Steelers' DK Metcalf credits this for not getting down amid struggles

Wide receiver DK Metcalf became somewhat of a target for NFL analysts and Pittsburgh Steelers fans after he produced rather lackluster numbers over the first two weeks of the season. 

While speaking with reporters on Thursday, Metcalf credited his fellow Pittsburgh players for ensuring he doesn't get too down on himself after a pair of poor outings. 

DK Metcalf grateful teammates have had his back

"My teammates have been doing a great job of keeping my head up and making sure I don't get too low on myself," Metcalf said, per Teresa Varley of the Steelers' website. 

Some have said that Metcalf was "pressing" while he caught eight of 19 passes thrown his way for 67 yards and zero touchdowns over Pittsburgh's first two games. He was unofficially credited with four drops in the Steelers' 20-3 loss to the New England Patriots back on Sept. 20.

"We are regaining our focus, not having too many mental errors or mistakes at practice," Metcalf said about members of the Pittsburgh offense. "Making sure we learn the game plan through and through. It's been a great two days. Just overly focused. Everybody's on the same page. We know the game plan. We know each block, each run. [Quarterback Aaron Rodgers has] been quizzing us with the passes in our individual meetings. Making sure we're all on the same page, basically."

Why DK Metcalf is confident he can bounce back

It's difficult for one to imagine the Pittsburgh offense participating in more than one playoff game, at most, if Metcalf continues to be more of a negative than a positive for the club through January. That unit will face a difficult assignment when the 1-1 Steelers host the 2-0 Cincinnati Bengals this coming Sunday, as the Cincinnati defense looked downright menacing in back-to-back wins. 

"I just look to practice because I know that's how I sharpen my sword and get ready for game time," Metcalf added during his comments. "I've had a good two days of practice. Looking forward to [Friday's] walk-through and then Sunday. I'll be ready."

As of Friday morning, DraftKings Sportsbook had the Steelers as 3.5-point home underdogs against the rival Bengals.