Heaps: How WR Tyler Lockett has started 2021 red hot for the Seahawks
Sep 21, 2021, 12:31 AM
Russell Wilson and Tyler Lockett of the Seattle Seahawks react after connecting on a touchdown during the second quarter against the Tennessee Titans. (Steph Chambers/Getty Images)
(Steph Chambers/Getty Images)
For all the talk of what Year 3 held for star Seahawks wide receiver DK Metcalf, it’s been Tyler Lockett who’s been making things very difficult for Seattle’s opposition this season.
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Through the Seahawks’ first two games, Lockett has 12 catches for 278 yards and three touchdowns. He ranks second in the NFL in receiving yards, is tied for second in receiving touchdowns, and is fourth in yards per catch (23.2).
After a 100-yard, two-touchdown performance in Seattle’s opener, Lockett paced all players in a Week 2 loss to the Titans with eight catches and 178 yards, 63 of which came on this touchdown reception.
Guess who?! 😏@TDLockett12 takes it to the end zone for this 63-yarder!
📺: #TENvsSEA on CBS pic.twitter.com/ElGrL9Ldja
— Seattle Seahawks (@Seahawks) September 19, 2021
What’s allowed Lockett to get off to such a hot start to the 2021 season? Former NFL quarterback Jake Heaps shared some quick thoughts on Lockett’s play during Monday’s edition of Jake and Stacy on 710 ESPN Seattle.
“He’s off to a hot start because he’s had great opportunities in advantageous situations,” Heaps said. “The scheme, the play calling has allowed him to get on safeties’ toes. He’s been in one-on-one situations with the safety quite often thus far this season. He has also had a number of opportunities to have open space.”
Heaps said that Lockett has excelled with deep crossing routes, noting that neither the Indianapolis Colts in Week 1 nor the Tennessee Titans in Week 2 have “picked up on that and have not tried to stop that yet.” And even when that starts to happen, the Seahawks could capitalize.
“I’ll be curious when that starts to happen, when that starts to shift, if that means less (defensive) attention to DK Metcalf,” Heaps said.
While Lockett has been Russell Wilson’s top target to start 2021, Metcalf has 10 catches for 113 yards and one touchdown. Metcalf has shown in the past that he can step up and be the go-to guy while defenses focus on Lockett.
“DK hasn’t had those big explosive plays. They’re going to come, you’ve got to stay patient with it,” Heap said. “But in the meantime, Tyler Lockett has been absolutely exceptional. The key will be, can they get both guys going at the same time?”
Listen to the full conversation in the podcast at this link or in the player below.
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