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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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Pittsburgh Marathon organizers open registration for fall 10 Miler

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Pittsburgh Marathon organizers open registration for fall 10 Miler


P3R, the organization behind the Pittsburgh Marathon, has opened registration for one of this fall’s largest local races.

Runners can now sign up for the 10 Miler and 10K, scheduled for Nov. 8. P3R expects a record-breaking 6,000 participants at this year’s events, according to spokeswoman Kelsey Emch. The events drew more than 5,500 participants last year.

The 10 Miler course begins at Station Square and travels through the North Shore, the Strip District and Downtown, while the 10K begins on the North Shore near PNC Park and follows the 10 Miler route the rest of the way.

Both races finish on Liberty Avenue Downtown – a common ending point for P3R events.

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P3R CEO Troy Schooley said in a release that the 10 Miler and 10K have become a “signature fall tradition” for Pittsburghers of all abilities.

“Whether participants are chasing a personal best, enjoying the event with friends or taking part in the walking division, this race delivers an unforgettable experience while showcasing our city at its very best,” he said.

The 10 Miler costs around $66 per person with processing fees, and the 10K costs around $49. Discounts are available through June 9.

Those interested in participating can register on P3R’s website. Registrants receive complimentary racing bibs, branded long-sleeve shirts, and medals.

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Pittsburgh Regional Transit starting to install new ReadyFare machines

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Pittsburgh Regional Transit starting to install new ReadyFare machines


Pittsburgh Regional Transit has started to install its ReadyFare vending machines as the agency prepares to roll out its new fare payment system. 

PRT said it’s working to roll out its new ReadyFare system and has started to install the new machine at some of its light-rail stations.

The new machines recently were installed at PRT’s Gateway station in Downtown Pittsburgh. 

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Pittsburgh Regional Transit has begun installing new ReadyFare machines at stations throughout the agency’s system.

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PRT said that as it prepares to roll out the new system, current ConnectCard holders will receive a card in the mail with instructions on how to request a ReadyFare card.

The new ReadyFare cards will be able to be purchased at the new machines for $1. 

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PRT said that riders will be able to transfer any balances they have on a ConnectCard to the new ReadyFare cards using an online balance transfer form. 



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About 5 pounds of bees removed from Acrisure Stadium scaffolding ahead of Morgan Wallen concerts

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About 5 pounds of bees removed from Acrisure Stadium scaffolding ahead of Morgan Wallen concerts


Acrisure Stadium is buzzing with excitement ahead of the back-to-back Morgan Wallen concerts. Except it’s not the fans generating all the excitement — it’s about 5 pounds of honeybees. 

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The Fine Family Apiary in Monongahela said it was contacted on Wednesday about a swarm of bees clustered on the stage scaffolding. The apiary put the swarm in a “nuc box” and took them home before moving the bees into full-size equipment.

Owner Al Fine estimates the swarm weighed about 4 to 5 pounds and consisted of 12,000 to 15,000 bees. All said, it took less than two hours to get the job done. 

The Fine Family Apiary in Monongahela removed about 12,000 to 15,000 bees from Acrisure Stadium. 

(Photo: The Fine Family Apiary/Facebook)

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Why do bees swarm? 

Swarming is how honeybees propagate, Fine explained. According to Penn State Extension, during swarming, the queen and about half the workers leave their home to establish a new nest. The bees will form a temporary cluster, hanging out while scouts search the surrounding area for a more permanent home in hollow spaces like tree cavities or, occasionally, the walls of a home

Swarms can stick around for several hours or days until they’re ready to move, Penn State Extension says. Meanwhile, the colony left behind is temporarily without a leader until a new queen is established. 

With the swarm at Acrisure Stadium removed, Morgan Wallen’s show is ready to go on. The country music megastar will bring his I’m The Problem Tour to Pittsburgh on June 5 and June 6, along with multiple acts like Brooks & Dunn and Ella Langley. 



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