Steelers Offensive Struggles
Pittsburgh Steelers Wide Receiver DK Metcalf Struggles Through Early Season Games
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Key Points
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Aaron Rodgers said he would continue targeting Metcalf despite the struggles: “I’m not worried about DK at all, man. I love DK. He’s one of my closest friends on the team, and I’m going to keep feeding him.”
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Metcalf’s efficiency and separation numbers have been poor beyond the early-season box score: he ranked 47th in EPA per target in 2025, had an average depth of target of just 7.21 yards as a Steeler, and averaged less than two yards of separation through the first two games of 2026.
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The Steelers gave Seattle a second-round pick for Metcalf before signing him to his extension; in his first season with Pittsburgh, he produced 59 catches, 850 yards and six touchdowns.
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Head coach Mike McCarthy linked Metcalf’s execution problems to confidence, saying, “When the confidence isn’t right and it’s not peaked, the execution suffers.”
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With Metcalf struggling and Michael Pittman Jr. injured, Pittsburgh may need increased contributions from Roman Wilson, Germie Bernard and tight ends Pat Freiermuth and Darnell Washington to reduce the pressure on the passing game.
Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver DK Metcalf is struggling badly through two games, catching just 8 of 19 targets for 67 yards while dropping passes in each contest. In a 20-3 loss to New England, he caught four passes for 27 yards and muffed a crucial third-down throw. Steelers Depot reported he earned $30 million per season but has failed to produce early, reigniting questions about his $132 million contract after the team traded Seattle a second-round pick to get him.
Despite the early-season collapse, quarterback Aaron Rodgers is standing by his friend and star receiver. "I'm not worried about DK at all, man. I love DK. He's one of my closest friends on the team, and I'm going to keep feeding him," Rodgers said. Head coach Mike McCarthy blamed poor execution on confidence, saying: "When the confidence isn't right and it's not peaked, the execution suffers."
Metcalf's Numbers Show Bigger Problems Than Drops
Metcalf's struggles run deeper than simple concentration lapses. According to Steelers Depot, he ranked 47th in EPA per target in 2025 and averaged just 7.21 yards of target depth with the Steelers. Through two games in 2026, he has mustered less than two yards of separation on average — making him an easy mark for opposing defenses to shut down.
Former Player Le'Veon Bell Questions the Contract
The contract is now in the spotlight. Metcalf signed a four-year extension worth $132 million after Pittsburgh traded a second-round pick to Seattle. He had a decent first year with 59 catches, 850 yards and six touchdowns. But ex-Steelers running back Le'Veon Bell has publicly questioned why Metcalf deserved such a lucrative deal, given his current output and execution issues.
Metcalf Admits Concentration Is a Problem
Metcalf has acknowledged that concentration lapses are hurting him. He recognized he must improve and take accountability for his mistakes. Steel Curtain Network reported that McCarthy addressed receiver drops directly in the aftermath of the Patriots loss, signaling the coaching staff's concern about early-season technique failures.
Other Receivers May Need to Fill the Gap
With Metcalf struggling and Michael Pittman Jr. sidelined by injury, the Steelers may lean on Roman Wilson, Germie Bernard, tight end Pat Freiermuth and tight end Darnell Washington to ease pressure on the passing game. Lancaster Online noted the offense has scored just one touchdown through two games while the run game averages only 74.5 yards per contest. Pittsburgh needs depth to emerge and help stabilize a stalled offense.
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