Predicting Seahawks stats: Wide receiver DK Metcalf
By Geoff Shull
Seahawks WR DK Metcalf showed a lot of promise in his rookie campaign, and plenty to work on.
At the beginning of the season, Metcalf definitely matched his pre-draft label of flash in a pan. He would have a big gain, then disappear. An example: In week 1 against the Bengals, he had one catch on two targets. However, that one catch went for 44 yards and a touchdown.
Fortunately, as the season progressed, so did Metcalf. He displayed considerable growth in his route running, footwork, hand strength and ability to wing it when the play broke down. By the end of the season, he had broken multiple records including the most receiving yards ever by a Seahawks rookie in a playoff debut.
2019 Stats for DK Metcalf:
Receptions: 58
Targets: 100
Catch rate: 58%
Yards per catch: 15.5
Yards: 900
TD’s: 7
Drops: 7
His growth did not come without hiccups, however. He faced many challenges during the year, including facing off with Richard Sherman head to head multiple times and failing to create separation. However, the two main issues that Metcalf faced during the season were fumbles and drops.
DK Metcalf big whoops. Big play by the 49ers recovering fumble on the 2 yard line. #SEAvsSF #Seahawks #GoNiners #FantasyFootball #MNF @FantasyFreaks_
— The Orange Pilled Banker (@Nbitcoinwetrust) November 12, 2019
pic.twitter.com/KKPE0Da7Li
The fumbles were typically caused by him trying to do too much (video above). Whereas the drops seemed to come in waves. What impressed me the most was not his success, but the work ethic that teammates, coaches and Metcalf himself spoke of. When he had a hiccup, he put hours and hours into work to ensure that he didn’t make the same mistake twice.
There are countless videos of him putting in work well after everyone else left the building. He knows to become great, it’s not easy. It takes hard work, determination and a strong vision of where you want to go. Metcalf is special and it is beyond evident to anyone that is around him.
When you watch his rookie film, he always fights for the extra yardage. His footwork from the start of the year to the end was considerably improved. His drops decreased to being nearly non-existent. His targets increased dramatically. This all spells for a promising year two, right?
Unfortunately, the sophomore slump is very real. The question lies, will Metcalf beat out unforgiving sophomore slump to become a star in the NFL, or will he succumb to it?