Cam Newton Has Surprising Comp for Steelers’ Metcalf-Pickens Duo
As of now, the Pittsburgh Steelers have a pair of receivers that can wreak havoc on opposing defenses. By coupling DK Metcalf with George Pickens, Steelers general manager Omar Khan gave whatever quarterback takes over another productive receiver.
Former NFL MVP passer Cam Newton believes it’s been over a decade since the league has seen such a pass-catching tandem.
“We got two big-body Benzes in the garage, man,” Newton said last Thursday on his podcast, “4th&1 with Cam Newton.” “While there’s a big vacancy in the house, meaning, ‘Who the hell gonna be the quarterback? Why don’t we figure that out?’ … This is the modern-day version of Alshon Jeffery/Brandon Marshall. It worked for them. Both of them had a stack, but they didn’t make the playoffs, either.”
Jeffery and Marshall overlapped in Chicago from 2012-14, serving as viable pass-catching threats for Jay Cutler. Marshall had the best statistical showing of his career in 2012. He was named a first-team Associated Press All-Pro, totaling 1,508 yards and 11 touchdowns on 118 receptions. He and Jeffery both topped 1,200 receiving yards in 2013, while Marshall was named to his second Pro Bowl in a row.
Marshall averaged 154 targets, 93 receptions, 1,174.6 receiving yards, and 10.3 touchdowns over those three seasons alongside Jeffery. Jeffrey averaged 113.6 targets, 66 targets, 973.6 receiving yards, and 6.6 touchdowns during the same span. The Steelers would likely be content with getting numbers in that same ballpark from DK Metcalf and Pickens.
“Do I think it’s gonna work? I hope it works,” Newton said. “And I think they need another shifty guy or even a tight end that can bear the load in regards to … who can really attack the zones?”
Newton overlooked Steelers tight end Pat Freiermuth, who had 653 receiving yards and a team-best seven touchdown grabs last season. Newton isn’t concerned with how the Steelers will have to share the receiving workload.
“Man, it’s only one ball per field,” Newton said. “So, this is a good problem to have if you ask me. It’ll be hard to overthrow them motherfuckers. Shit, you got 6-5 and 6-4 that can jump out the damn gym. Shit, that’s a good problem to have. I don’t see too many quarterbacks around the world complaining to be in that situation. I know I wouldn’t.”