this much. They thought they had enough on the roster — and on paper, they did.
“What’s on paper doesn’t always equal up to what’s going on.”
Metcalf was suspended for the final two games of last regular season, which limited his numbers some. Smith believes he can have a much greater impact this time around.
“DK Metcalf is their Davante Adams when he was (early) into his career,” Smith said. “Quick release, some passes down the middle of the field, some explosive plays. You remember when Davante Adams first got there? It was like, ‘Man, this kid can really move.'”
During their time with the Green Bay Packers, Rodgers connected with Adams for a touchdown 69 times, the most between a quarterback-receiver duo in the franchise’s history.
This article originally appeared on Steelers Now: Ex-Ravens WR: Steelers DK Metcalf Resembles Former Elite Aaron Rodgers Target
