Week 16 was a bad time for Pittsburgh Steelers fans to be reminded of their team's wide receiver dilemma. After silencing critics with strong performances in back-to-back weeks, DK Metcalf plummeted back down to earth in the worst way possible.
In a must-have game against the Detroit Lions in Week 16, the veteran receiver had one of the worst first-half performances of his career... and not just because of what he did (or failed to do) on the football field.
In the first two quarters, Metcalf hauled in just one reception for five yards despite leading the team with six targets at the half, per ESPN stats. This dismal mark of 1.2 yards per target proved it wasn't even worth looking in his direction.
Metcalf also had an ugly drop on a deep post over the middle of the field for what would have been a big gain. Then, he followed up his terrible first half with an offensive pass interference call when he shoved a Lions defender at the top of his route.
But his ugly performance wasn't the most egregious thing we witnessed from Metcalf in Week 16.
The CBS broadcast cut to Metcalf having an altercation on the sideline with a Lions fan, when it appeared that Metcalf attempted to punch the fan. This was a disgraceful look for the veteran receiver (and one that could very well result in a suspension next week).
Pittsburgh Steelers should be embarrassed of DK Metcalf in Week 16
A bad game is more excusable than throwing a jab at a fan. This is always uncalled for, in every situation. And Metcalf's antics in Week 16 make what George Pickens did in Pittsburgh not look so bad.
To add insult to injury, Pickens—who the Steelers traded to the Dallas Cowboys in May—had a monstrous Week 16 showing against the LA Chargers, which included seven receptions on nine targets for 130 yards and a touchdown. Now Steelers fans have more reason than ever to feel trade remorse.
This isn't the first time Metcalf has thrown a punch, but stooping to taking swings at unknowing fans is a new low for him. The Pittsburgh Steelers better get ahold of their No. 1 receiver before things spiral any further. This is a game Metcalf would love to forget.