The difference between a season-defining win and a crushing loss for the Pittsburgh Steelers came down to a single fourth-down incompletion, but for Tony Romo, the real story was about the ghost in the offense: DK Metcalf. Clinching a playoff spot and winning the AFC North Division were well within their reach if they defeated the Browns. Unfortunately, they couldn’t, and Tony Romo has the perfect explanation for it.

“I think Pittsburgh probably wins this game if D.K. Metcalf is out there,” answered Tony Romo when asked about the effect of D.K. Metcalf’s absence on the NFL on CBS, via CBS Sports. “Because the coverage that you see, they press on the outside with no safety help.”

With 21 seconds left and the season hanging on a single snap, the Steelers found themselves at fourth-and-goal for the final play of the game. Lined up without D.K. Metcalf, Aaron Rodgers took the snap from the 15-yard line and looked toward Marquez Valdes-Scantling, breaking to the top-right corner of the end zone.

A touchdown would have changed everything, opening the door to a game-tying extra point or even a walk-off two-point attempt. Instead, Browns cornerback Denzel Ward stayed glued in coverage, getting just enough disruption to force the incompletion and end Pittsburgh’s night in one decisive moment.

“Usually, there’s a safety that comes over and wants to help double-team when Metcalf is out there,” Romo went on to explain. “They got to put him down in there and help on everybody else, and in the run game. He just couldn’t quite create those big plays on the outside, outside the numbers. I think that was kind of the difference in the game, and they kept trying to at the end.”

Being a former quarterback and having played against Aaron Rodgers, Romo knew what was going through Rodgers’ mind.

“It’s like Aaron knows where the ball should go versus that coverage, but they couldn’t make the play,” he concluded.

Romo believes that the dynamic would have been different if Metcalf were there. His presence is always a threat to any franchise. Tony Romo’s point looks sharper in hindsight. D.K. Metcalf’s absence removed a proven closer, a receiver who has delivered when games hang in the balance. During his Seahawks tenure, Metcalf famously sealed a December win with a 29-yard go-ahead touchdown late in the fourth quarter, the exact kind of moment Pittsburgh was missing on its final snap.

In the last play, it was quite vivid, as Ward warded off Valdez-Scantling easily, with no one helping him to double-team. Metcalf would be upset for not just missing the game, but also being on suspension for next week’s playoff clash against the Ravens. While the Steelers were left ruing Metcalf’s absence on the field, the organization made a significant decision off it that reaffirmed their commitment to the star receiver

D.K. Metcalf’s guaranteed money won’t be voided

D.K. Metcalf had quite an eventful week. Against the Detroit Lions, he got in an altercation with a Lions fan named Ryan Kennedy. The NFL was quick to suspend him for two games following the violation of the league’s policy for unnecessary physical contact with a fan. Besides the suspension, he lost his game fees of $555,556. To make things worse, his $45 million in guarantees was also on the verge of getting voided. But FOX Sports insider Jay Glazer reported it won’t happen.

“Because he got suspended, the Steelers could have basically taken back all of his guarantees,” said Glazer during FOX NFL Kickoff. “They, however, have decided not to do that. They kinda want to make a long-term commitment to D.K. Metcalf, even in situations like this.”

According to Spotrac, the WR signed a contract with the Pittsburgh Steelers in 2025 for 4 years, valued at $132 million. He will receive $60 million in guaranteed money. But if the Steelers voided the guaranteed money, he would have missed out on $45 million, which included $25 million in 2026 and $20 million in injury guarantees.

Keeping the $45 million intact is a strategic decision from the franchise. They want to have a healthy relationship with him, especially since the two-time Pro Bowler has been one of their best players in 2025. He started all fifteen games and made 59 receptions for 850 yards and six touchdowns.

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The Steelers will now face divisional rivals, the Baltimore Ravens, in Week 18. The winner will take the playoff spot and the top spot in the AFC North. As both teams are gearing up, things are suddenly looking difficult for the Steelers, especially with Metcalf’s suspension. A few weeks back, the shouts of firing Mike Tomlin were flying throughout Pittsburgh. If they fail, these chants could resurface again. It will be interesting to see how things unfold at Acrisure Stadium.