Seahawks’ DK Metcalf Praised for ‘Poised’ Performance vs. Lions

Despite battling injury, Seattle Seahawks receiver D.K. Metcalf turned in a clean, efficient performance against the Detroit Lions on Sunday.

The Seattle Seahawks are just two weeks into the season, but receiver D.K. Metcalf has already been on a roller coaster ride.

Metcalf had three receptions for 47 yards and a touchdown in the Seahawks' season opener against the Los Angeles Rams, but no one was talking about his stats after the game. Instead, the main talking point was him taking a cheap shot on Rams cornerback Ahkello Witherspoon, and then taunting the opposing sideline on the ensuing injury timeout. Not only did Metcalf's penalty effectively end any hope of a Seahawks comeback, but also earned him two fines of over $10,000 each.

After that fiasco, Metcalf was looking to put the distractions behind him in Sunday's game against the Detroit Lions. He turned in a solid performance with six receptions for 75 yards, but most importantly, kept it clean this time around. By putting last week's mess behind him, Metcalf earned the praise of coach Pete Carroll.

“You know, I was really proud of him and the way he performed this game,” Caroll said on Seattle Sports’ Pete Carroll Show. “He took a lot of heat last week from the way things went and all, and he had to make a real conscious effort to make sure that he was focused and everything was all right in front of him. He did a phenomenal job, and he was calm and poised.”

While Metcalf didn't find the end zone this week, he still came up with some huge plays. Most notably, he had a 16-yard catch on third down in overtime to keep the eventual game-winning drive going. Carroll referred to the catch as a "beautiful play" after the fact.

Metcalf has a solid game, but it didn't come without some hardships. In the first quarter, the star receiver took a hard hit and immediately had to leave the game. He returned in the second half, but that hit is still having an effect on him.

“He’s sore. I haven’t talked to him this morning but I bet he had a hard time sleeping,” Carroll said. “He took a real shot, and literally got back in that game just totally on guts.”

After Monday's practice, Carroll revealed that Metcalf will likely need "a couple of days" to rest up and recover.

Pete Carroll on WR DK Metcalf's injured ribs: "He's going to need a couple days" recuperation.

Sounds like he may miss or be limited in a couple #Seahawks practices before their home game Sunday vs Carolina

— Gregg Bell (@gbellseattle) September 18, 2023

Even with Metcalf's injury, Carroll is still extremely proud of the resolve his receiver showed on Sunday.

“That’s where I see him at his best, and I’m really hoping that’s going to be a continued step that he takes and shows how he can elevate and really play a great football game,” Carroll said.