Will Metcalf’s impressive 2020 season continue today against that pesky Cardinals’ defense?
The Seattle Seahawks selected Ole’ Miss wide receiver D.K. Metcalf with the 64th pick of the 2019 NFL Draft. Metcalf was the 9th wide receiver selected, not the first, second, or third on the list. But his 2020 numbers aren’t stacking up that way. Metcalf is the #1 receiver in his class.
Perhaps Metcalf’s slide during the 2019 Draft didn’t come as a surprise. His Combine performance wasn’t stellar, including at the 3-cone drill routine that resulted in questions about his agility. And before the draft, Metcalf had neck surgery, which raised injury concerns among fans and front offices alike.
However, that was then. Today is different.
Over the first five games this season, Metcalf has 22 receptions for 496 yards and 5 touchdowns. Those numbers put him at 8th in receiving yards and tied for 3rd in touchdowns–despite having a bye week. Metcalf’s yards per game average at 99.2, second to only DeAndre Hopkins, an undoubted elite threat. And he is projected to have a season total of 70 receptions, 1,587 yards, and 16 touchdowns.
We saw glimpses of Metcalf’s talent in 2019, especially during the playoffs when he destroyed the Eagles with 160 yards and a touchdown. This year, he is performing like that consistently and, in so doing, establishing himself as one of the best receivers in the league.
The big question is: Why has Metcalf become a threat?
I think there are two answers–experience and the Seahawks’ offense scheme. Coming into the league, there were concerns about Metcalf’s route-running ability. During his time at Ole’ Miss, he was overshadowed by AJ Brown, and that resulted in Metcalf being used as a side weapon rather than as a deep threat. Metcalf is much better at running routes these days, and his versatility creates mismatches defensively each week.
But you can’t talk about Metcalf’s numbers without also talking about Russell Wilson. Without Wilson’s production, it would be hard to envisage Metcalf having the season he’s having. And then there’s Tyler Lockett as a wideout partner. Defensive coordinators have to game-plan for two elite threats, not one.
And let’s not forget about the Seahawks’ running game. Chris Carson is a constant threat with his ability to run up the middle and take swing passes. Those talents open up the air game for wideouts, including Metcalf.
Today, Metcalf and the undefeated Seahawks (5-0) face the Arizona Cardinals (4-2)–an underrated team that’s on the rise. While fans and analysts like to talk about AZ’s offense, the defense is making the difference in 2020, especially the team’s Red Zone defense.
Will Metcalf be able to have a big game against the Cardinals? Can he outduel the great DeAndre Hopkins?
Get ready to watch what should be a very entertaining game!
