Seattle Seahawks rookie receiver DK Metcalf was one of few bright spots for the team in their 28-12 loss on Sunday night at the hands of the Los Angeles Rams.
Metcalf finished with six receptions, on six targets, for a team high 78 yards.
That gives him 50 receptions for 783 yards and five touchdowns on the season. The 50 receptions and 783 yards are both tops in the league among rookies. The five touchdowns is second, with four players tied for first place with six.
Metcalf was able to do most of his damage on Sunday despite being covered by Jalen Ramsey, one of the league’s strongest cover cornerbacks.
“He’s been really consistent in his competitiveness,” coach Pete Carroll commented on Monday. “He’s battled every week. He had a great matchup this week and he came through in a big way. Played one of the better guys in football who was trying to stop him and shut him down and he didn’t let that happen. He just kept working and coming through.”
Metcalf was perhaps the most polarizing pick of the 2019 NFL draft, lauded for his elite combination of size and speed, but criticized for his perceived lack of route running. He has proven more than capable of handling a multidimensional route tree in Seattle, and his coach likes that he is more than just a pass catcher as well.
“Tough catches, running after the catch, blocking,” Carroll continued. “He’s more than just a catcher. He’s done a lot of good stuff. I go back to his makeup. He’s a great competitor. He really wants to be great and he’s willing to work at it. He plays hard and physical and tough and it’s paying off for him. He’s been a real positive factor for us.”
The Seahawks will look to get back on track in Week 15 with their final road game of the season against the Panthers in Carolina on Sunday morning.
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