Steelers 4 Downs: Despite lack of gaudy numbers, DK Metcalf commanding respect from defenses

1. Cushion-ing the blow

It can be argued whether or not DK Metcalf has or has not provided elite wide receiver production commensurate with his $150 million contract through half a season with the Pittsburgh Steelers. But don’t confuse that discussion with one about a lack of Metcalf commanding respect from opposing defenses.

According to NFL Next Gen Stats, no NFL wide receiver on average is given less of a “cushion” in coverage than Metcalf. Defined as, “The distance (in yards) measured between a WR/TE and the defender they’re lined up against at the time of snap on all targets,” Metcalf’s 4.4-yard cushion is the smallest of any of the 84 NFL wide receivers who have been targeted by at least 25 throws in 2025.

The only player with at least that many targets (regardless of position) with a smaller average cushion is Cincinnati Bengals tight end Noah Fant (4.3 yards). Only two other NFL wide receivers are within even a half yard of Metcalf. The only other qualifying Steelers’ wide receiver, Calvin Austin III, gets an average coverage cushion of 5.5 yards.

Despite having only 29 catches (59^th in the NFL), Metcalf ranks eighth in yards per reception (16.1) and is tied for 10^th with five receiving touchdowns. His 9.5 yards of average yards-after-catch is most among wide receivers.

2. Takeaway kings

The Steelers defense’s six-takeaway performance during last week’s win against the Indianapolis Colts illuminated their strength in recent years at creating turnovers.

The Colts lost three fumbles and threw three interceptions in the game, the sort of “equal opportunity” takeaway effort the Steelers have been known for — particularly since Teryl Austin became defensive coordinator in 2022.

In the 3½ seasons since, they lead the NFL in overall forced turnovers (99), interceptions made (61) and in defensive fumbles forced (55, tied; note that not all fumbles are recovered by the defense).

In 31 of the 59 games the Steelers have played since Austin took over as defensive coordinator, the Steelers have forced multiple turnovers. That’s the most over that timespan in the NFL.

3. Route ‘12’ North

There must be something about the AFC North when it comes to the deployment of multiple tight ends.

According to data from Sumer Sports, only three NFL teams so far this season use “12 personnel” (defined as one running back and two tight ends on the field for offensive snaps) more than “11 personnel” (one running back, one tight end).

Those teams are the Cleveland Browns, Baltimore Ravens and, yes, Steelers.

While “11” has become the “standard,” ubiquitous offense in the modern NFL, the increased deployment of tight ends is the trend in 2025. Still, for 28 of the 32 teams, a formation with only one tight end is their most-used grouping.

The Steelers have the NFL’s lowest rate of “11” use at 33.48%. They go “12” for 34.61% of their offensive plays.

4. Fast sacks

That T.J. Watt and Alex Highsmith each had “strip sacks” of the Colts’ Daniel Jones last week shouldn’t be that surprising. Highsmith (2.45 seconds after the snap) and Watt (2.71 seconds) had the fastest two sacks from across the NFL in Week 9, according to Next Gen Stats. The sacks were the quickest two by any Steelers player this season.

Pro Football Focus notes that each of the four Steelers’ outside linebackers who played against the Colts had at least two pressures of Jones — four from Highsmith and two apiece by Watt, Nick Herbig and Jack Sawyer.