3 concerns for the Seahawks heading into Week 5 versus the Saints

Concern 3: Seahawks receiver DK Metcalf might be a decoy and that’s bad

Last year against the Saints, DK Metcalf had 2 catches for 96 yards. The yards amount seems pretty solid but the number of catches is not. But here’s the thing: 84 of Metcalf’s 96 yards came on Seattle’s first drive of the game. Metcalf caught a relatively short pass, shook off one defender and sprinted downfield for a touchdown. But overall, Metcalf was only targeted 5 times in the game.

One of the more intriguing matchups of the game is Metcalf versus Saints corner Marshon Lattimore. Both players are arguably in the top ten in the league at their respective positions. But Lattimore is probably more cemented in that status. And Lattimore will probably shadow Metcalf a lot more than he shadows Tyler Lockett.

But as we all know through four games of 2022, beyond Lockett and Metcalf, the Seahawks don’t have a lot of viable options at the third wide receiver. Sure, the tight ends have played well this year but Seattle absolutely must have some other wide receiver – Dee Eskridge or anyone else – step up and be somewhat productive.

If Seattle chooses to use Metcalf more as a decoy and limit his targets in Week 5, this will mean Tyler Lockett will get a ton of targets. But Lockett alone cannot win the game. Geno Smith will need to take a few chances with Metcalf versus Lattimore and trust that Metcalf can win his share of 50/50 throws.