DK Metcalf Suspension Helps Cost Steelers A Chance To Win AFC North

With the game and indeed the division championship on the line on Sunday, Aaron Rodgers threw a fade to a receiver that was never meant to be on the other end of that pass because we all know on any other game day that ball would have gone to DK Metcalf.

The Pittsburgh Steelers instead threw that pass to a journeyman signed onto the practice squad last month, promoted to the active roster only last week, and then put in this season-defining situation only because Metcalf was suspended for Sunday's game.

Should Have Been Metcalf's Play

The Steelers had to put their AFC North title hopes on the shoulders of Marquez Valdes-Scantling because Metcalf, the receiver they paid multiple draft picks and a $150-million-dollar contract for, was serving the front end of his two-game suspension.

And, to be fair, it didn't help that 6-foot-6 tight end Darnell Washington broke his arm earlier in the game and also wasn't available for the big moment.

But the Steelers had to gamble on Valdes-Scantling on three consecutive plays with the division title hanging in the balance. And that is something that never would have happened if Metcalf had been at his post on Sunday — regardless of a Washington injury or not.

So, this is exhibit No. 1 through No. 587,324 showing how individualism, selfishness and a lack of temperance and control can hurt what Steelers coach Mike Tomlin routinely calls "the collective."

(Steelers wide receiver DK Metcalf assaults a fan. Mandatory Credit: NFL on CBS)

Metcalf Action Costs Steelers

It shows how one guy thinking only about himself — as Metcalf did when he took a swipe at that fan who was maybe calling him mean names — hurt 53 guys trying to win a division title. 

We all see that now even if Tomlin spent part of his press conference after this loss to the Cleveland Browns deflecting from that point.

"It was an impact," Tomlin said of Metcalf's absence, "but we certainly got capable men and we expect those guys to make the necessary plays, and we certainly didn't make enough today."

That is obviously coachspeak. What else is he going to say?

Metcalf's absence cost us the game?

DK Metcalf avoids a tackle by Lions cornerback Rock Ya-Sin. (Photo by Nic Antaya/Getty Images)

Steelers Fail To Clinch Division Title

That isn't even totally true because the Steelers didn't exactly light it up for the other 59 minutes of Sunday's game. But that final minute when quarterback Rodgers needed Metcalf is when it all became obvious:

Metcalf likely cost his team the game because he is usually asked to make — and does make — those plays.

And it gets worse.

The Steelers failed to clinch the AFC North because they could not overcome the otherwise hapless 4-12 Browns. And now they have to host the Ravens next weekend to settle that AFC North championship.

The Steelers could have made that game moot with a victory on Sunday. They would probably be resting their players after having already won the division crown. 

Quarterback Lamar Jackson of the Baltimore Ravens. (Photo by Scott Taetsch/Getty Images)

Ravens Enter Finale With Momentum

But now they are hanging on to their playoff hopes by a thread even as the Ravens, coming off Saturday's victory over Green Bay, have momentum and their entire receiver corps on their side.

Metcalf won't be there for any of it.

His suspension extends two games. So the only way the Steelers will see Metcalf in uniform again this season is if they win that season-finale.

"We got options," Tomlin said. 

That is true. The Steelers have bodies. But if Metcalf had only ignored the verbal taunts of a blue-haired dude in the stands last week, his team, at minimum, would have its best option for the coming championship game.