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Steelers Back DK Metcalf as His Career-Worst Drop Rate Raises Real Concern
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- Steelers Back DK Metcalf as His Career-Worst Drop Rate Raises Real Concern
Though the Pittsburgh Steelers offense has excelled in the run game, the passing attack has struggled the past three weeks . Part of that stems from personnel issues and questionable play-calling. However, a growing issue is becoming harder to ignore the deeper the Steelers get into the season. At the center of it is their $33 million-a-year wide receiver, DK Metcalf . Metcalf has shown Pittsburgh that he can make monster plays. When he gets going, very few cornerbacks can slow him down.
The issue this season is his consistency. From drops to miscommunications and everything in between, Metcalf's play has been concerning. The Steelers aren't worried about it yet, though. Offensive coordinator Brian Angelichio reinforced the team's confidence in Metcalf .
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"Yeah, I mean, we believe in DK. DK's been a really good player in this league. He's been a productive player. So, we have tremendous confidence in him and we're just gonna keep practicing and keep believing in DK. And we know that he'll be the player we want him to be," Angelichio told reporters Monday.
What Is Going On With Metcalf?
Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver DK Metcalf (4) stiff arms Indianapolis Colts cornerback Sauce Gardner (1) Barry Reeger-Imagn Images
In 2025, Metcalf had six drops and a 9% drop rate, the third-highest of his career. Through eight games this season, he has already matched that total and has a career-high 15.4% drop rate . Needless to say, it has been a very disappointing start to the season for Metcalf.
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Ultimately, it comes down to the individual not executing the basics. His drop Sunday was especially egregious. Had he held onto the ball, it would have been a big gain that could have led to points. Instead, the ball bounced off his hands and into the arms of Cleveland Browns cornerback Denzel Ward for an interception . Metcalf may have been trying to make an even bigger play before securing the catch. The pass wasn't a great one, but it was more than catchable.
Nov 1, 2026; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA; Cleveland Browns cornerback Denzel Ward (right) intercepts a pass intended for Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver DK Metcalf (4) during the third quarter at Acrisure Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-Imagn Images
Not everything has been on Metcalf, though. On screen passes, his supporting cast hasn't done a good job of blocking for him. Quarterback Aaron Rodgers has also frequently checked out of run plays to throw fades to Metcalf, even though the fade isn't his strength. At times, it feels like the Steelers are trying to fit a square peg into a round hole.
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That doesn't excuse the drops. Metcalf has to clean those up quickly. During the bye week, though, the Steelers need to find ways to tap into his biggest strength: creating big plays after the catch. They have less than two weeks before their next divisional showdown against a Cincinnati Bengals secondary that keeps giving up big plays.
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This story was originally published by Athlon on Nov 4, 2026, where it first appeared in the NFL section. Add Athlon as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
