Over time NFL teams tend to develop identities, and they often stay the same through different coaches, different quarterbacks and different front office regimes. For the Pittsburgh Steelers, their calling card has long been physical defense and getting to the quarterback paired with a potent run game.
That dynamic is at least half true going into the 2026 season. They ranked near the bottom of the NFL in rushing yards last year but remain an excellent pass-rushing team, finishing sixth with 48 last year.
Outside of the trenches, Pittsburgh's best skill player is former Seattle Seahawks star DK Metcalf, a rare athlete who the Atlanta Falcons are going to need to contain if they're going to upset the Steelers this week.
Last season Metcalf posted
59 catches, a team-high 860 receiving yards and six touchdowns - which was less than his usual production in Seattle, but it would be a mistake to write Metcalf off. The Seahawks' playoff loss to the 49ers a few years ago proves he can thrash even elite defenses, going off for 10 catches, 136 yards and two touchdowns.
For one thing, Metcalf is bigger, stronger and faster than any defensive back that Atlanta can put on the field. That means the Falcons have to be smarter about defending him.
In particular, Metcalf (6-foot-4, 235 pounds) has a huge physical advantage over both A.J. Terrell and Mike Hughes. Defensive coordinator Jeff Ulbrich has to consider giving the cornerbacks some help over the top with either Xavier Watts or Jessie Bates III - mixing coverages as much as possible should also help.
Another way the Falcons could slow Metcalf down is to get under his skin - as he has a penchant for committing penalties when he gets frustrated. If they can get DK on tilt, he might cost the Steelers 15 yards more than once.
This article originally appeared on Falcons Wire: Falcons Week 1 X-factor: Containing star Steelers WR
