Is DK actually receiving too many targets?

[Maelstrom787]

Targets:

DK Metcalf - 54
Jaxon Smith-Njigba - 49
Tyler Lockett - 40

...that's a lot less of a target share discrepancy than I expected.

So where does the perception of DK getting forced the ball come from? Is it simply that DK's shots feel more predetermined in nature and that its more noticeable since his depth of target is usually deeper?

 

[AROS]

I think so. I certainly feel some of those targets seem “forced” to me. That’s not some statistical metric, more of an eye test observation.

I would have to go back and analyze 6 weeks worth of game footage to support my theory but to me, it certainly feels that Geno or coaches want to keep DK happy.

I’m not in the “trade the bum” camp but his fumbles are a real thing that needs to be rectified, pronto.

 

[Spin Doctor]

Targets:

DK Metcalf - 54
Jaxon Smith-Njigba - 49
Tyler Lockett - 40

...that's a lot less of a target share discrepancy than I expected.

So where does the perception of DK getting forced the ball come from? Is it simply that DK's shots feel more predetermined in nature and that it’s more noticeable since his depth of target is usually deeper?

I think it’s all of the above. It definitely seems like Geno is more down for targeting him in double and triple coverages. He seems to exercise a lot more digression with Lockett and JSN.

I think the 49ers game especially, Geno tunnel visioned in DK’s direction.

 

[Ozzy]

Maybe it’s perception but multiple times others have been wide open and Geno forces it to DK. I can remember two really bad ones involving JSN. Now this happens with every QB but it just feels forced at times which may or may not be fair.

I think Aros nails it too, it seems like a concerted effort to keep DK happy. I think JSN should lead in targets as he’s a better receiver and DK is the ultimate #2. A guy who can hurt you at any moment and break one. They seem to be forcing it the other direction but it did surprise me it’s not more unbalanced.

 

[PeruHawk]

I'll make a bold statement and say that if the targets had been

Tyler Lockett - 54
DK Metcalf - 40

we would have won more games.

 

[pittpnthrs]

I think Geno forces passes to DK for a few reasons (DK's a cry baby, DK is big and has the most physical talent, DK is looked upon as a safety net when Geno needs yards or a play breaks down, Grubb), but it's not out of this stratosphere like it was with Wilson and Graham.

 

[Seahawkwalt1967]

Too much forcing, I agree

 

[LeveeBreak]

yes

 

[MontanaHawk05]

It comes from people needing a scapegoat and DK's lack of a filter making himself an easy target.

 

[Fresno Hawk]

No, were actually just throwing the ball too much in general so it appears that way.

 

[HawkFreak]

Too many targets? If he's keeps catching those targets at this current rate - then yes.
Forcing it to him too much? Yes.

 

[knownone]

I never thought I'd be defending DK. However, the numbers don't support the idea that Geno is force-feeding him to the detriment of others. This is probably a combination of A) recency bias and B) passing volume. A) DK played his worst game of the season. B) Seattle's throwing the ball over 40 times per game, so we're seeing significantly more targets than usual.

 

[SoulfishHawk]

I never thought you would either hahaha

Just messin'