Steelers' DK Metcalf Understands The Frustration From Angry Fans Despite His Hate For The "Fire [Mike] Tomlin" Chants

Nothing shows that things are going bad for the Pittsburgh Steelers like the players having to answer questions about the fans demanding their leader gets fired. One of the philosophies of the team is to "shut out the noise," but that's a booming, boisterous sound that can't be ignored. Head Coach Mike Tomlin definitely has his flaws, and there is a good argument to be made about how a fresh start could be beneficial for both parties. At the very least, something needs to change to break this long streak of mediocre seasons. 

Wide receiver DK Metcalf was one of the many players that had to take questions on the recent "Fire Tomlin" chants. He explained his thoughts on the whole situation.

"The fans have a right to be mad, but I'm not calling for anybody's job," Metcalf said. "That’s a man I hold in high regard with Coach [Mike Tomlin] in how he carries himself and how he takes a lot of criticism. He comes in here and he’s still a great leader. I understand the frustration, but calling for someone’s job is something I’m not up for. We'll be better because they're used to winning; they're used to putting Lombardi [Trophies] in a trophy case."

Metcalf is not the first player to defend Tomlin and call out the fan base for wanting him fired, so it's safe to say that Tomlin has not lost the locker room and likely will not no matter what happens (despite other players showing their frustrations with him). The receiver is not the only one that still holds the head coach in a very high regard, and that will likely always be the case. 

Steeler Nation is definitely used to winning, but they have recently gotten used to mediocrity and drafting between pick 18 and 22 on a regular basis. The fans are sick and tired of getting annihilated in the playoffs, if they even make it there in the first place. So much has changed around the team since 2017, but there have been two constants since then: Tomlin coaching the team and not winning a playoff game.

Metcalf did have a less upset reaction than Jack Sawyer, who went off on the fans, but he still doesn't want to hear it. However, there is also the understanding that continuing to play as poorly as they have in recent weeks will only make these angry fans louder with their demands. There is no way to tune it out. The only way to stop it is to win and play very well while doing so.

Steelers May Have More Motivation Thanks To Fans

It's very clear that the players don't want to hear people chanting "Fire Mike Tomlin." That might be what it takes for everyone to get out of this little rut that they're in. If the Steelers want the fans to go back to cheering, they will do everything they can to make sure it happens. That "poor practice week" shouldn't happen again, regardless of whether it's outside in the cold or not.

This upcoming game against the Baltimore Ravens in Week 14 could possibly dictate how the rest of the season is played out. They are tied for the AFC North lead. A win will catapult either team into the 4 seed with only a small chance to miss the playoffs, while the loser will have almost no chance of playing in January. If there's any time for the players to step up, it's now. Maybe the chants came at the perfect time to setup a playoff push.

What do you think about Metcalf's response to the fans? Let us know in the comments or on X at @Steelers_ChrisB.

#SteelerNation