Before Sunday’s game against the Minnesota Vikings in Ireland, Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver DK Metcalf made it clear he had no time for sightseeing.
“I’m not here to explore. I’m here for the football game,” Metcalf said before the matchup, via Noah Strackbein of Pittsburgh Steelers on SI. “It’ll be interesting to see it on the flight out and when we go in the bus to the game, but I’m here to play a football game.”
Metcalf clearly wasn’t just talking a big game. He took care of business in Sunday’s 24-21 victory over the Vikings at Croke Park in Dublin.
DK Metcalf shredded Minnesota Vikings secondary
Quarterback Aaron Rodgers and Metcalf powered the Steelers offense on Sunday. Early in the second quarter, the QB found the WR on an 80-yard touchdown, giving Pittsburgh a 14-3 lead. According to Next Gen Stats, he hit a top speed of 21.17 mph on the TD.
The explosive play was one of many in a big first half for Metcalf. At halftime, he had four receptions for 122 yards and one TD catch. He would finish the game with five receptions for a season-high 126 yards and one TD catch.
Metcalf’s performance will alleviate some concerns about the Steelers’ passing attack. Entering Sunday’s game, Pittsburgh ranked 24th in the NFL in passing yards (184 YPG). Minnesota, meanwhile, was third in passing yards allowed (141.3).
Earlier this week, Rodgers admitted the aerial attack was underperforming. However, he added it would start clicking when he got the ball in the hands of Metcalf and other playmakers.
“I can play better for sure,” Rodgers said, per Will Graves of the Associated Press. “You know, it’s just about sometimes you just have to take what the defense gives you and be comfortable with that. Some of our best plays are just getting the ball into our playmakers’ hands and letting them go. So, I just needed to be disciplined like I usually am and get the ball to the guys.”
Rodgers should continue to find ways to target Metcalf. The Steelers offense is more explosive when he’s involved. Just look at how dynamic it was in the first half of Sunday’s game.
