4 key observations from DK Metcalf’s performance vs. Broncos

DK Metcalf is still a physical freak

Metcalf just looks different when he catches the ball. The great receivers always do. Something about the way those guys catch and run reveals, sometimes in almost undiscernible ways, that the player is special. Metcalf is special.

On one route, Metcalf did a cut-in about 15 yards deep and was closely covered by Broncos corner Patrick Surtain. Geno Smith threw the pass the only place Metcalf could have caught it – basically, Metcalf was either going to catch it or no one was – and Metcalf lept high in the air, using all 6’4″ of his frame, grabbed the ball with two hands and get a tight grip on the ball all the way to the ground for an important first down.

I like Tyler Lockett a lot but Tyler Lockett cannot make the kind of play that Metcalf did. Yes, Metcalf has a physical freakishness that most humans will never have but if can’t catch the ball it doesn’t matter how fast or strong he is.

There will very likely be some games where Metcalf catches a five-yard pass or two, turns, sheds a tackler, and runs for 40 yards. But the 15-yard first down catch is just as important and you will likely see a lot more of these in 2022 than splash plays.