Jul 24, 2025; Latrobe, PA, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver DK Metcalf (4) participates in drills during training camp at Saint Vincent College. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-Imagn Images Charles LeClaire-Imagn Images

DK Metcalf Sends Blunt Message to Steelers Critics

Originally posted on Pittsburgh Steelers on SI
By Noah Strackbein | Last updated Sep 28, 2025 7:00 AM ET

DUBLIN, IRELAND -- The Pittsburgh Steelers are looking to expand their offense, finding the same groove they found in Week 1 when they scored 34 points to beat the New York Jets. But they aren’t listening to the critics as they try to regain their momentum.

To start the season, the Steelers came out explosive. Their passing attack was unstoppable, and DK Metcalf and Calvin Austin III looked like the starting wide receivers Aaron Rodgers needed to make this group click.

Things have since fell off in drastic fashion. Pittsburgh has failed to pass for over 200 yards in the two games and the offense as a whole has virtually disappeared.

Even after scoring 14 unanswered points against the New England Patriots to start Week 3, the group finished with a 21-14 win on a last-quarter touchdown to Austin that sealed a victory.

The critics have grown widely since the falloff of the offense, but their stars aren’t listening.

Metcalf, who spoke to the media during a press conference after arriving in Dublin, Ireland, shut down any notion that he, or the team, cared about the outside noise.

“That’s just for the outside people, the outside noise. I don’t really pay attention to the media. Opinions are like a**holes, everyone’s got one,” Metcalf said, bluntly.

Brian Fluharty-Imagn Images

Rodgers feels the group will click as well.

"Yeah. I mean, we only threw the ball 23 times, 24. I ran the ball one time," Rodgers said when asked about more opportunities helping the group fix the issues. "We had no sacks, but did havesome throwaways, and we just didn't have enough guys open, I think, at times. So, we’ve just got to get open. We’vegot to make the plays that are there. We got to convert on third down to keep us on the field."

The former Seattle Seahawks star was traded for by the Steelers in exchange for a second-round pick this offseason. He also signed a record-setting five-year deal worth $150 million.

Metcalf is all business as he and the Steelers offense look to find their groove again. Even in Dublin as the team takes on the Minnesota Vikings, he wasn’t joining others in exploring the country during his time off.

“I’m not here to explore. I’m here for the football game,” Metcalf said. “It’ll be interesting to see it on the flight out and when we go in the bus to the game, but I’m here to play a football game.”

With a strict approach and a mindset to figure it out, Metcalf is determined to prove himself right. Not caring what those on the outside think.

This article first appeared on Pittsburgh Steelers on SI and was syndicated with permission.

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