Steelers’ ‘Three-Headed Monster’ At CB Serving As Motivation For DK Metcalf, Says Cam Heyward

Last year, the Pittsburgh Steelers’ cornerbacks had a middling season. Joey Porter Jr. was fine, but he didn’t take the leap that some people expected him to. Meanwhile, Donte Jackson, Cory Trice Jr., and Beanie Bishop Jr. had their ups and downs. As a result, the Steelers addressed that position heavily this offseason. They signed Darius Slay and traded for Jalen Ramsey, two former All-Pros. That’s allowed DK Metcalf, their new wide receiver, to face some interesting matchups in practice. Cam Heyward is using that as a way to motivate Metcalf.

“On defense, we’ve got a three-headed monster between [Porter], Jalen, and Slay,” Heyward said Sunday via NFL Network’s Inside Training Camp Live. “I love how they’re bringing over a culture and a legacy there to teach Joey what he’s getting into. But on the other side, I like to mess with DK. I get him started before every practice.

“I talk about, ‘They’re not just gonna clamp you, they’re gonna put you in a rollercoaster and pinch down.’ So, DK wants to go out and expose everybody because of that.”

Metcalf is one of the most unique receivers in the NFL. His combination of size and athleticism is rare, making him a matchup nightmare for any defense. However, the Steelers’ trio of corners could challenge him.

For years, when they were rivals in the NFC West, Ramsey and Metcalf had some physical battles. They usually resulted in some quieter performances from Metcalf He and Slay have gone back and forth over the years, too. Both those veteran corners have experience frustrating Metcalf, which probably helps Heyward’s instigating.

Porter has less history with Metcalf, but that doesn’t mean he’s less of a threat. While he hasn’t accomplished as much as Ramsey or Slay, he’s an up and comer. Porter has great size and length for his position, which should help him against bigger receivers like Metcalf. He didn’t inherit his father’s gift for trash talk, but he still plays with physicality.

Those matchups might be the best example of iron sharpens iron for the Steelers this year. All of them are quality NFL players with rare gifts, but they’re also teammates now. If Metcalf can succeed against that secondary, then he shouldn’t have too many problems against opposing ones. Similarly, facing Metcalf should provide the Steelers’ corners with valuable experience.