Roethlisberger: Steelers should simplify things for Metcalf

The former Pittsburgh quarterback says the wideout needs to stop overthinking and get more downfield looks to redisform his form.

Wide receiver DK Metcalf has gotten off to a rough start with the Pittsburgh Steelers, and few plays have illustrated that better than his catch late in Sunday's game.

According to former Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger, speaking on his podcast, the fix begins with mindset. His message to Metcalf would be short: don't overthink it and just play.

Roethlisberger also put some responsibility on the coaching staff. In his view, they should design opportunities that fit what Metcalf does well rather than forcing targets his way on routes where he is less effective.

He pointed to the previous week as an example, when Pittsburgh tried to involve Metcalf early but relied mostly on short passes. Getting the receiver going, Roethlisberger argued, means throwing deeper down the field to him.

One moment from Sunday may already point in that direction: a 16-yard reception on a post route in the middle of the fourth quarter, where Metcalf was hit immediately by Kevin Byard after the catch.