The Pittsburgh Steelers got a crucial win against the Lions this week, inching closer to locking up the AFC North. With the Ravens dropping their Sunday night game to the Patriots, Pittsburgh now just needs to win one game or the Ravens need to lose one game for the team to clinch a playoff berth.
While that is the biggest storyline coming out of the game, it is followed closely behind by the D.K. Metcalf debacle. In case you missed it, he shared some words with a Lions fan before trying to throw a punch at said fan.
No matter what was said or shared, a player trying to assault a fan is never ok.
Now that we know Metcalf will be suspended for the final two regular-season games, you can’t help but roll your eyes at the whole situation. The goal was to get less of a diva in the receiver room, and Metcalf was supposed to be that.
Now, with George Pickens still playing at an elite level, one can’t help but admit it: the Steelers may have made a mistake in trading for Metcalf.
Pittsburgh Steelers have a major issue to address with D.K. Metcalf
Regardless of what the situation was that led to his altercation, Metcalf having such a childish day messes up what had been a solid first season.
No, his stats aren’t gaudy, but he has been a perfect top receiver for an Arthur Smith offense. He can break out at any time while taking attention away from everyone else. He did the dirty work as well as the receiver work. From blocking to special teams’ snaps, he was happy to do it all without ever complaining.
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This was the antithesis of George Pickens, who played hot and cold while also giving limited effort on blocks. And when he wasn’t getting the ball, he was a complete mess on the sideline.
However, he never took a swing at a fan.
Pittsburgh traded Pickens for a third-round pick, and he has gone on to play like a top receiver with the Cowboys. He is in line for a massive payday next year and has clearly outperformed Metcalf on the field.
However, I still thought the Steelers got the better end of the bargain. Metcalf wasn’t causing trouble for the offense and was still producing. That is no longer true.
Seeing Metcalf throw a punch at a fan was a disappointing and jarring event on Sunday. It taints what has otherwise been a spectacular season for the veteran. Hopefully, this is a one-off event and not a sign of things to come.
That said, this puts the final nail in the coffin. The Steelers lost their swap at receiver in the offseason. His antics on Sunday were that ugly.