DANNY AND GALLANT

Has Metcalf passed Lockett as Seahawks’ go-to WR in crunch time?

Oct 12, 2020, 9:21 AM | Updated: 10:14 am

Seahawks QB Russell Wilson, WR DK Metcaf...

Seahawks QB Russell Wilson looked WR DK Metcalf's way late multiple times in Week 5. (Getty)

(Getty)

With the Seahawks needing big plays to keep the game alive and ultimately take the lead over the Minnesota Vikings in the fourth quarter of Week 5, star quarterback Russell Wilson was looking for one man: DK Metcalf.

The closer: Wilson delivers a most improbable Seahawks comeback win

On fourth-and-10 inside the final 90 seconds, Wilson found the second-year receiver deep for a 39-yard gain to give Seattle a new set of downs and put the team in Minnesota territory.

Wilson then found Metcalf to get another first down a few plays later. Then, just 6 yards away from the end zone, Wilson threw it Metcalf’s way on second, third and fourth down, with the latter resulting in the game-winning touchdown and Metcalf’s second score of the day.

Over the last two or three years, it has seemed like when the Seahawks needed a key play to get a first down or score, Wilson was looking for veteran receiver Tyler Lockett. But against the Vikings, it was clear he was looking for the big-bodied receiver from Ole Miss.

Does this mean Metcalf is the new main target when Seattle desperately needs a play late in games? Former Seahawks quarterback and current NFL on FOX color commentator Brock Huard said it depends on the opponent.

“I think it’s a little different. I think a little bit of that is man versus zone,” Huard said Monday morning on 710 ESPN Seattle’s Danny and Gallant. “When (Metcalf) gets man situations and true one-on-one (matchups), and when Minnesota was going to bring the house and blitz and pressure (Wilson) – and even if they were playing zone or playing quarters – it still turns into one-on-one situations on the perimeter with the receiver and that (defensive back). And I think whenever those situations arise, you are going to give No. 14 the chance over anybody else. That’s where he separates.”

Metcalf is listed at 6 foot 4 and roughly 230 pounds, and he runs faster than nearly every receiver in the league with 4.33 40-yard dash speed. That makes him a matchup nightmare at times for defensive backs who either can’t contend with his speed or get “outmuscled” by the big wide receiver. Lockett, meanwhile, is smaller and shiftier, which allows him to excel against a different type of defense, Huard said.

“Now if you’re playing a zone team, a team that’s just rushing four and giving you windows of opportunity and certainly matchups in the slot that Tyler can destroy and decimate, he’s going to have double-digit catch games this season still,” Huard said. “He’ll have plenty of opportunities … But when it is mano a mano and I’ve got to just have it and I’ve got a one-on-one matchup, DK is going to be the guy because he’s starting to earn it by doing it again and again in the biggest of moments.”

Listen to all Danny and Gallant podcasts at this link.

Follow Brock Huard on Twitter.

Rost: The supremely weird Hawks strike again to preserve perfect record

Danny and Gallant

Seahawks Alex Collins...

Brent Stecker

Huard: What do Seahawks do at No. 2 RB with Alex Collins, Rashaad Penny?

Alex Collins was impressive this preseason, but was it enough to earn the job as the Seahawks' backup to Chris Carson over Rashaad Penny?

3 years ago

Seahawks Darrell Taylor...

Paul Gallant

Gallant: 4 takeaways after Seahawks wrap up preseason with win

Paul Gallant takes stock of the Seahawks after they wrapped up the preseason with a 27-0 win over the Chargers on Saturday night.

3 years ago

Seahawks TE Gerald Everett...

Brandon Gustafson

Bumpus: Why TE Gerald Everett will be Seahawks’ most impactful offseason addition

When it comes to every new player the Seahawks added this offseason, Michael Bumpus is counting on TE Gerald Everett to stand out the most.

3 years ago

Seahawks QB Russell Wilson...

Paul Gallant

Gallant: Will Seahawks’ Russell Wilson, a pioneer of mobile QBs, adapt into his 30s?

Seahawks QB Russell Wilson has been a mobile QB for his whole career, but Paul Gallant hopes he'll consider a few things as he loses a step.

3 years ago

Mariners OF Kyle Lewis...

Brandon Gustafson

Jerry Dipoto Show: His future with the Mariners, Flexen’s consistency, Lewis’ return

Mariners GM Jerry Dipoto joined Danny & Gallant to talk about the playoff race, his future in Seattle, and the close return of a key player.

3 years ago

Seahawks John Reid...

Brandon Gustafson

Bumpus: What the addition of John Reid means for Seahawks’ CB room

The Seahawks traded for second-year CB John Reid this week. Michael Bumpus breaks down what that means for Seattle's CB competition.

3 years ago

Has Metcalf passed Lockett as Seahawks’ go-to WR in crunch time?