DK Metcalf’s absence was obviously noticeable during Week 17’s loss to the Cleveland Browns. It has dominated the local and media discussion. Without Metcalf, Pittsburgh had no reliable options in the passing game. Marquez Valdes-Scantling struggled, and Adam Thielen missed critical chances, too. Pittsburgh posted its weakest offensive output of the season. But Metcalf’s absence wasn’t the only offensive problem. Losing TE Darnell Washington mid-way through had its own impact.
It didn’t take long for Pittsburgh to feel that. This is the next offensive snap after Washington’s injury. A zone run to the boundary and away from the strength of the formation.