Tag: dk metcalf

3 Studs and 2 Duds from Seahawks’ besting of Vikings Monday night

Who stood out and who didn’t as the Seattle Seahawks beat the Minnesota Vikings Week 13 on the national stage to advance to No. in the West.

It’s a good time to be a cardiologist in the Seattle area thanks to all these heart-pounding Seahawks games. For the second time in three games, the Seahawks were back on “Monday Night Football” and yet again it came down to a wild fourth quarter.

The Seahawks downed the 8-win Vikings in front of a national audience to improve to 10-2 and take first place in the NFC West. Meanwhile, the Vikings stay put at the No. 6 seed and a game and a half behind the Green Bay Packers in the NFC North.

For whatever reason, the Seahawks can never seem to play a normal game as they always come down to nail-biters late. As a result, here’s who stood out in the Seahawks’ explosive win.

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Seahawks Jaron Brown frustrated with recent inactive designations

Seattle Seahawks veteran receiver Jaron Brown is frustrated that his role has disappeared on this team, leading to two healthy inactives.

Seattle Seahawks veteran receiver Jaron Brown has found himself a healthy inactive in each of the past two games, a product of the team’s acquisition of Josh Gordon as well as the extra reliance on rookie DK Metcalf and tight end Jacob Hollister.

Brown was one of Seattle’s most active receivers to begin the year, seeing over 70 percent of the team’s offensive snaps in each of the first three games.

He’s hauled in 14 receptions (on 24 targets) for 205 yards and two touchdowns on the year, with all of that damage coming between Week 3 and Week 7.

Now, Brown is relegated to the deepest part of the bench – the inactive list – while the team rolls with Metcalf, Gordon and David Moore as the vertical threats on the outside.

Coach Pete Carroll admitted that Brown is frustrated not getting a chance to suit up, but that he has a chance to play this week.

“He’s really happy to be back involved this week – he has a chance to be active this week,” Carroll said on Saturday. “We’ll see. Frustrated though, like anybody. He wants to play. I would always say to you, if he’s not frustrated, then something’s wrong. He wants to get out there. He’s a good ball player and we love him. I hate when he can’t dress out. We’ll see if we can get him out there this week.”

With none of the receivers listed on the injury report, it’s hard to imagine a spot for Brown on Monday night against the Vikings, barring some kind of surprise inactive or someone changing positions.

The Seahawks will kick off with the Vikings at 5:15 p.m. PT. on Monday, and whether Brown is among the seven inactive players will be known roughly 90 minutes before then.

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3 Studs and 2 Duds from Seahawks’ defeat of Eagles Week 12

A look at who stood out and who didn’t in the Seattle Seahawks sloppy win over the Philadelphia Eagles Week 12.

There are no style points in the NFL, and the Seattle Seahawks are certainly grateful for that. On Sunday the Seahawks tied a franchise record with their sixth road win of the year, remaining unbeaten away from Seattle, with a sloppy 17-9 win over the Philadelphia Eagles.

Not only did the Seahawks continue their winning ways on the road, they also continued their 30-year win streak in Philadelphia. The Seahawks have not lost in the City of Brotherly Love since September of 1989.

It was an ugly affair in the cold, windy Sunday afternoon, but the Seahawks walked away with an important victory to stay on pace with the rest of the NFC and keep their hopes of a division title comfortably alive. As a result, here are 3 Studs and 2 Duds from Sunday’s game.

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Instant analysis of Seattle’s 17-9 victory over Philadelphia

In one of the uglier games of the season – even by Seattle’s standards – the Seahawks’ defense stifled the Philadelphia Eagles and helped lead them to a 17-9 victory.

In one of the uglier games of the season – even by Seattle’s standards – the Seahawks’ defense stifled the Philadelphia Eagles and helped lead them to a 17-9 victory.

Seattle is now 9-2 on the year.

A 58-yard touchdown run from Rashaad Penny early in the fourth quarter gave Seattle a two-touchdown lead, and an interception by Tre Flowers late in the fourth was the final nail in the coffin of an Eagles team that struggled all game against Seattle’s defense.

Penalties were a huge part of the game story, with Seattle getting penalized a whopping 12 times. They were penalized 10 times before Philadelphia received their first penalty late in the third quarter. They finished with two penalties for 15 yards, nothing compared to Seattle – who struggled with discipline upfront on the line of scrimmage all day long.

The wind had a huge impact on this game as well, with both quarterbacks struggling to generate yards through the air. Both Carson Wentz and Russell Wilson missed wide-open receivers throwing against the wind, and punts and kicks were considerably less effective all day long.

Seattle scrapped their way to a 10-3 lead at halftime, although they should have been up by multiple scores. A rare miss from Wilson to tight end Jacob Hollister in the end zone cost them four points (they converted a field goal instead) and a dropped catch by DK Metcalf, also in the end zone, cost them seven.

After the Eagles struck first on a short field goal midway through the first quarter, Seattle responded quickly on a flea-flicker from Chris Carson to Russell Wilson that worked perfectly, as Wilson hit Malik Turner in the end zone on a dime for a touchdown.

It was Seattle’s first flea-flicker of the season and gave them an early lead.

Later in the half, Ziggy Ansah forced a fumble that was negated by a Shaquill Griffin holding penalty, but Seattle forced a turnover a few plays later on an interception from Bradley McDougald.

The interception was part of a disastrous game from Wentz, who lost two fumbles and threw another interception – this one by Flowers – which sealed the game late in the fourth.

Wentz finished 33-45 with 256 yards, one garbage-time touchdown, two interceptions, and two lost fumbles.

Shaquem Griffin was the catalyst behind one of Wentz’s fumbles on his first big play of the season as a member of the defense, drilling Wentz and forcing a fumble that was recovered by Branden Jackson.

Griffin had a really solid game, flashing excellent disruption as a pass rusher and finishing with four tackles and one pass defended.

The Seahawks moved to 6-0 on the road this season, and will now root for Green Bay on Sunday night against San Francisco, Seattle’s NFC West rival.

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WATCH: Russell Wilson throws ridiculous flea-flicker touchdown pass

Russell Wilson couldn’t wait to remind everyone that he’s the NFL’s best deep passer — and should still be in the lead for the MVP vote.

It seems that with the Seahawks’ Week 11 bye, the NFL MVP conversation shifted from Russell Wilson to Lamar Jackson in a big hurry. And while Jackson deserves every bit of the praise coming his way, we may be experiencing some recency bias. Early on in Seattle’s Week 12 game against the Eagles at Lincoln Financial Field, Wilson seemed determined to remind everyone just who’s in charge here.

The Seahawks went three-and-out with a Wilson sack on their first drive, but perhaps they were just warming up. On Seattle’s second drive, Wilson hit tight end Jacob Hollister for 21 yards, zinged one to DK Metcalf for 17 more yards, and then, there was this.

With right tackle/Godzilla tight end George Fant in motion from left to right, Wilson handed the ball to halfback Chris Carson out of heavy personnel, and the Eagles certainly assumed a running play here. Not so fast, Sherlock, as Carson dumped the ball back to Wilson, who dutifully waited for receiver Malik Turner to get open downfield.

Turner actually wasn’t all that open downfield, with safety Rodney McLeod (No. 23) and cornerback Jalen Mills (No. 31) converging. But Wilson put the biscuit in the basket, and made an absolutely phenomenal throw to Turner for the 33-yard touchdown.

Making this throw more impressive? Check out the conditions at the Linc today:

Coming into this game, Wilson led all quarterbacks with a 135.4 passer rating on passes of 20 or more air yards, and this will just up that particular statistic. Counting that touchdown, Wilson has now completed 27 of 53 deep balls for 360 yards, seven touchdowns, and no interceptions.

It’s just one part of Wilson’s MVP portfolio, but his status as the league’s most efficient deep passer is a crucial tool for a run-balanced offense that gets its shot plays off play action, and relies on a ruthlessly accurate deep thrower to keep things going.

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WATCH: Russell Wilson throws ridiculous flea-flicker touchdown pass

Russell Wilson couldn’t wait to remind everyone that he’s the NFL’s best deep passer — and should still be in the lead for the MVP vote.

It seems that with the Seahawks’ Week 11 bye, the NFL MVP conversation shifted from Russell Wilson to Lamar Jackson in a big hurry. And while Jackson deserves every bit of the praise coming his way, we may be experiencing some recency bias. Early on in Seattle’s Week 12 game against the Eagles at Lincoln Financial Field, Wilson seemed determined to remind everyone just who’s in charge here.

The Seahawks went three-and-out with a Wilson sack on their first drive, but perhaps they were just warming up. On Seattle’s second drive, Wilson hit tight end Jacob Hollister for 21 yards, zinged one to DK Metcalf for 17 more yards, and then, there was this.

With right tackle/Godzilla tight end George Fant in motion from left to right, Wilson handed the ball to halfback Chris Carson out of heavy personnel, and the Eagles certainly assumed a running play here. Not so fast, Sherlock, as Carson dumped the ball back to Wilson, who dutifully waited for receiver Malik Turner to get open downfield.

Turner actually wasn’t all that open downfield, with safety Rodney McLeod (No. 23) and cornerback Jalen Mills (No. 31) converging. But Wilson put the biscuit in the basket, and made an absolutely phenomenal throw to Turner for the 33-yard touchdown.

Making this throw more impressive? Check out the conditions at the Linc today:

Coming into this game, Wilson led all quarterbacks with a 135.4 passer rating on passes of 20 or more air yards, and this will just up that particular statistic. Counting that touchdown, Wilson has now completed 27 of 53 deep balls for 360 yards, seven touchdowns, and no interceptions.

It’s just one part of Wilson’s MVP portfolio, but his status as the league’s most efficient deep passer is a crucial tool for a run-balanced offense that gets its shot plays off play action, and relies on a ruthlessly accurate deep thrower to keep things going.

Malik Turner’s energy and intensity make him extremely valuable

The Seattle Seahawks love the versatility and energy that WR Malik Turner brings to the offense, making him a valuable piece to this team.

The Seattle Seahawks replaced Doug Baldwin with a trio of unproven rookies last offseason, leading many to believe that the team’s receiving corps would take a hit in 2019.

However, the continued emergence of Tyler Lockett, the star power flashed by rookie DK Metcalf and the midseason addition of Josh Gordon have made the Seahawks a formidable passing team, lead of course by MVP candidate Russell Wilson.

One name that gets lost in the shuffle of Seattle’s rebuilt and reloaded receiving group is Malik Turner, an undrafted free agent who is now in his second year with the Seahawks.

Turner is having a quietly excellent season however, hauling in nine receptions (on 11 targets) for 153 yards and six first downs.

While his number has not been called often, Turner has proven to be a reliable pass catcher out of a variety of roles, and made a crucial play in Seattle’s most recent game against San Francisco.

“We have really learned to appreciate Malik in that he’s such a good worker,” coach Pete Carroll said on Wednesday. “He’s such an intense guy. Everything he does, he does full speed whether you’re talking to the teams guys, or on offense where they’re blocking and running routes. He’s a terrific route runner. He’s got a great energy about him. It’s not often you can talk about a guy having a motor as a receiver, but he’s got a really good motor and it shows up.”

Turner spent most of the 2018 season on the practice squad, although he did appear in six games and hauled in two receptions. He was considered a longshot to make the roster out of camp this season, but impressed Carroll with his motor and his ability to learn every different position among the receivers, allowing his versatility to make him a weapon off the bench.

“He’s doing really well,” Carroll continued. “He knows everybody’s position, so he’s very versatile. Very valuable guy on our team.”

Don’t expect Turner to lead the team in receptions or yards any game soon, but his role has been an important one this season, and that will continue when the team heads to Philadelphia to face the Eagles on Sunday morning.

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Eagles DC Jim Schwartz praises Seahawks WR DK Metcalf for his ability to make plays downfield

Jim Schwartz raves about DK Metcalf’s ability to make plays downfield

The Philadelphia Eagles defense will have their hands full on Sunday when the Seattle Seahawks visit Lincoln Financial Field. The Seahawks bring in MVP candidate Russell Wilson, receiver Tyler Lockett and rookie sensation DK Metcalf.

Metcalf was selected by the Seattle Seahawks in the second round (64th overall) of the 2019 NFL Draft. The Seahawks rookie has been impressive this season, posting 35 catches for 595 yards and five touchdowns.

Metcalf is averaging 17 yards per reception as well, numbers unheard for a rookie. During his weekly press conference, Eagles defensive coordinator Jim Schwartz praised Metcalf’s ability to make plays downfield.

Schwartz also praised Seahawks quarterback Russell Wilson, saying the MVP candidate “can be as good as anybody in the league dropping back and throwing the ball. The comments about Metcalf cut deep in Philadelphia when you realize JJ Arcega-Whiteside was drafted by the Philadelphia Eagles in the second round (57th overall) and seven spots ahead of Metcalf.

Arcega-Whiteside has 3 catches for 43 yards on the season to show for it. In Schwartz’s defense, he was asked about Metcalf in regards to questions about the opposition’s offense, but it still must be hard to conjure up the notion that the Eagles blew it and selected the wrong wide receiver.

Hear Schwartz’s comments in their entirety below.

Is it time for Seahawks rookie Ugo Amadi to get more opportunities?

Seattle Seahawks coach Pete Carroll confirmed rookie defensive back Ugo Amadi will get more opportunity on defense this season.

Seattle Seahawks coach Pete Carroll likes to have his rookies develop on the special teams early in their first season before he gradually works them in on either offense or defense as they get more accustomed to the speed of the NFL game.

DK Metcalf emerged right away as an impact piece on Seattle’s offense, and safety Marquise Blair was starting at free safety for a few weeks, but most of the rest of the rookie class has settled into roles on special teams – with an eye on making that jump in the coming weeks.

Next on the list appears to be defensive back Ugo Amadi, a 2019 fourth round pick who has excelled on the special teams this season after impressing throughout training camp and the preseason.

“He’s doing really well,” coach Pete Carroll said on Monday. “He has been a playmaker on special teams throughout. His opportunities will continue to come about because he has been so consistent in everything he is doing. He hasn’t done anything that isn’t good. His effort is great. His playmaking, his decision making, the savvy, the situations that he’s been in; he’s just been really good. So, I’m anxious for him to contribute more. He’s one of those guys that have been with us long enough, it’s time for him to get some more opportunities so we’re looking for that.”

Carroll also confirmed that Amadi is working primarily at the nickel cornerback position, although he’s still an option at safety as well.

Veteran Jamar Taylor has been the team’s starting nickel all season, but he’s had a rough year and that was never more apparent than last Monday against the 49ers, when he was burned repeatedly early in the game.

“He’s been up and down, and he had a couple plays last week that got away,” Carroll said. “He’s in a competitive situation, and he’s got to keep doing well to hold his spot just like everybody else.”

It sounds like Amadi is right on Taylor’s tail for playing time at the nickel spot, and Sunday’s game against the Eagles could be a chance for Amadi to take the job going forward.

“Coming off the break we have a chance to revisit some of that stuff,” Carroll continued. “If it fits with different positions, and guys, and individuals, we’re looking to take advantage of that.”

The 8-2 Seahawks will take on Philadelphia on Sunday at 10:00 a.m. PT.

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Seahawks receiver DK Metcalf leads the NFL in end zone targets

Seattle Seahawks rookie receiver DK Metcalf leads the NFL with 13 targets in the end zone, a sign of trust between him and Russell Wilson.

When the Seattle Seahawks selected receiver DK Metcalf with the final pick in the second round of the 2019 NFL draft, they hoped he could develop into a multi-faceted weapon on the outside.

At the very least, they knew he’d create matchup issues with his size and speed, and his height would make him a weapon in the red zone.

Metcalf has exceeded expectations in his first season so far, and he has clearly earned the trust of Wilson.

In fact, he remains the league leader in end zone targets this season, tied with Kenny Golladay of the Lions.

Metcalf has been efficient in every area this season, hauling in 35 receptions for 595 yards and five touchdowns through his first 10 NFL games.

The fact that Wilson already trusts him as a red zone threat is a huge boost for this Seattle team – and is certainly nice for the fantasy owners who took a chance on Metcalf as an unproven rookie.

Metcalf and the Seahawks will be back in action on Sunday, Nov. 24 against the Eagles in Philadelphia.

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