Steelers' DK Metcalf Earns Unusual Praise From Trai Essex For Blocking Through A Slow Start

The Pittsburgh Steelers paid for a receiver who could change games with his hands, but some of his most revealing work lately has happened without the football anywhere near him. Six games into a season that has tested the offense's patience, his receiving totals haven't consistently reflected the investment. Still, one former Pittsburgh lineman sees a veteran doing the kind of work that can hold a young position group together. A play in Tampa Bay made his argument particularly difficult to dismiss.

Former Steelers offensive lineman Trai Essex believes DK Metcalf deserves more credit for his contributions beyond catching passes. During a recent discussion, Essex praised Metcalf's blocking, consistent effort and willingness to encourage rookie Germie Bernard despite the frustrations surrounding Pittsburgh's passing attack.

“I love the way DK is working right now, man, because his numbers haven’t been, I’m sure, where he wants them to be. But what he’s been doing blocking-wise, the effort that he has shown on a play-in, play-out basis, the encouragement he gives his other teammates, the rookie, to be the one blocking and leading Germie Bernard into the end zone for the game-winning touchdown — that goes a long way,” Essex said.

For a former offensive lineman, the appeal is obvious. Essex spent seven seasons with Pittsburgh, where the most valuable block often became somebody else's highlight. He knows how much a receiver who takes blocking seriously can change the outcome of a play without receiving any statistical credit. Metcalf's contribution to Sunday's 26-19 overtime victory against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers provided an excellent example.

The winning sequence featured Aaron Rodgers delivering a six-yard pass to Bernard after choosing the throw on a run-pass option. Metcalf secured the block ahead of the rookie, giving him enough room to finish the play. Bernard explained afterward that he recognized his opportunity once he saw his teammate blocking in front of him. The rookie got his first NFL touchdown, and Metcalf helped clear the path without adding anything to his own receiving totals.

There is a certain irony in that moment becoming evidence of Metcalf's growth. He finally had a productive receiving afternoon of his own, finishing with 93 yards as Pittsburgh erased a 16-3 fourth-quarter deficit. Before Sunday, he had recorded 19 receptions for 225 yards and one touchdown through five games. Those were modest numbers for an established star expected to carry a significant portion of the offense.

The late surge cannot erase the struggles preceding it. Metcalf collected most of his production against Tampa Bay in the fourth quarter and overtime, when Pittsburgh's passing attack finally found some rhythm. The challenge of involving him earlier remains something Rodgers and Mike McCarthy need to address.

Essex is judging something that cannot be fixed with a better play call: how Metcalf responds when the ball goes elsewhere. Running a route when you're the primary target is one thing. Staying engaged when your assignment involves clearing space for a younger teammate requires another level of consistency, particularly for somebody accustomed to being the featured attraction.

“Even though I know there’s some frustration building in with the lack of numbers that he’s been putting up this year, you have not seen that… All season he’s been blocking great… DK is doing his job. May not necessarily be showing up in the numbers in production in the receiving game, but that is the impact of the game that the team is appreciating,” Essex said.

There is some history behind that observation. Earlier in his career with the Seattle Seahawks, Metcalf drew criticism for emotional outbursts and penalties, including a 2021 ejection. He has acknowledged needing to mature as a leader. Those moments do not define everything he has done since, but they explain why Essex finds his current approach encouraging.

The Steelers are also asking Metcalf to help lead an increasingly inexperienced receiver group. Injuries to Michael Pittman Jr. and Roman Wilson have accelerated Bernard's responsibilities, and the rookie responded with 11 catches for 87 yards against Tampa Bay. Having an established veteran willing to celebrate those opportunities and block for him can help establish expectations that extend beyond individual statistics.

Metcalf doesn't need to give a speech every time Bernard makes a play. Finishing his assignment, helping the rookie score and celebrating the result can send the message just fine. For someone with his reputation and receiving résumé, that willingness to handle the unglamorous assignments says plenty.

Steelers Still Need Metcalf's Receiving Production To Improve

My view is that Essex has identified encouraging growth, but Pittsburgh should not turn that praise into a convenient excuse for an underwhelming passing attack. Metcalf was acquired to stretch defenses, win matchups and produce receiving yards. His blocking deserves recognition. It cannot become the best weekly argument for the organization's investment.

The encouraging part is that both responsibilities can complement each other. A receiver who blocks aggressively makes run looks and quick passes more convincing, potentially creating additional opportunities downfield. His developing relationship with Bernard also gives Rodgers another dependable combination while the position group works through its injuries.

Metcalf still needs more afternoons where the football finds him early and often. Until then, Essex sees the kind of veteran effort that prevents disappointing statistics from turning into disappointing leadership.

Bernard got the touchdown and the celebration Sunday. Metcalf helped make both possible, and his former teammate believes Pittsburgh should appreciate what that says about him.

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