The Pittsburgh Steelers officially have 2025 training camp underway and the regular season will be here before the fan base knows it. Head Coach Mike Tomlin really values the team development periods, and this one will be crucial for a roster that looks a whole lot different than it did a season ago. One of the new players that the team will rely on immediately, aside from Aaron Rodgers, will be his anticipated top target in DK Metcalf. The former Seattle Seahawks wideout was traded to the Steel City just prior to the start of the new league year, and was rewarded with a massive contract extension.
Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers
Steelers wide receiver DK Metcalf runs on the field at the UPMC Sports Complex as the team practices during 2025 Organized Team Activities (OTAs) in Pittsburgh, PA.
The first opportunity for Rodgers and Metcalf to work together when the games count will come in Week 1 when the Steelers travel to play the New York Jets. There are plenty of storylines to go along with the contest, as Rodgers is set to face his former team, and Justin Fields will also be competing against Pittsburgh, an organization that he played for in 2024.
A big-time matchup to keep an eye on will be Metcalf going up against one of the best cornerbacks in the league in Ahmad "Sauce" Gardner. The defender is phenomenal in coverage, but throughout his career, hasn't really gotten an opportunity to strictly follow an opposing team's best receiver. With Aaron Glenn now running the show in New York, that is set to change, as reported by Rich Cimini of ESPN.
"Gardner has quietly yearned to cover the opponents' No. 1 receiver," Cimini wrote. "In the previous defensive scheme, zone-based, he did it only a handful of times each season, mostly in the red zone. He said it might be in the new scheme, which is expected to rely heavily on man-to-man coverage. Gardner also said he might get some blitzing opportunities, which he relishes."
While a top option in any franchise's passing game would occasionally get the chance to escape being covered by Gardner in the past, that seems to be a trend that will end under Glenn's leadership. If the Jets plan to play more man-to-man coverage, as noted by Cimini, there is no reason why Gardner won't be following Metcalf's every move in Week 1, making the matchup a little bit more challenging for the veteran wide receiver.
Alysa Rubin / Pittsburgh Steelers
Steelers quarterback Aaron Rodgers prepares to make a throw as wide receiver DK Metcalf looks on during the team's 2025 mandatory minicamp at the UPMC Sports Complex in Pittsburgh, PA.
The Steelers didn't trade for, and then pay Metcalf an average of over $30 million per year, to have him watch his quarterback hand the ball of. The pass-catcher is expected to be heavily involved in Pittsburgh's offensive scheme, and he will have a very tough battle right off the bat when the organization travels to play in New York in September.
This will give fans a great idea of just how dangerous the duo of Rodgers and Metcalf can be. It may help that Rodgers had plenty of time practicing against Gardner, so the veteran may know some potential weaknesses that aren't really public knowledge. Gardner recently detailed in an interview that he is looking forward to the Week 1 contest.
“I think it’s going to be fun,” Gardner said. “There’s going to be a lot of smiling out there, a lot of competing out there. I’m looking forward to it. I know Aaron is a competitor. They’ve got DK over there, who also is a competitor. I think it’s going to be a pretty good game.”
The saying is that to be the best, one has to beat the best. That's exactly what will happen when the Steelers and Jets face off against one another. The hope is that Metcalf can beat Gardner several times, but it won't be easy, and now the corner may end up shadowing Pittsburgh's top receiving option.
Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers
Steelers wide receiver DK Metcalf runs with a football after going through a drill during the team's 2025 mandatory minicamp at the UPMC Sports Complex in Pittsburgh, PA.
Steelers Have To Start Off 2025 On The Right Foot
Pittsburgh had an epic collapse to end the 2024 campaign, but still slipped into the playoffs due to an impressive 10-3 start. Beginning any season strong is extremely important for all NFL franchises, so it will be crucial for the team to be ready for the Jets in Week 1. Metcalf will have to start earning his big deal right off the bat, as he is expected to go up against one of the game's best in Gardner.
Do you think the Steelers will have a plan to free up Metcalf in Week 1 against New York? Let us know in the comments below!
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