Bumpus: Why Lockett, not Metcalf, is still the Seahawks’ No. 1 receiver

The Seahawks have been extremely explosive on offense to start the 2020 season, with quarterback Russell Wilson finding six different players for nine passing touchdowns through the seasons first two weeks.

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Seattle’s offense seems to be letting “Russ cook,” and the results have been great. The Seahawks are second in the league in points per game at 36.5 and Wilson is seventh in passing yards (two of the top five have played their third game already) and first in passing touchdowns, completion percentage and passer rating and second in QB rating.

A big reason why he’s had that success so far? His connection with second-year receiver DK Metcalf, who appears to be taking the big leap many expected of him after a great rookie season where he had 900 receiving yards and seven touchdowns and set an NFL rookie record with 160 yards in a playoff win over the Philadelphia Eagles.

So far, Metcalf has caught eight of 14 targets for 187 yards and two touchdowns and had over 90 yards in each of the Seahawks’ first two games this season. In Week 2, he went up against 2019 Defensive Player of the Year Stephon Gilmore, the Patriots’ star cornerback, and got the better of the matchup, including this long touchdown.

THAT WAS BEAUTIFUL@DangeRussWilson ➡️ @dkm14 for the 54 yard touchdown ❗️

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— Seattle Seahawks (@Seahawks) September 21, 2020

So far, Metcalf has more yards and touchdowns than the rest of the Seahawks’ wide receivers, including veteran Tyler Lockett. Has Metcalf surpassed Lockett on the depth chart as the team’s No. 1 receiver? Former Seahawks receiver Michael Bumpus shared his thoughts with 710 ESPN Seattle’s Danny and Gallant on Friday.

“I think on paper, or within the organization, no he’s not. Tyler Lockett makes this thing go,” Bumpus said of Lockett’s importance to Seattle’s offense.

Bumpus said Metcalf looks like a No. 1 receiver because of his size (6-foot-3 inches tall and 230 pounds), speed (4.33-second 40-yard dash) and he’s coming off a star-making performance by besting Gilmore on Sunday Night Football.

“So everything says that DK is the No. 1 receiver, but let’s not forget the beginning of the ballgame against the Patriots, who got the pass game going? It was Tyler Lockett,” Bumpus said. “Who was the first option? It was Tyler Lockett.”

Lockett finished the night with seven catches for 67 yards and scored the Seahawks’ first touchdown, and in Week 1, he caught all eight of his targets for 92 yards. Metcalf has just been making more explosive plays, which catch your eye, Bumpus said.

“DK made some big plays and his plays are more impressive because of the magnitude of the plays, because he just looks different and because he’s a monster out there, but right now, Lockett is still the No. 1 receiver,” he said. “He gets more targets and he’s more efficient (while) DK makes the bigger plays. Eventually, if the trend continues the way it’s been going, I think DK will eventually take over that No. 1 receiver spot, but two weeks into the season, Tyler has more targets, he’s more efficient when he’s thrown the ball … he gets this offense going.”

The good news for both Metcalf and the Seahawks in Bumpus’ eyes is, if Metcalf does surpass Lockett on the depth chart, which he expects to happen eventually, there won’t be any drama because of who Lockett is as a person and teammate.

“Right now, Tyler is still the No. 1 receiver, but DK is creeping up on him, and if DK were to pass Tyler Lockett as the No. 1 receiver, I don’t think Lockett would be mad,” he said. “I think Lockett understands that it’s going to take everybody for this thing to go. He doesn’t have an ego, he’s good to go, but right now, it’s still Lockett.”

Listen to the full second hour of Friday’s Danny and Gallant at this link or in the player below.

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