Texans’ DeMeco Ryans: DK Metcalf’s return gives Steelers ‘their full offense’ for Wild Card Round

With Steelers wide receiver DK Metcalf set to return from his two-game suspension in Monday night’s wild-card bout, Houston Texans coach DeMeco Ryans is keenly aware of what the big-play receiver’s presence means for Pittsburgh.

“Metcalf gives them their full offense,” Ryans said, via the team’s official transcript. “He lines up as an outside receiver. He does an outstanding job of playing physical. That’s the one thing that sticks out to me with him, is that he’s a physical receiver whether he’s running the go ball, slants, whatever. He plays physical. So, we have to challenge him. We have to step up to the challenge there, we have to play physical versus him as well. It’s going to be a tough challenge. He’s done a great job his entire career of making big plays down the field. I know they’re excited to get him back because he’s such a huge part of their offense. Aaron [Rodgers] will definitely look to go to him a ton. We have our hands full when it comes to challenging him and trying to make a play when the ball is up.”

Despite missing the final two games of the season due to suspension, Metcalf leads Pittsburgh with 850 receiving yards and six touchdowns — the only Pittsburgh player with 500-plus receiving yards. The difference for the Steelers’ passing offense when Metcalf is on the field is evident.

According to Next Gen Stats, with Metcalf on the field, Aaron Rodgers averages a 67.2 completion percentage, 7.1 yards per attempt, with a 23-7 touchdown-to-interception ratio and a 99.9 passer rating. When Metcalf isn’t on the field, those numbers plunge to 60.5%, 5.4 YPA, 1-0, and a 77.8 passer rating.