With Steelers wide receiver DK Metcalf set to return from his two-game suspension in Monday night’s wild game, Houston Texans coach DeMeco Ryans is keenly aware of what the big-play wide receiver’s presence means for Pittsburgh.
“Metcalf gives them a full offense,” Ryans said via the team’s official transcript. “He sets up as an outside receiver. He does a great job of playing physical. That’s the one thing that stands out to me about him is he’s a physical receiver whether he’s running the ball, slanting, whatever. He plays physical. So, we’ve got to challenge him. We’ve got to meet the challenge there, we’ve got to play physical against him and he’s going to be a great challenge as well. I know they’re excited to get him again because he is such a big part of their offense [Rodgers] will definitely look into going to him for a ton. We have our hands full when it comes to challenging him and trying to play when the ball is up.”
Despite missing the final two games of the season due to a suspension, Metcalf leads Pittsburgh with 850 receiving yards and six touchdowns – the only Pittsburgh player with 500-plus receiving yards. The difference to the Steelers’ passing offense when Metcalf is on the field is obvious.
According to Next Gen Stats, with Metcalf on the field, Aaron Rodgers is averaging a 67.2 completion percentage, 7.1 yards per attempt, a 23-7 touchdown-to-interception ratio and a 99.9 passer rating. When Metcalf is not on the field, those numbers drop to 60.5%, 5.4 YPA, 1-0 and a 77.8 passer rating.