Good morning, 12s. Here's a look at what's happening today – Wednesday, Oct. 14 – for your Seattle Seahawks.
"Good Morning Football" Sees DK Metcalf As 2020's Breakout Star
Through five games, the Seahawks have a number of players who have taken massive steps forward from last year. Perhaps none have emerged like DK Metcalf. As a rookie, Metcalf had 900 receiving yards and seven touchdowns in the regular season before his record-setting playoff outburst against the Eagles.
In Year 2, he's gotten even better. Metcalf's been Russell Wilson's top target all season, catching four or more passes in all five games and leading the team with five touchdowns. The most impressive stat through five games is his ridiculous 22.5 yards per reception, which easily tops the NFL. Nineteen of his 22 receptions have gone for a first down.
In a segment on NFL Network's "Good Morning Football," analyst Peter Schrager chose Metcalf as his breakout star of 2020. Here's what he had to say:
"You say, 'Wait a second, he was a breakout star last year! He had 160 receiving yards in a playoff game, isn't that enough?' No, I think this guy has gone to the next level. He's in that Julio (Jones), Michael Thomas, DeAndre Hopkins conversation. And if you're a fan of a team kicking yourself saying 'We took this guy over DK Metcalf in the draft,' don't worry, there's eight other teams like you."
To put Metcalf among guys like Jones, Thomas and Hopkins is the highest of praise. Those three have been elite wide receivers in the NFL for multiple years, and Metcalf appears to be his way to joining them.
Damien Lewis Ranks Among Top NFL Rookies
The Seahawks' revamped offensive line has been a key factor in the 5-0 start. Between center Ethan Pocic, rookie right guard Damien Lewis and right tackle Brandon Shell, the Seahawks have shored up the right side of their line. Pocic spent much of last season on injured reserve, while Shell came over as a free agent from the New York Jets.
Lewis was drafted in the third round and has immediately made a difference. In Pro Football Focus’ rookie rankings through Week 5, Lewis stands out as the No. 6 highest-graded player in his class. Here's what PFF's Anthony Treash wrote about Lewis' rookie campaign:
"Lewis went back to his old ways in Week 5; he once again gave us a subpar performance in pass protection but impacted the run game. He had a couple of ugly losses when trying to keep Russell Wilson free from pressure en route to a 61.4 pass-block grade for the game. This takes his single-season pass-block grade to 52.9, 54th of 71 qualifying guards. However, Lewis posted his third single game run-blocking grade above 80.0, bringing his season grade in that facet to 87.8 – the fifth-best at the position and over nine grading points higher than sixth. Overall, Lewis ranks ninth in negatively graded run block rate and third in positively graded run block rate."
Lewis' prowess in the running game has been crucial to the Seahawks' rushing attack, which ranks seventh in the league at 4.9 yards per carry. The further we get into his rookie season, the more you can expect Lewis to improve.
Social Post Of The Day
Jamal Adams continues to deliver on social media, this time with a tweet comparing DK Metcalf to Megatron – the nickname for former Detroit Lions receiver Calvin Johnson.
Johnson made six Pro Bowls and three First-Team All-Pros in his storied career. Understandably, DK was thankful for the praise from his teammate.
More From Around The Web
Seahawks.com reporter John Boyle answered your questions in his latest Seahawks Mailbag.
Also on Seahawks.com, Scott Engel gives you Week 6 fantasy football tips, waiver targets and lineup options.
Bob Condotta of the Seattle Times ranked the 12 greatest fourth-quarter comebacks of Russell Wilson’s career.
Jim Moore of 710 ESPN Seattle has 10 takeaways after Sunday’s victory.
Joe Fann of NBC Sports Northwest took a look at how the eight receivers drafted before DK Metcalf are faring.
