The Pittsburgh Steelers were able to earn their first win in the AFC North of the 2025 season on Sunday as the team took down the Cleveland Browns by a score of 23-9. Both sides of the ball played great for the Steelers as the defense did not allow Cleveland to find the end zone, and the offense was able to move down the field to produce five scoring drives. Pittsburgh's offense wasn't able to find the end zone until the second half as Chris Boswell was relied upon to hit three field goals throughout the first 30 minutes of game time.
Jordan Schofield / SteelerNation (X: @JSKO_PHOTO)
Pittsburgh Steelers Head Coach Mike Tomlin and kicker Chris Boswell (9) stand on the field and look on as the team works out during a 2025 training camp practice in Latrobe, PA.
Pittsburgh's offense relying on field goals is a common theme over the last several seasons. It still leads to points on the board, but the team would like for Boswell to be kicking more extra points and less field goals. Wide receiver DK Metcalf spoke to the media following the win over Cleveland, and he was asked about the offense. He noted some clear lulls from the group, while also showing appreciation to the defensive side of the ball.
"We keep finding different ways to win." Metcalf said. "The defense keeps keeping us in games whenever we lull through the first half like we did today. I think we just playing complimentary ball on both ends."
Metcalf's comments show that the offense expects more from itself. He and the rest of the group were probably frustrated with being forced to kick three field goals early on, which is why he shouted out the defense for keeping the Browns offense in check. The defense was certainly responsible for allowing Pittsburgh to enter halftime with a 9-3 lead.
Sebastian Foltz / Post-Gazette
Steelers' wide receiver DK Metcalf catches the football during a joint practice in Pittsburgh against Tampa Bay ahead of the 2025 season.
Metcalf doesn't seem to be frustrated with his role within the offense, but he does seem to wish the group could put some more points on the board so the defense didn't have to bear so much weight on its shoulders. Metcalf's side of the ball came alive in the second half as the group was able to find the end zone two times, both through the air.
Aaron Rodgers played well in the win for Pittsburgh as the quarterback finished with 235 yards and two touchdown passes. One of those scores went to Metcalf, who was able to haul in a 25-yard touchdown near the start of the fourth quarter. This gave Pittsburgh a 23-6 lead, and it all but secured the victory for the Steelers as the Browns could only muster up three more points in the game.
Metcalf finished with a score as he accounted for 95 yards on four receptions. Every time the receiver touches the ball good things seem to happen for the Steelers, and many fans want to see the ball thrown his way more often.
Jared Wickerham / Pittsburgh Steelers
Steelers' Mike Tomlin and DK Metcalf walk out of the tunnel ahead of a Week 3 clash with the New England Patriots during the 2025 season.
Steelers' Metcalf Is Quietly Having A Very Good Season In Pittsburgh
Metcalf hasn't necessarily seen a high volume of targets, but he is making the most of his opportunities. He entered the Week 5 matchup with 15 receptions for three scores and 261 yards, and he added to all of those numbers significantly in the win. His touchdown on Sunday against Cleveland marked his fourth consecutive game with a score, which is a career high for the veteran wideout.
Metcalf's involvement in the offense should continue to increase, but Rodgers spoke about how the offense is facing a lot of two-high safety coverage. This makes it difficult to get the ball down the field to Metcalf, but the duo found ways to make that happen on Sunday.
What do you think about Metcalf's comments on the offensive lulls Pittsburgh is facing? Let us know in the comments below!
#SteelerNation
