DK Metcalf throws down gauntlet to Seahawks teammates about passion

DK Metcalf might have had enough. The Seattle Seahawks wide receiver has gone a bit overboard at times on the football field and has been flagged for far too many 15-yard penalties for things such as unsportsmanlike conduct. In other words, penalties most players do not get and are needless and controllable.

Still, would one want to take away the passion that Metcalf plays with? He needs to be a bit more under control at times, but there is also no doubt that he wants his team to win and wants to do anything he can to help Seattle get a victory. One of his two fumbles this season can be blamed simply on Metcalf trying to earn a few more yards with his team down by a touchdown.

He is not perfect. Metcalf does not have the best hands in the NFL or even on his own team. If he had the same size and speed but the elite hands of someone like Tyler Lockett, Metcalf would likely have 1,500-yard receiving seasons quite often. He is also not the best route-runner and caused one of Geno Smith's two interceptions against the San Francisco 49ers by not rounding his route.

Seahawks receiver DK Metcalf says his teammates should be upset

The receiver took ownership of that when speaking with the media on Wednesday. He should have run a crossing route and instead of trying to turn his route upfield. By the time quarterback Geno Smith threw the ball, Metcalf had made his mistake and Smith threw the pick.

Oddly and concerningly, Smith and Metcalf did not appear to discuss the play on the sideline after it happened. Smith hit his head with an iPad in frustration, but backup quarterback Sam Howell was the one who spoke directly with Metcalf. There appeared to be an issue between Smith and Metcalf.

Metcalf also confirmed to the media that he and Smith had spoken on the phone on Monday and ironed out any potential issues. But Metcalf was not simply going to accept blame for everything, and rightfully so. When asked about his discussion on a headset during the Seahawks loss to the 49ers, one in which Metcalf was clearly frustrated, the receiver confirmed he was speaking with offensive coordinator Ryan Grubb.

Metcalf said, "We're losing. We're getting three-and-outs. If anybody isn't upset about that, then you're playing the wrong sport...It was Grubb who I was talking to in the headset, just telling him what I see. We've gotta run by defenders. That's what I was telling him."

Some of those words are worrisome. Metcalf appears to be implying that some of his teammates might not have been as upset about the offense's inefficiency against San Francisco as they should have been. Possibly, the receiver was speaking generally.

The issue is that 12s have already heard comments from players such as Leonard Williams that some Seahawks give up too early when behind in games. That mentality must change for the season to be successful. Maybe DK Metcalf can help change that approach.

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