The Pittsburgh Steelers haven’t won a playoff game since 2016, a stat that feels impossible considering the model of consistency the organization has been under head coach Mike Tomlin. However, the fact of the matter is, Tomlin hasn’t seen a lot of, or any, postseason success as of late.
This season, after the failed experiments that were Justin Fields and Russell Wilson last year, four-time MVP Aaron Rodgers is the starting quarterback in the Steel City. While the Steelers have had an up and down season with Rodgers at the helm, the offense and veteran quarterback seem to be hitting their stride down the stretch.
A win over the Cleveland Browns would clinch the AFC North title for Pittsburgh (and they may even clinch on Saturday night if the Green Bay Packers can defeat the Baltimore Ravens). Unfortunately, Rodgers is going to have to figure out a way to get it done without his top target, as star wide receiver DK Metcalf has been suspended by the league for an altercation he had with a fan in Pittsburgh’s win over the Detroit Lions.
“NFL suspended Steelers WR D.K. Metcalf two games for the swipe he took at a fan during Sunday’s game in Detroit. Metcalf still can appeal, but he now is slated to miss the Steelers’ upcoming potential game vs. the Browns,” reported ESPN’s Adam Schefter.
Fans reacted to the news on social media.
“The Steelers are in the thick of the division race, but losing their big play weapon is gonna hurt the offense big time,” one fan wrote on Twitter.
“Should have been arrested during the game for assault,” someone else added.
“Crashing out on fans while your team is fighting for a Playoff spot is clown (behavior),” another fan added.
It’ll be interesting to see how Rodgers manages on Sunday in such an important game without his top downfield weapon.
About Qwame Skinner
Qwame Skinner has loved both writing and sports his entire life. In addition to his sports coverage at Comeback Media, Qwame writes novels, and his debut; The First Casualty, an adult fantasy, is out now.