Steelers Now
Steelers playmakers Aaron Rodgers and DK Metcalf connected twice on deep throws. However, they both praised the line’s growth in the process.
**PITTSBURGH–**On Sunday, the Pittsburgh Steelers controlled and smothered the Cleveland Browns en route to a 23-9 victory. During the contest, Aaron Rodgers took multiple shots downfield and connected twice with DK Metcalf. For those two, they knew the opportunities were coming soon.
After the game, Rodgers told the media that the deep shots were a product of a balanced offense–something he mentioned throughout the week. “I said last week we needed to see some more one high stuff and take some shots down the field, and you have to run the football to do that,” Rodgers said.
How did the Steelers do that? The offensive line controlled the ferocious Browns front seven. “I feel like the [offensive] line controlled the line of scrimmage today pretty well.” Rodgers said of the offensive line’s play.
It certainly helps to hold an All-Pro like Myles Garrett to a limited stat sheet. That’s a credit to the game plan and, most importantly, a stellar performance by the offensive line. In particular, Rodgers gave his vote of confidence to Broderick Jones, who was matched up against Garrett most of the day. “I got a lot of confidence in him.” He told reporters.
With the offensive line giving him time, Rodgers was asked what he was thinking when he saw the rare single high looks. “Throw it to DK, yeah.” Rodgers said with a grin.
You didn’t have to ask just Rodgers about the offense’s growth. Metcalf, who Pittsburgh traded for in March, knows that if the offensive line continues to play well, he and Rodgers will have more opportunities.
“When [Rodgers] is in the gun, especially throwing the football, I always think I got a chance, especially with the way our O-line is playing,” Metcalf told reporters. “They’re definitely giving him time back there to find the open guy downfield.”
Metcalf, like his quarterback, gave the young offensive line a lot of praise. They are the key to making this engine churn. “They’re holding their own every week.” Metcalf said of the line’s play.
The Rodgers-Metcalf duo connected four times for 95 yards and topped it off with a game-clinching, 25-yard deep touchdown. If the offensive line trajectory continues upward, you might see this connection heat up deep downfield more often.
Alan Saunders and Brendan Howe provided reporting from Pittsburgh.
This article originally appeared on Steelers Now: Rodgers, Metcalf Praise Offensive Line’s Growth to Set Up Deep Passing Game
