Seahawks week 5 MVP: DK Metcalf is back on track

The Seahawks are in trouble after Thursday’s loss to the Rams. Unfortunately, there’s simply no way around that. There’s also no way to dispute that DK Metcalf was the MVP of the game. I’ve been expecting to write that for a few weeks now.

The Seahawks really needed the win Thursday night. Sadly, they didn’t get it, as most of the flaws we’ve seen in their losses showed up again. As Lee Vowell put it, it looks like the week four win was a lie. This doesn’t mean there weren’t some bright spots in the game.

No, the potential loss of Russell Wilson for any time at all isn’t one of them. But backup Geno Smith did lead two scoring drives and performed beyond any reasonable expectations. The Seahawks might actually be okay if Geno has to take over for a few games.

But he didn’t get my game MVP, although the decision took more than a bit of careful consideration. The MVP of the game just had to be DK Metcalf. For only the second time in his career, Metcalf caught all of his targets (that game was in his rookie season, also against the Rams). In this case, he caught five passes for 98 yards and two scores. Two very important scores, as those were the only touchdowns the Seahawks managed to hang on the Rams.

DK Metcalf showed he is special even in Seahawks week 5 loss

The heralded DK Metcalf – Jalen Ramsey battle didn’t happen as much as we might have expected. Ramsey only lined up across from Metcalf on 45% of his snaps, according to the NFL’s Next Gen Stats team:

DK Metcalf was targeted just twice with Ramsey on him, but came through both times, including the Seahawks first score of the game. Number 14 was, to put it mildly, brilliant. Take a look at how he found an opening when his QB was in trouble on his first reception – and by all means, stay for the rest of his great work vs the Rams. Look at that, 12s; he made Ramsey look like a rookie on that first play. Hmmm…two targets, two completions; did L.A. take Ramsey off the great DK Metcalf after that?

I’m sure Ramsey will have more battles with Metcalf in the ensuing seasons. I’m also quite sure that number 14 will come out on top again. Hopefully next time, he’ll be able to carry the entire Seahawks team with him.