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The Pittsburgh Steelers did not void D.K. Metcalf’s guaranteed money, even though the fan involved in the altercation said he didn’t use a racial slur as Metcalf claimed. Regardless, an eye-opening stat shows just how crushing Metcalf’s suspension is, according to a post on X by NFL Researcher.
“DK Metcalf had more receiving yds (148) than all other Steelers combined (136) in the Week 14 win at BAL.
Aaron Rodgers with & without Metcalf (@NextGenStats)
On Field
67.2 comp pct, 7.1 yds/att, 99.9 passer rating
Off Field
56.7 comp pct, 4.7 yds/att, 69.1 passer rating”
Pittsburgh found itself hurting after the troubling 13-6 loss to the Browns. It was bad enough to lose to a division rival when the title could have been wrapped up. But also, the Browns are not a good football team.
Head coach Mike Tomlin tried to take it in stride, according to The Athletic.
But the end-of-game scenario, with the low-percentage pass to Marquez Valdes-Scantling, screamed for the need of a guy like Metcalf.
Of course, it wasn’t all on Metcalf. Aaron Rodgers played a role as well. He went 21 of 39 for 168 yards. Before the game’s final drive, he had only 110 yards. Ick.
The players know the offense failed when the team needed it.
“That’s usually, as an offense, the most frustrating thing, when you feel like you’re letting the team down,” veteran receiver Adam Thielen said. “The defense played so well, gave us so many opportunities with short fields, getting us the ball to be able to go and score and ultimately win the game.
“(Metcalf) is paid the way he is for a reason, because he’s a difference maker. He draws a lot of attention, and he makes a lot of big plays. So, yeah, tough to not have him there, but that’s no excuse.”
And that’s the thing. Not having him there at the end meant the Browns didn’t have to commit extra resources to anyone.
Now the Steelers have opened the door for a winner-take-all game against the rival Ravens. And they are coming in with the confidence of Derrick Henry turning back the clock and running like a younger man again.
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