Behind the Steel Curtain
The Steelers’ lack of explosive plays on offense has been a bug-a-boo in the post-Ben Roethlisberger era. However, their big offseason acquisition has provided a boost in that area.
After hauling in five receptions on five targets for a 126-yard TD, the black and gold’s 24-21 win over the Minnesota Vikings on Sunday, it feels like DK Metcalf has fully arrived.
Through 4 weeks, he leads all receivers in yards after catch.
His electric catch-and-run 80-yard touchdown certainly accounts for a large chunk of that total, but the bottom line is that the Steelers have an explosive weapon who should remain near the top of the YAC category throughout the season, provided he stays healthy and they keep feeding him the ball.
The offense has targeted Metcalf frequently on shorter routes than you might expect from a deep threat as prolific as he is. So far, 15 (65.2%) of Metcalf’s team-leading 22 targets have traveled nine or fewer yards downfield. Metcalf has only been targeted twice on throws of 20 yards or longer, neither for completions. Metcalf’s four receptions in the intermediate areas of the field have produced 120 yards and two scores.
Much has been made about QB Aaron Rodgers and the offense’s lack of pass attempts down the field, but when you have someone like Metcalf who can turn a quick pass into a house call, it might not always be necessary.
