Scoring touchdowns hasn't been easy for Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver DK Metcalf in recent years.
After tallying double-digit touchdowns in 2020 and 2021, Metcalf hasn't posted more than eight in the three years since and is coming off a season in which he tallied just five in 15 games.
Looking ahead to 2025, The Athletic's Mike DeFabo predicts Metcalf will break his three-year drought with less than double-digit touchdowns by scoring 10 or more in his first season with the Steelers and quarterback Aaron Rodgers.
Each Steelers practice begins with a drill called Seven Shots — a series of seven snaps from the 2-yard line. Throughout training camp, quarterback Aaron Rodgers continuously targeted Metcalf in this period. Rodgers still has the lightning-quick release to throw the ball into tight windows, especially near the goal line. Metcalf’s 6-foot-4, 230-pound frame and physical playing style has helped him beat defensive backs on slants, outs and other quick hitters. The fact that the Steelers don’t have a clear-cut No. 2 receiver also helps Metcalf’s cause. Without a lot of depth at the position, Metcalf should see a significant target share — and maybe even a career best — in this new-look Steelers offense. — Mike DeFabo
This is a bet we would take. After all, Metcalf is far and away the Steelers' best receiver and there isn't much certainty behind him.
Calvin Austin and Roman Wilson figure to be the No. 2 and 3 receivers (order them however you want), but neither one is guaranteed to step up the way Pittsburgh desperately needs them to. Not to mention, both players aren't ideal goal-line targets because of their small frames.
Metcalf is going to get peppered with targets, and that's especially true near the end zone, where he's a fantastic option thanks to his powerful 6-foot-4 frame.
The biggest roadblock to Metcalf being an elite red-zone target is the three massive tight ends Pittsburgh has in Pat Freiermuth, Jonnu Smith and Darnell Washington, all of whom will be utilized near the goal line.
But with Metcalf's ability to score from anywhere on the football field, there's a very good chance he and Rodgers connect for 10 or more scores in 2025.
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