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Study: Did Pittsburgh Just Assemble The Best Deep-Ball Wide Receiver Duo?

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Study: Did Pittsburgh Just Assemble The Best Deep-Ball Wide Receiver Duo?


While many would consider it past due, the Pittsburgh Steelers made a huge splash at wide receiver with the trade for DK Metcalf. He’s the type you build in Madden NFL, the ideal physical specimen who strikes fear in the opposition.

One of the best parts of Metcalf’s 2024 season was the 6-4, 235-pounder as a vertical threat. Here is a chart on deep receiving (20-plus yards) last season, including targets and Pro Football Focus (PFF) deep-receiving grades:

Metcalf tied for the most deep targets among NFL receivers (32) with Washington’s Terry McLaurin. Also, three WRs tied for the best 99.9 deep-receiving grade – the aforementioned two and George Pickens.

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This also came on high volume, Pickens right behind them with 31 deep targets. So, Metcalf and Pickens were two of the best quality and quantity deep-ball WRs in the NFL last year per PFF.

This potential is quite exciting, with two excellent talents to open up the passing game and the rest of the offense. There is, of course, the question of how Pickens feels about the move, worst-case angling for a trade like his new teammate. Knock on wood that’s not the case.

To add more context to the grades, here are deep-receiving yards and touchdowns:

Metcalf lands comfortably above the mean in both. His five deep touchdowns tied for second most among qualifiers, and 489 deeps yards ranked fourth last season. He joins forces with Pickens, who led the NFL in deep yards (577) in 2024. Wow!

Assuming the duo remains, the pairing presents a daunting task for opposing teams, namely defending the deep ball. Sure, the volume will likely change, but adding another top deep threat, including TD production (which Pickens lacked in comparison) is enthralling.

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Of course, Pittsburgh has a big question at the all-important quarterback position, a critical element to the topic. Those dominoes are falling, including former Steeler Justin Fields agreeing to a two-year, $40 million contract with the New York Jets.

If moon balls are your goal, 2024 Steelers starter Russell Wilson is known for just that. Plus, being a former teammate of Metcalf’s in Seattle is a strong dot connect for a potential return, though Pittsburgh’s five-game losing streak and dip in play to end 2024 left a bad taste.

The flipside is a player of Metcalf’s caliber makes any passer’s life easier. Most “upgrade” free agent QBs are off the board, and Wilson’s forte as a deep passer (NFL-best 97.3 deep-pass grade of 2024) aligns with the new-look Steeler WR room.

It’s great to see Pittsburgh’s aggressiveness, breaking historical team precedents, with the Metcalf deal. It was a shocking move in the best way possible, and on paper has the potential to create the most prolific deep-ball receiving duo in the NFL.

Here’s to hoping it transpires that way and has the Steelers’ offense humming in 2025.

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Ferris wheel to support veterans spinning Wednesday through Sunday on Pittsburgh’s North Shore

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Ferris wheel to support veterans spinning Wednesday through Sunday on Pittsburgh’s North Shore


Pittsburgh officials are partnering with a nonprofit to provide a unique way to thank veterans for their service while getting a grand look at the Steel City.

A 90-foot Ferris wheel dubbed the Salute to Service Wheel will be spinning on the North Shore from Wednesday through Sunday.

It’s provided by Piatt Companies and Piatt Sotheby’s International Realty with half of ticket sale proceeds going to Veterans Leadership Program.

First launched in 1982, VLP helps veterans navigate life’s transitions. Efforts include wellness services, housing, career development and various support programs.

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Mayor Corey O’Connor, parks and recreation director Eric Sloan, Piatt Companies CEO Lucas Piatt and representatives from the Veterans Leadership Program are expected to host a grand opening celebration Wednesday around 12:30 p.m. at North Shore Drive and Art Rooney Avenue and take the first rides.

It is part of Pittsburgh’s Independence Day celebration.

Tickets are on sale now and cost $11.20, including a $1.20 service fee. They can be found at pittsburghpa.gov.

Bookings are in hour intervals from 2-9 p.m. Wednesday, Thursday, Friday and Sunday and from 2-8 p.m. Sunday.

Riders smaller than 48 inches tall must be accompanied by an adult.

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Pittsburgh area’s low jobless rate beats state, U.S. rates

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Pittsburgh area’s low jobless rate beats state, U.S. rates






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Trash pickup schedules adjusted in Pittsburgh-area communities due to impending heat wave

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Trash pickup schedules adjusted in Pittsburgh-area communities due to impending heat wave


Several communities in the Pittsburgh area have adjusted their trash pickup times as the region is bracing for a heat wave with temperatures and heat indexes expected to be near 100 degrees this week. 

The hottest temperatures of 2026 are expected this week and by Tuesday afternoon, temperatures are anticipated to reach into the 90s. This, coupled with extremely high humidity levels, means the heat index — also known as the “feels like” temperature — will flirt with triple digits.

In Mt. Lebanon, trash and recycling pickup routes will begin earlier than normal to help keep workers safe amid the extreme heat.

“All trash and recycling should be placed at the curb the night before your scheduled collection day, as collection times may occur earlier than usual,” a notice posted on municipality’s Facebook page said.   

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Shaler Township said that it received an update from County Hauling that collection crews will begin their routes earlier than normal this week as well. 

“Please place all trash and recycling at the curb the night before your scheduled collection day,” the township said. 

In Robinson Township, trash collection will begin at 5 a.m. on Tuesday, one hour earlier than normal. 

People are being asked to have their trash and recycling at the curb at least one hour prior to their normal pickup time. 

Pleasant Hills Borough said it had adjusted its trash pickup schedule for earlier in the day on Friday to “help reduce employee exposure to hazardous temperatures.”

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“This temporary adjustment is being made in the interest of employee health and safety,” the borough said. “We kindly ask that you help notify your residents that all trash and/or recycling should be placed at the curb the night before their scheduled collection day, as collection times may occur earlier than usual.”

In Brentwood Borough, Noble Environmental will begin earlier collection on pickup routes as well.

People are being asked to place their trash and recycling at the curb the night before their scheduled collection day.

The borough added that collection days are not changing, only the start time of the pickup routes.

“Thank you for your cooperation as crews work safely during this week’s heat wave,” the borough said.

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The Library Volunteer Fire Company said that trash pickup in South Park Township is being moved earlier on Thursday.

“We kindly ask Township residents to place trash and recycling at the curb the night before Thursday, July 2nd pickup, as collection times may occur earlier than usual,” the notice said. 



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