There have been a lot of questions about the players in the Pittsburgh Steelers’ wide receiver room behind DK Metcalf, but Metcalf thinks there’s a lot of talent behind him. Speaking on Training Camp Live, Metcalf said he believes the receiver room has a chance to be “special.”
“Calvin Austin, Roman Wilson, Scotty Miller, we got dogs everywhere around the room. A lot of people don’t give ’em the respect they deserve,” Metcalf said. “Just speaking on the receiver room, we have our own identity, and I think that’s what going to make us special. Because the outside noise doesn’t carry any weight in this organization or in our room.”
While the Steelers traded George Pickens away this offseason, Metcalf brings a veteran presence with a proven track record of success. Behind him, the Steelers have Robert Woods, who’s had a strong career, but he’s nearing the end of that career and has lost a step. Calvin Austin III had a breakout season last year after hauling in 36 catches for 548 yards and four touchdowns, and with QB Aaron Rodgers in Pittsburgh, he could improve upon those numbers this season.
Obviously, the group isn’t paying attention to the outside chatter, and there’s a real chance that they outperform the national media expectations this season. Roman Wilson only played five snaps in his rookie season and is an unknown, but the team has high expectations for how he can perform. Metcalf should have a strong season as he usually does, and Rodgers can elevate the room as a whole with his experience under center.
In addition to the receivers, the Steelers have Pat Freiermuth and Jonnu Smith at tight end, and the pass catchers as a whole will be key to Pittsburgh’s offensive success. With Pittsburgh having Super Bowl aspirations, the pass catchers must have a strong season. They’re confident that they can play better than they’re getting credit for.
Rodgers has already gotten praise for his ball placement, and if he can elevate the ceiling of the guys around him, the Steelers could finally have some offensive success. The offense has been underwhelming during the past few seasons, and that could change this year. Metcalf, as the leader of the receiver room, believes it will. But the results on the field will wind up being the ultimate barometer.
