DK Metcalf Gets Strong Backing From Michael Pittman Jr. After Steelers’ Week 1 Win

September 14, 2026 · Yahoo Sports

The Pittsburgh Steelers opened their campaign in the 2026 season with a win, the 20-13 victory over the Atlanta Falcons left some issues. Offensively, the Steelers were inconsistent, the run game did not produce much, and there were some missed opportunities via the passing attack. However, winning the first game under the head coaching reign of Mike McCarthy could have been considered as a good start.

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The one who drew attention with his performance is DK Metcalf, who hauled in four receptions out of ten for 40 receiving yards. Michael Pittman Jr., however, believes Metcalf showed the right response when the game got difficult.

Michael Pittman Jr. Defends DK Metcalf After Steelers’ Week 1 Struggles

Dec 15, 2025; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver DK Metcalf (4) scores a touchdown in the third quarter against the Miami Dolphins at Acrisure Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-Imagn Images

Pittman spoke about Metcalf’s performance on September 14. The Steelers receiver acknowledged that Pittsburgh’s pass catchers had opportunities, including plays involving defensive pass interference; however, he refused to use those moments as an excuse.

“I feel like everybody made plays, whether it was PIs, or a couple missed PI calls. But we can’t blame anything on that, we’ve got to go out there and make plays. I thought that he did a great job of battling back. He came back and made that huge first-down conversion.”

Pittman Jr praises DK Metcalf even after his performance against the Falcons: “I feel like everybody made plays, whether it was PIs, or a couple missed PI calls. But we can’t blame anything on that, we’ve got to go out there and make plays. I thought that he did a great job of…
— Blitzburgh (@Blitz_Burgh) September 14, 2026

Metcalf’s numbers were not what the Steelers expected from a receiver with a $132 million contract. He dropped multiple passes and missed chances that could have changed the game, including a deep opportunity in the end zone. Even so, his 10 targets showed that Aaron Rodgers continued to look his way.

In the postgame interview, Rodgers supported Metcalf, stating his love for the receiver and his intentions to keep throwing to him. The QB also referred to several situations when the Steelers seemed to be on the verge of having some explosive plays, namely incomplete passes or no-play plays involving Metcalf.

Unlike previous years, the passing game of the Steelers was more aggressive. Rodgers completed 24 of 40 attempts for 221 yards and a touchdown, whereas the Steelers often challenged the Falcons defensive backs with their deep throws. Even though the result could have been better, the aggressiveness opened good chances for Metcalf and other receivers to score points.

Pittman also had a solid role in the opener, yet he made a mistake late in the game when he tried to reach the ball toward the sideline. Roman Wilson added three catches for 26 yards, while Pat Freiermuth scored Pittsburgh’s only offensive touchdown.

The Steelers will need cleaner execution in Week 2, especially with the running game and dropped passes. Metcalf’s first outing was far from perfect, however, Pittman’s comments suggest the team still trusts him to respond rather than dwell on the missed chances.

DK Metcalf Gets Strong Backing From Michael Pittman Jr. After Steelers’ Week 1 Win

Michael Pittman Jr. Defends DK Metcalf After Steelers’ Week 1 Struggles

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