What's Going On With Metcalf?

[keasley45]

DK Metcalf hasn't scored a TD for the past 5 straight games. He hasn't had a 100-yard game for his past 9 games (I'm not counting the two games he missed). Over that same 9 games, he's caught more than 4 passes just once. Last week, he caught 3 passes for 28 yards and no TD's. That's quite a change from a 3-game stretch earlier in the year when he had 21 receptions for 337 yards and 2 TD's.

Injuries might be playing a role as he missed two games earlier in the season, but he was in on 55 of the 56 plays this last Sunday yet caught just 3 passes for 28 yards and no TD's, so they can't be that debilitating.

So, what's the problem? Is it Geno? Grubbs? Or is it Metcalf? Why are we unable to take advantage of this guy's incredible athletic ability for more than just a decoy or to preoccupy defenses?

Defenses have landed on a way to defend us that works - double DK, shut down the run and challenge the QB to run the offense through Lockett, JSN, and the occassional TE.

Its been the same formula for 10 weeks and for the most part it works.

DK is not a sharp route runner. He doesnt make his money on the quick routes (the occassional slant aside). His game in this offense has been to work the medium routes and take the top off the D. Most of thosr plays require more protection, hence fewer opportunities.

JSN's 'emergence' has been as much a result of a schematic and functional failure of the offense to do operate effectively ad it is anything else. If we cant run, we have to fabbricate short, run-type passes, and JSN has been the beneficiary of that adjustment. If we cant run and then also as a result dont have the deep passes off of PA that we seem intent on forcing DKs way, the ball finds another receiver (often JSN) or the play ends in a sack.

And the latter has been a frustrating thing to watch week in and week out. If we go back and look at the sacks we have taken, the number that have been on 3rd and less than 4 or 5 stands out. Its in thise situations, that we seem hell bent on forcing the ball to DK deep, relying on the defense to bite on PA when we rarely run in that situation, and seeming entirely unaware of the fact the defenses know its coming and repeatedly bring pressure there that gets to Geno. And it seems both Geno and Grubb are so hell bent on making that play hit that they call it regardless of what the success rate has been.

In short, DK, partly because he doesn't run the sharpest short routes and mostly because Grubb has been content to let him be the double coverage, sacrificial lamb in this offense to get others open, has been relegated to a big play, roll of the dice crap shoot on 3rd down and x, PA plays and the occassional jump ball recipient on the outside when he does see single coverage.

 

[kidhawk]

Metcalf is playing through injuries to his knee and his shoulder.

That should answer he questions.

the knee has slowed him as an elite Big but F-A-S-T WR. The awful pass pro isn’t helping either.

He must still be doing something right because he’s getting a lot of double and triple coverages. If that’s how it goes when he’s injured how unstoppable is he healthy?

 

[RiverDog]

He must still be doing something right because he’s getting a lot of double and triple coverages. If that’s how it goes when he’s injured how unstoppable is he healthy?

As I said earlier, I don't think injuries are a major factor in his drop in production. He played all but one offensive snap last week.

I do like all the comments that might explain why we are seeing such a dramatic and sustained drop in production from our #1 receiver. However, I want to mention that a lot of these factors that we've discussed were present at the start of the season and in previous years when his production was much better, so they may not be an adequate explanation.

We'll see what happens tomorrow. The Vikings have one of the worst pass defenses in the league, ranked 29th in passing yardage, but they don't give up a lot of points, averaging 18 ppg, 2nd in the league next to the Eagles. There should be some opportunities.

 

[Rat]

Vikings also lead the league in INTs, are sixth in sacks, and surrender the third-lowest rating to opposing QBs. Saying the Vikings have one of the worst pass Ds because of yardage is like calling Geno one of the league's best QBs because of yardage.

 

[Appyhawk]

DK is currently focusing on maturing as a team leader and the multiple facets of being a deep threat receiver. His job as a decoy is to open the field for TEs, Lockett, JSN, or the RBs options. He also is improving his skills as a blocker to enable improved YAC for his teammates.

 

[Rat]

DK is currently focusing on maturing as a team leader and the multiple facets of being a deep threat receiver. His job as a decoy is to open the field for TEs, Lockett, JSN, or the RBs options. He also is improving his skills as a blocker to enable improved YAC for his teammates.

I believe he has actually been rating highly as a blocker this season. It has been cool to see him doing the little things while not complaining about not getting the ball more.

Hopefully this makes him better in the long run. Wouldn't be surprised to see his numbers skyrocket once more of the issues on offense getting fixed with more than bandaids. Whoever is coordinating the offense next season will be getting a great piece to work with.

 

[RiverDog]

Vikings also lead the league in INTs, are sixth in sacks, and surrender the third-lowest rating to opposing QBs. Saying the Vikings have one of the worst pass Ds because of yardage is like calling Geno one of the league's best QBs because to yardage.

Good point. That helps explain why they don't give up many points.

Nevertheless, they give up a ton of passing yards, so there is an opportunity.

 

[MontanaHawk05]

I know the passing offense looked terrible with him out.

Just to reestablish some context before TraderGary and Chukarhawk bring the Get Rid of DK bandwagon out of mothballs.

 

[Wsumatt1982]

I think it’s just a product of teams can’t take away everyone and DK scares teams with what he can do. I really think it’s just that simple. Double coverage.

 

[CalgaryFan05]

Defenses have landed on a way to defend us that works - double DK, shut down the run and challenge the QB to run the offense through Lockett, JSN, and the occassional TE.

Its been the same formula for 10 weeks and for the most part it works.

DK is not a sharp route runner. He doesnt make his money on the quick routes (the occassional slant aside). His game in this offense has been to work the medium routes and take the top off the D. Most of thosr plays require more protection, hence fewer opportunities.

JSN's 'emergence' has been as much a result of a schematic and functional failure of the offense to do operate effectively ad it is anything else. If we cant run, we have to fabbricate short, run-type passes, and JSN has been the beneficiary of that adjustment. If we cant run and then also as a result dont have the deep passes off of PA that we seem intent on forcing DKs way, the ball finds another receiver (often JSN) or the play ends in a sack.

And the latter has been a frustrating thing to watch week in and week out. If we go back and look at the sacks we have taken, the number that have been on 3rd and less than 4 or 5 stands out. Its in thise situations, that we seem hell bent on forcing the ball to DK deep, relying on the defense to bite on PA when we rarely run in that situation, and seeming entirely unaware of the fact the defenses know its coming and repeatedly bring pressure there that gets to Geno. And it seems both Geno and Grubb are so hell bent on making that play hit that they call it regardless of what the success rate has been.

In short, DK, partly because he doesn't run the sharpest short routes and mostly because Grubb has been content to let him be the double coverage, sacrificial lamb in this offense to get others open, has been relegated to a big play, roll of the dice crap shoot on 3rd down and x, PA plays and the occassional jump ball recipient on the outside when he does see single coverage.

Spot on. Nice ******* post!

 

[AnimeAmore]

DK Metcalf hasn't scored a TD for the past 5 straight games. He hasn't had a 100-yard game for his past 9 games (I'm not counting the two games he missed). Over that same 9 games, he's caught more than 4 passes just once. Last week, he caught 3 passes for 28 yards and no TD's. That's quite a change from a 3-game stretch earlier in the year when he had 21 receptions for 337 yards and 2 TD's.

Injuries might be playing a role as he missed two games earlier in the season, but he was in on 55 of the 56 plays this last Sunday yet caught just 3 passes for 28 yards and no TD's, so they can't be that debilitating.

So, what's the problem? Is it Geno? Grubbs? Or is it Metcalf? Why are we unable to take advantage of this guy's incredible athletic ability for more than just a decoy or to preoccupy defenses?

Metcalf has always been overrated. He has (or at least had) the ability to be a top-5 WR in the league if he really wanted it.
Also I'm not sure if he still has the horrible diet (lots of candy and junk) that he talked about in the past, but your diet catches up to you eventually.
I think the overall story of Metcalf's career will be "what if?"

 

[Chukarhawk]

I know the passing offense looked terrible with him out.

Just to reestablish some context before TraderGary and Chukarhawk bring the Get Rid of DK bandwagon out of mothballs.

I like DK, I'd like to keep him if the money is right. He has some holes in his game, some of it I think is in his control. I've never seriously advocated to get rid of him.

 

[DJrmb]

He's tired of fake fans who sell their tickets to Green Bay, San Fran, and the likes.

 

[RiverDog]

I like DK, I'd like to keep him if the money is right. He has some holes in his game, some of it I think is in his control. I've never seriously advocated to get rid of him.

Metcalf has great straight away speed and of course has superior size and strength. But he's one dimensional, doesn't have good lateral quickness like Tyreek Hill or a dual threat like Deebo in his prime. As noted, his size and speed creates mismatches as defenses have to account for him, usually by putting their biggest and most athletic DB on him. The predominant strategy to defend him is to be physical with him, not let him get out on his route. This often times draws defensive holding, illegal contact, and PI penalties.

His self-control doesn't seem to be as much of a problem as it was in the past as he hasn't been flagged for any penalties recently, but as noted earlier, that might be a symptom of a problem with his motivation or lack thereof.

I do think that they need to do some things to get him open, like put him in motion more often so he doesn't get jammed at the LOS so much. But while I like him for what we're currently using him for, it's a foregone conclusion that he's going to want a lot more money, market setting money, and I don't think he's worth it.

 

[keasley45]

I like DK, I'd like to keep him if the money is right. He has some holes in his game, some of it I think is in his control. I've never seriously advocated to get rid of him.

DK on his next contract is tricky for both sides. For 4 years now he's been on questionable offenses with passing games handcuffed by OCs. If i am DK, im weighing career potential vs dollar potential. If he wants to write his name on the all-time list, he may want to play eslewhere rather than pull an ADB and wear out his body for a franchise / system that may never prosper enough to see him flourish.

At the same time, i feel he is both a bit limited in terms of his raw wr ability AND his focus in trying to truly better himself to the point he jumps from top 8 to 15 to elite level. Maybe its because he feels bored. Maybe its because he sees the flaws in the system and is demoralized by it. Maybe its none of that and he's fine here and just needs to take the next step, even if its never to the elite wrung on the ladder. Just seems to me the tantrums stem from lack of involvement in an often ineffective offense that shoots itself in the foot as much as it is actually beaten by opponents. DK too often looks bored, which is notable given how often he can also look average.

Still hopeful Grubb gets it, and that we can keep DK at a reasonable number. Even with his flaws, there isnt a long list of wrs who demand double coverage the way the dude does every game.

 

[Sperrydogg]

I believe he has actually been rating highly as a blocker this season. It has been cool to see him doing the little things while not complaining about not getting the ball more.

Hopefully this makes him better in the long run. Wouldn't be surprised to see his numbers skyrocket once more of the issues on offense getting fixed with more than bandaids. Whoever is coordinating the offense next season will be getting a great piece to work with.

Right so what if they take DK away. We gotta start making teams pay for that and then DK will burn them again. I really think it starts with our line. We gotta stop letting D lineman go unblocked. We’re not getting sacked by blitz, it’s down lineman being wiffed on and even worse driving our lineman all the way back into geno

 

[flv2]

Maybe Smith-Njigba is better than Metcalf at what the Seahawks are trying to do.

 

[Ozzy]

Metcalf is playing through injuries to his knee and his shoulder.

That should answer the questions.

the knee has slowed him as an elite Big but F-A-S-T WR. The awful pass pro isn’t helping either.

Yeah it has to be an injury thing. If he’s remotely healthy this is a good week for him to make a big splash play

 

[RiverDog]

Maybe Smith-Njigba is better than Metcalf at what the Seahawks are trying to do.

I think so, too. This isn't a big play offense, more of a dink-and-dunk. JSN is a lot more versatile, more elusive, can fit into more play designs.

But the fact that Metcalf commands so much attention can't be rationalized or ignored. It's something we'll have to consider if and when it comes time to part with him.

 

[RiverDog]

I gotta bump this thread back to the top.

Metcalf's stat line yesterday was 3 receptions on 7 targets for 57 yards and a TD.

Although we don't know for sure if that last interception was all on him or if it was a communication issue between him and Geno, but at the risk of being labeled a Metcalf hater, my guess that it was all on Metcalf, that he was supposed to have ran a 90 degree out pattern and instead turned too far up field and wasn't at the spot Geno expected him to be. Metcalf has been known to run sloppy routes.

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