Seattle Seahawks receiver DK Metcalf is perfectly fine with not having the ball, as it gives him a chance to show off his blocking skills.
“I just look at it as a sign of respect that I’ve gained from other defensive coordinators and just continue to do my job with it as blocking or being a decoy,” said the two-time Pro Bowler.
While opposing defenses focus on Metcalf, other parts of Seattle’s offense have stepped up during its four-game winning streak. The Seahawks (8-5) are leading the NFC West as they prepare for Sunday night’s game against the Green Bay Packers (9-4).
Geno Smith’s new go-to target is second-year receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba, who needs 89 more receiving yards to reach 1,000 yards in his first season.
Smith-Njigba has 75 catches for 911 yards and five touchdowns, while Metcalf, often facing double coverage, has 54 catches for 812 yards and two touchdowns.
Metcalf says he feels like a “proud parent or a big brother” when he watches Smith-Njigba’s success.
Seattle’s offense also got a boost from the running game in a 30-18 win over the Arizona Cardinals last weekend. Zach Charbonnet, filling in for the injured Kenneth Walker III, ran for a career-high 134 yards and two touchdowns.
The Seahawks are up against another strong team in the Packers (9-4), who have won seven of their last nine games.
Green Bay’s two losses in that stretch came against the NFC-best Detroit Lions (12-1), including a 34-31 loss to Detroit on Dec. 5, which means the Packers are unlikely to win the NFC North title.
The Packers are in a good position for a playoff spot, but they likely won’t secure it this weekend. They would need a win, a loss or tie from the Atlanta Falcons, and a tie between the Los Angeles Rams and San Francisco 49ers.
Metcalf, who learned how to block from his father, former Chicago Bears offensive lineman Terrence Metcalf, takes his blocking seriously to stand out from other receivers.
His focus is simple when he’s double-teamed and the ball goes to someone else.
“Trying to block my (butt) off and trying to get pancakes on defensive backs,” he said.
