Trai Essex Says Steelers’ ‘Positively’ Aren’t Utilizing DK Metcalf Like They’re Supposed To

DK Metcalf was introduced in to be the Pittsburgh Steelers’ clear No. 1 wideout, a $33 million-per-year funding meant to raise a pedestrian passing assault. However via two video games, the returns haven’t matched the value—thanks partly to his personal drops and partly to the puzzling means the Steelers have used him.

Former Steelers OL Trai Essex is extra involved with the way in which the crew has used him over the primary three weeks of the season.

“We’re not using the velocity that we’ve got. We’re undoubtedly not utilizing DK like we presupposed to,” Essex stated on X Areas after the Steelers’ 21-14 win over the Patriots. “We’re utilizing him for screens after which simply deep balls? And he’s a lot greater than that.”

Russell Wilson’s offense turned too predictable final season as a result of he was solely able to checkdowns or moon balls. One way or the other the Aaron Rodgers model of this offense is worse. The Steelers nonetheless do loads of screens and checkdowns at or close to the road of scrimmage, however they aren’t trying or touchdown many deep balls. And the slants and intermediate sport that appeared alive and properly all through coaching camp is nowhere to be seen on Sundays.

Metcalf has 10 receptions for 135 yards and two touchdowns via three video games, and the overwhelming majority of these yards have come after the catch on quick display screen passes close to the road of scrimmage. To his credit score, he’s made huge performs within the crimson zone in back-to-back weeks, however his manufacturing resembles one nice sport from a prime WR, not three.

Right here’s Metcalf’s spectacular landing catch immediately, full with a 50-50 catch and a toe drag.

Over 17 video games, Metcalf is on tempo for 56.7 receptions, 765 yards, and 11.3 TDs. It’s nice that he’s been a weapon within the crimson zone, and he’s actually managed to create yards on his personal after the catch, however not a lot else is working.

It’s not as if Calvin Austin III or the tight ends are feasting whereas Metcalf is double coated, both. The passing-game woes lengthen to the entire offense.

“Clearly Calvin additionally is aware of methods to get open,” Essex stated. “In order a complete, this offense simply appears to be like disjointed. It appears to be like like we’re all the time looking for one play to interrupt open versus discovering an identification.”

The Week 1 win over the New York Jets was schemed up properly by Arthur Smith, however it hasn’t appeared fairly since then. Aaron Rodgers took a few of the blame immediately after the Steelers improved to 2-1 and stated he should play higher.

In some unspecified time in the future they should open up the offense to make the most of intermediate routes and the center of the sector extra. They didn’t commerce a second-round choose and pay Metcalf $33 million per season to be a facet character on this offense.