Even though they don’t have a quarterback yet, the Pittsburgh Steelers improved their offense. They made a huge splash by trading for wide receiver DK Metcalf. Metcalf is a two-time Pro Bowler and one-time second-team All-Pro. He’s an insane physical specimen and should give the Steelers’ offense more juice. Former NFL offensive lineman Kyle Long believes he and George Pickens can be a dynamic duo.
If the Steelers find the right quarterback.
“My question is, who’s going to be throwing these guys the football?” Long asked recently on his Pushing the Pile podcast. “Who’s going to be leading this wagon week in, week out?
“Because if you do have the right voice in the leadership position, in the huddle, I can see a world where DK Metcalf and George Pickens are Batman and Robin, or two more equal characters. But they’re superhuman in talent and it’s going to be so much fun to watch the Steelers play offense again.”
Long is correct that Pickens and Metcalf are both supremely talented. Both are big-bodied wide receivers, standing well over six-feet tall and weighing over 200 pounds. They’re both incredible athletes, too. They could form one of the best receiver duos in the league.
While they have similar skill sets, Pickens and Metcalf still have some differences. Both are likely at their best when used as deep threats. However, Pickens’ game is based more on making contested catches. Metcalf is more likely to just outrun anyone in front of him, being bigger, faster, and stronger than most other receivers. They both have the potential to spark an offense at any time.
It’s not like they don’t have other skills, either. Pickens can be lethal with the ball in his hands, making people miss. Metcalf’s speed makes him a home-run threat as well. Defending against the two of them sounds like a nightmare.
Long is correct that the Steelers need the right quarterback to get the most out of Pickens and Metcalf. They both have some attitude issues. The Steelers would likely be at their best with a level-headed veteran with good leadership skills under center.
At this point, that’s asking for a lot. However, the Steelers probably need their quarterback to be able to manage big personalities at receiver. Otherwise, they might end up dealing with even more drama.
