Steelers' DK Metcalf Identifies Clear Dysfunction Plaguing The Team At Critical Moments

The Pittsburgh Steelers have been in a rut over the last month as the team has gone 1-3 in its last four games and have slowly allowed the Baltimore Ravens to catch back up in the race for the AFC North crown. The offense has been worrisome, and the defense has been inconsistent. The group currently sits at 5-4 and has arguably the hardest stretch of the schedule coming up, which makes this a pivotal time in the season. The next month or so is going to be where the Steelers can clearly identify themselves as a playoff team, or things can go in the completely opposite direction.

The Steelers' most recent performance against the Los Angeles Chargers was a complete disaster as the team lost the game by a score of 25-10. The defense played decently, but the offense was putrid and continued to put the defensive side of the ball in tough situations. The offense had just three points for the majority of the game as the unit struggled to keep drives alive. Third down was an issue for Pittsburgh offensively, and wide receiver DK Metcalf was asked about that during his media availability on Wednesday.

"Every time we come in here and watch the film, it's always one guy here or there, so it's just all of us got to be on the same page," Metcalf said. "Whether that's communicating throughout the week or answering any questions that you feel like you have before we step out there on the field, and you know, start playing freely."

Metcalf made it seem like someone on the field is always in the wrong spot or consistently confused when it comes to third downs, and that would make sense considering Pittsburgh went just two for 11 on third down conversions in its loss to Los Angeles. The offense had trouble staying on the field, which ultimately played a major role in the loss and the group failing to put points on the board.

The wide receiver did not specify who exactly is the issue when it comes to third downs, but there is a consistent miscommunication that is happening somewhere on the field. This is something the coaching staff must identify throughout the week and get cleaned up before the team's next game on Sunday. Pittsburgh has to be able to keep drives alive, as it gives the offense more opportunities to score points and it keeps the defense well-rested.

Metcalf has had a frustrating couple of weeks in Pittsburgh. His production has been nowhere near what is expected of him, but he also hasn't seen many opportunities. Over the last two weeks, he has just five receptions on 11 targets for a total of 41 yards, and those numbers simply have to go up in the near future. He is the biggest weapon the Steelers have in the passing game, and he has to be utilized.

Steelers Need To See Other Wide Receivers Step Up

Metcalf is facing a ton of defensive attention, which plays a major role in his limited production over the last two weeks. The coaching staff can do a better job putting him in position to succeed on the field by moving him around formations and scheming him open, but the other targets for Pittsburgh also need to step up. Guys just are not getting open for the Steelers, which makes life harder on everyone involved, especially quarterback Aaron Rodgers. 

If other wide receivers can get open and present a threat to the defense, things will open up for Metcalf and the rest of the offense. This would hopefully make life easier for the group when third downs present themselves.

What do you think about the comments from Metcalf? Let us know in the comments below!

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