Good afternoon, 12s. Here's a look at what's out there today — Thursday, January 4 — about your Seattle Seahawks.
Seahawks wideout DK Metcalf reflects on becoming the seventh wideout in franchise history to record consecutive 1,000-yard seasons.
Seahawks wideout DK Metcalf is on a historical path statistically as his fifth season in the league nears its end. In Week 17's 30-23 loss to the Pittsburgh Steelers, Metcalf snagged five receptions for 106 yards, marking his third 100-yard contest on the year. It also pushed Metcalf above 1,000 yards (1,104) for the second-consecutive season, marking the third time in his young career. On Wednesday, the Ole Miss alum reflected on becoming the seventh Seahawk wideout to accomplish the feat, and his league journey to this point.
Through 15 games played in 2023, Metcalf has caught 65 passes to go with his 1,104 yards, along with reaching the end zone eight times. Metcalf's 17 yards per catch is the highest average of his young career, and with a game to go in the regular season, marks the first year he hasn't surrendered a fumble. Following Wednesday's practice, Metcalf discussed achieving consecutive 1,000-yard seasons, and the importance of consistency.
"Just being able to play for 15 games this year and reach that mark is just a blessing," said Metcalf. "But it's not just a personal goal because it takes 10 other people out there on the field. Shoutout to the O-line because I know it's a ton of guys who've been rotating this year, Drew (Lock), Geno (Smith), for stepping in the role and just being a great quarterback this year for this offense, and Shane (Waldron), Sanjay (Lal), Andy (Dickerson), Chad (Morton), all the running backs who stayed in, helped with protection, and the running backs for getting the tough yards when we need them so we could be able to throw the ball. It's just a team accomplishment and not just an individual goal the way I look at it."
Metcalf has surpassed his 2022 yardage total (1,048) in two fewer games, while accumulating 51 first downs, his highest total since he had 63 in 2020. On Wednesday, Metcalf was selected as one of eight Seattle alternates for the 2024 Pro Bowl. Metcalf discussed his relationship with receivers coach Sanjay Lal, and how their bond has made him a better player.
"Just his consistency," said Metcalf. "Of not letting me be an average person or average receiver or just letting me settle with what I've done so far. He's always pushed me every day, he always takes care of me when I need an extra breather, or break, or anytime I'm frustrated on the sideline he's always somebody that talks to me. Or calms me down, or tells me the next play, or to keep my head up, or stay in the game. He's just been more than a coach for me, a great friend off the field. He's just been an overall, just a great person to have in my life these past few years."
Metcalf's willingness to credit others is a sign of the maturity that's helped him grow into one of the league's premiere young talents. In August, Yahoo Sports named Metcalf as a Top-10 wideout 25-years-of-age- or younger. But his desire to help the Seahawks return to the top of the league is a major source of motivation. Metcalf reflected on Seattle's current 8-8 standing, as the 8-8 Seahawks are in the same position they were at the close of the 2022 season - in need of a win and help from others to secure a playoff berth.
"That's just the bed we laid for ourselves," said Metcalf. "We got to finish the season off strong and like you said, man we need help just to get in the playoffs. Once you get in this position, you just start looking back at all the games that you should've won, or the plays you should've made. And then, the plays that you should've made just start to catch up with you. But, it all just goes back to being consistent and just being the same executing offense that you were these past couple of weeks that we were, and we have been. Just gives us something to look forward to next year, but just finishing strong this year is something that we have to do."
Seattle prepares to face the Arizona Cardinals on Sunday, for a chance to climb above .500. There's no guarantee that a win would land the Seahawks a playoff berth; but the growth of Metcalf should be a great indication of the direction the franchise could be heading in the future behind the 6-4 wideout's leadership and continued growth.
Social Post Of The Day
Seahawks defensive linemen Leonard Williams and Jarran Reed rank among the best interior defenders when double-teamed, per ESPN's Next Gen Stats
More From Around The Web
Bob Condotta of the Seattle Times: The Seahawks’ focus this week before regular-season finale at Arizona? ‘Finish.’
Bob Condotta of the Seattle Times: Seahawks LB Bobby Wagner ‘100%’ wants to keep playing next season.
Brent Stecker of Seattle Sports 710AM: Seahawks Takeaways: K.J. Wright on 3 issues going into Week 18.
Michael-Shawn Dugar of The Athletic: The Seahawks’ run defense, once among the best, has collapsed at the worst time.
Brady Henderson of ESPN's NFL Nation: Seahawks' Bobby Wagner '100%' sure he'll return for 2024 season.
John Boyle of Seahawks.com: Bobby Wagner, Devon Witherspoon & Julian Love Selected For 2024 Pro Bowl Games
The NFL announced that three Seahawks players were selected to the 2024 Pro Bowl including linebacker Bobby Wagner, safety Julian Love and rookie cornerback Devon Witherspoon. Take a look at some of the best photos of the Seahawks Pro Bowlers during the 2023 season.