The Pittsburgh Steelers are on top of the world after defeating the Detroit Lions 29-24 to take control of their own destiny along with the AFC North with only two weeks left to play in the regular season. The Steelers played the most explosive game on offense that they’ve had in quite some time, as they showed that they have the talent on offense to put up dominating performances, putting themselves in prime position to host a playoff game for the first time since 2020. Even with how great the Steelers looked on offense however, there was one major takeaway from the game that had nothing to do with the play on the field.
Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers
Steelers wide receiver DK Metcalf (4) during a regular season matchup between the Pittsburgh Steelers and Detroit Lions.
During the second quarter of the game against the Lions, Steelers wide receiver DK Metcalf got into an altercation with a fan on the sidelines. After the game was over, Metcalf was suspended later in the week by the NFL for the rest of the regular season, and recently lost his appeal to have the suspension reduced. The talk of the league through the week has been Metcalf’s motives for the altercation with the fan, along with the media and other players bringing up potential changes the NFL should make to fan conduct during games.
Metcalf’s actions have drawn attention from across the league, including from former NFL Pro Bowl linebacker LaVar Arrington. On the latest episode of the 2 Pros And A Cup Of Joe podcast, Arrington tore into Metcalf for his behavior off the field, criticizing his actions as detrimental to the Steelers as a team, along with detrimental to himself.
“DK Metcalf, you need to have more control over your emotions,” Arrington began. “Stay focused in on the game. You are a major piece to the Steelers’ offense. Grow up. Somebody else is going to get him. If it’s not that person, it’s going to be somebody else that gets him.”
Arrington would continue from there, sending a message to Metcalf and the rest of the league’s players on how to handle these situations.
“He’s going to do this in a moment in time where it’s going to cost him, and it’s going to cost others, possibly,” Arrington said. “He did it during the game. The bottom line is, don’t walk over there. Don’t walk over there to begin with. Handle yourself. This isn’t about everybody else. He needs to tighten up. That’s a lack of self control and a lack of accountability. It’s a selfish issue.”
Arrington’s words are incredibly accurate, in terms of how it could cost the Steelers as a team. In this game alone, Metcalf went for 42 yards on four catches, with his performance trending upward in the past few weeks. Should the Steelers be in a position where the AFC North comes down to a Week 18 matchup against the Baltimore Ravens at home, Metcalf will not be able to play in the pivotal matchup, putting the Steelers down their top receiver in a matchup that could, hypothetically, be for a ticket to the playoffs.
Jared Wickerham / Pittsburgh Steelers
Steelers wide receiver DK Metcalf (4), tight end Jonnu Smith (81), and offensive tackle Troy Fautanu (76) during a regular season matchup between the Pittsburgh Steelers and Detroit Lions.
Metcalf’s actions could have potentially compromised the Steelers, and Arrington knows it. Metcalf’s behavior in situations like this are the reason why the Steelers will need to consider their options regarding their usage of Metcalf going forward into future seasons. Not only did it cost Metcalf the guaranteed contract money, but his outburst could have potentially impacted his future with the Steelers.
Steelers Have A Lot To Consider Moving Forward At Wide Receiver
The Steelers have plenty of options at wide receiver that have seen much less playing time after the team signed veterans to the roster. With Metcalf’s suspension, these receivers will get more opportunities to shine in real game scenarios. Should any of them have a stellar performance throughout the final two weeks of the regular season, Metcalf’s position on the roster could be in jeopardy moving forward.
Jared Wickerham / Pittsburgh Steelers
Steelers wide receiver Scotty Miller (13) during a regular season matchup between the Pittsburgh Steelers and Detroit Lions.
What did you think about Arrington’s comments about Metcalf’s character? Let us know in the comments below.