3 observations from Seahawks WR DK Metcalf’s Week 13 performance

Geno Smith may have finally found the correct way to use DK Metcalf fully

Metcalf has had a good year but not a great one. For much of the season, he seemed a bit limited in production because of the design of the offense or what Geno Smith wanted to do with the ball. The same thing happened in 2021 when Smith had to fill in as the starter for three games; There wasn’t consistently great production from Metcalf. The offense has been really good this year, of course, but it isn’t because Metcalf is having a massive season.

But for the first time all season, it seemed like Smith wasn’t afraid to throw to Metcalf in a variety of situations, including a deep sideline pass that went for 40 yards. Metcalf probably needs more of those kinds of chances in key moments, but at the same time, it is difficult to complain too much because the offense has performed so well. But successfully targeting Metcalf down the field is also going to help the running game which hasn’t been good the last few weeks.

In fact, it’s a bit crazy that the Seahawks were able to even score 27 points against the Rams. Sure, Los Angeles was without Aaron Donald but because of the injuries to the running backs, Seattle was basically one-dimensional on offense. The Rams knew Smith had to throw and they were able to somewhat contain the offense until it truly mattered.

Smith has been fantastic through the season, but he hasn’t seemed to have a real connection with Metcalf. That may have changed based on the Week 13 performance. Metcalf caught all his targets, and some passes were over the middle, some were on post patterns, and some were out in the flat. And if Jalen Ramsey can’t stop Metcalf for going for 127 yards, who can?