In his first three video games as a Pittsburgh Steeler, DK Metcalf has ten receptions on 17 targets per Subsequent Gen Stats (NGS). It isn’t a shock that he leads the workforce’s WR room in these stats. However the best way Pittsburgh has used him total has restricted his yardage (135), which is second on the workforce to RB Jaylen Warren. That’s one thing I doubt many had on their bingo playing cards.
This text will make clear Metcalf’s receiving utilization and what may maximize his ability set shifting ahead.
Here’s a graphic of huge receivers’ (min. ten targets) common yards after the catch (YAC) and supposed air yards (IAY):
Metcalf lands on a telling a part of the chart. He leads the 78 qualifying huge receivers with a ten.1 yards after catch quantity. That stage of playmaking is nice to see, and hopefully it continues.
On the opposite facet of the coin, although, Metcalf’s 5.8 common supposed air yards is the fifth-lowest within the NFL (74th). That is borderline felony, particularly figuring out how he’s been utilized in his profession. For instance, within the 2024 common season, Metcalf ranked fourth in deep yards (20 or extra air yards) with almost 500, and tied for probably the most deep touchdowns (5). Up to now in 2025, simply two deep targets, with no catches.
It’s a younger season, in fact, however not what I used to be anticipating thus far. QB Aaron Rodgers has the bottom (5.4) supposed air yards of quarterbacks with no less than 30 makes an attempt, which has impacted Metcalf’s utilization. One other essential issue is Rodgers’ 2.61 time to throw (T-third quickest). That is impacted by offensive line play and Rodgers’ lesser mobility in comparison with years previous.
With WR Calvin Austin included on the visible, we see he’s been utilized downfield extra typically. His 16.1 common supposed air yards ranks seventh amongst his friends, blowing Metcalf’s 5.8 out of the water. To be truthful, Metcalf will get extra consideration, and defensive coverages can dictate the most effective place to throw the ball.
This acquired me curious to see what varieties of route utilization the 2 receivers have so far. The next desk consists of routes run (RR), targets (TGTS), and catches (CTHS) courtesy of Sports activities Information Options:
Sorting the desk by Metcalf’s highest routes run, we see some shorter routes towards the highest of the record. He’s a menace to protect on slants, his most typical route run and focused on, aiding his superior YAC. Out routes are additionally in his prime three, one other quick space idea.
We do see loads of deeper routes run. His prime six most continuously run ideas embody fades, digs, posts, and go/fly routes. Out of 31 routes run in these conditions, Metcalf has obtained simply two targets and one catch. That seize additionally went for a 12-yard landing on a fade.
Pittsburgh should put Metcalf in positions to obtain extra downfield targets. It’s time to begin seeing his prowess in that regard for the Black and Gold. The offense must be extra dynamic and use their finest matchup benefit, just like the contract you gave him.
How about giving him some extra double strikes, deep crossers, back-shoulder fades, or seams? That’s price a strive, contemplating Metcalf is the protection’s primary precedence to restrict within the cross sport.
That might be my purpose, too, if I had been the opposition. Giving Metcalf a extra versatile function that enhances his sturdy YAC contributions would assist this offense. And it’s not just like the unit is lighting it up in the mean time.
