D.K. Metcalf, Seattle Seahawks.
Two PNWS writers have different viewpoints in regards to D.K. Metcalf. Andrew Elderbaum (AE) and Chris Phillips (CP) talk about the PNWS number 9 member in their Top-10 series.
CP: So as a starting point for this conversation style debate you asked “Is D.K. Metcalf a Top 10 receiver in the NFL? Top 20?” The complex answer is Yes because of everything he brings to the table. He is a player that every time he steps onto the field defenses have to account for and know where he is at all times. As he can quite easily take one catch to the house (see his game against New Orleans last season).
So, since he commands so much attention yes he’s easily a top 20 wide receiver. And as for Top 10, that’s probably a good over/under spot and I’ll take the over. Or is it the under? Yes, he’s a top 10 receiver in the NFL. Here are the receivers I’d rank ahead of him. Cooper Kupp, Justin Jefferson, Davante Adams, Stefon Diggs, Tyreek Hill, Keenan Allen, Ja’Marr Chase, Mike Evans, Chris Godwin, and Metcalf. This is just based on talent alone, not factoring in QBs, injuries, or offensive philosophies. So who are the receivers that you list higher than Mr. Metcalf?
AE: Your list and add Deebo Samuel, A.J. Brown, Mike Williams, Tyler Lockett, and CeeDee Lamb. Did you know Metcalf didn’t crack the top 25 in receiving yards last year? And you cant blame it on QB play because Lockett was #9. Metcalf isn’t even the best receiver on his own team. Even Jaylen Waddle broke 1,000-yards, and I’m not sure Tua can throw a pass 10-yards in the air. Metcalf has broken 100 yards once in his last 22 games.
CP: There were only nine wide receivers last who registered double-digit TDs. Of those nine only five of them scored more than 11 touchdowns. And of those five only four receivers scored more than Metcalf’s 12. It’s only three if you removed Deebo’s 8 rushing touchdowns. And whether Lockett is better than Metcalf is debatable. Lockett averaged 16.1 yards per reception compared to Metcalf’s 12.9. Not to mention that Metcalf holds the edge in availability (even if it is minimal).
Next: Page 2 – Starter or Bench Warmer
AE: More than half of Metcalf’s touchdowns came in 3 games (3 against Detroit, 2 against Jacksonville, and 2 against the Rams). He was scoreless in 9 games. Metcagives you 2 or 3 big games a year and is a non-factor 80% of the time. He averages 50 yards receiving per game. He’s Tyreek hill without the route tree.
He’s fine as your 2nd receiver/deep threat but he had a couple of big games during the “Let Russ Cook” mirage of 2020 and has been nothing special since. He didn’t even hit 50 yards in 30% of his games last year. His national profile is based on tackling Budda Baker. If Seattle wasn’t in some weird neutral state they would have moved him before he became an expensive version of Paul Richardson. You could even argue his inability to develop into a complete receiver stunted the offense Wilson wanted to run.
CP: Russell Wilson‘s game looks the same in Seattle as it did at NC State and Wisconsin. So who stunted who? Lockett had 9 consecutive games without a score and finished the year with 10 games without a score. Also, half of his scores came in two games, Week 1 and 16. So, again who gives you a few big games a year and is a non-factor a majority of the time?
Metcalf’s career yards per game is 64.7, while Locketts is 54.7. Or the distance of a first down. Something you’re not factoring in is Metcalf is almost always commanding a double team if not keeping a safety over to his side of the field. Which in turn free’s up Lockett and the rest of the Seattle Seahawks receivers to beat their matchups.
Next: Page 3 – Case Against
AE: Lockett actually drew more high safety help last year, and his career averages are skewed because in his first few seasons he was primarily a returner and the third option behind Doug Baldwin/Jermaine Kearse. In the last 3 seasons, he’s gained more yards, had comparable touchdown totals, and a significantly better catch% than Metcalf. Lockett also can be used on slants, go routes, digs, and in the slot.
Metcalf is almost strictly a go-route guy. Results in a few big plays when he gets behind a defense or coverage is broken but limits what he can do, and is the reason he’s easier to shut down. Lockett also had 5 100-yard games to Metcalf’s 1 and outgained him while missing a decent amount of time. Last year teams were content to put their top corner on Metcalf and to use safety help and a corner on Lockett most of the time.
And this isn’t factoring in his childish fits on the sidelines and dumb penalties on the field every few games. As far as the stunting, when the defense figured out how to defend the deep ball to Metcalf his production and the offenses fell off dramatically and never got back on track.
At the end of the day, I just don’t see how he’s one of our top 10 top performers or newsworthy figures in the Pacific Northwest. You could make a case that Rashaad Penny, Jamal Adams, and even Drew Lock are more intriguing going into the season just from the Hawks roster alone, without even touching on the other sports teams in the market. Metcalf is a totally adequate player and that’s about it.
Next: Page 4 – Case for
CP: Without looking it up, which one of these guys is Metcalf?
TGT Rec Yds TD Cth% Y/Tgt
390 226 4163 43 57.9 10.7
358 216 3170 29 60.3 8.9
265 162 2553 26 61.1 9.6
380 193 3071 21 68.2 8.1
AE: Third one down I believe. No, it’s 2nd. He had 29 TDs, I remember when comparing him to Lockett
CP: Metcalf is going to be the new face of the Seattle Seahawks franchise until the team gets its next franchise QB. He is an attention-getting player and I don’t mean that as in any diva sort of way. He raced Olympic qualifying athletes and considering the fact he’s not training for the Olympics did quite well. In fact, it would be awesome if more of the NFL’s fastest competed.
Yes, he’s second on the list. These are the stat lines of each player’s first 3 NFL seasons. In order from top to bottom, Randy Moss, the aforementioned Metcalf, Terrell Owens, and Calvin Johnson. I’m not saying he’s a Hall of Famer. However, Metcalf is on his way to being more than just an adequate player. This is why he’s so popular.
Next: Page 5 – Closing Arguments
AE: Ok but keep in mind those players played in a different era. How do his first 3 seasons compare with Justin Jefferson’s first 2? Ja’Marr Chase’s last season? Davante Adams after he became a full-time starter? He’s not at their level. And he won’t be the face of the franchise. Right now it’s Pete. Metcalf is maybe a top 15 receiver, more likely top 20. Compare Brandin Cooks last 2 or 3 seasons to Metcalf and you’ll see what I mean.
Noone mistake Cooks for a superstar and he’s produced more than DK. If you’re expecting a HOF career or anything approaching those 3 guys you compared him to, you’re going to be sorely disappointed. Tyreek Hill is a better version and the Chiefs let him walk because they recognize his contribution doesn’t match the salary he wants. On 3rd and 8 with their season on the line, Kansas City is looking for Travis Kelce, and the Seahawks are looking for Lockett. The big plays are nice but the 13-yard 1 reception games arent.
CP: Last season Lockett had five games where he was held to 30 yards receiving or less. Metcalf had just two such games. So, again which Seattle wide receiver is more boom or bust? Also, Lockett had five games where he topped 100-yards receiving. Metcalf had just one. They each both had two games of recording 96 and 98-yards. Seems to me, that you are confusing Lockett’s play with Metcalf.
We won’t ever see eye to eye on Metcalf. However, there are a few things we can both agree on Metcalf. We want him to be better. And we want him to help the Seattle Seahawks win games and bring back another Lombardi trophy. As for who’s the better receiver on the Seahawks and should Metcalf be one of PNWS Top 10, we’ll let our readers decide.
AE: I think this year will be telling. Without having the best deep-ball passer in the league will Metcalf adjust and be an all-pro, or will his performance stagnate? We’ll finally have our Metcalf answer.
CP: Yes, this year will be telling about Metcalf and his career trajectory.