Seahawks WR DK Metcalf Knows He's 'A Target' of Defenses Looking to Instigate

Seattle Seahawks receiver DK Metcalf has had issues with getting baited into unnecessary penalties.

Outside of the offense going silent in the second half of their Week 1 loss to the Los Angeles Rams, it was a late penalty drawn by star wide receiver DK Metcalf that has been a major talking point surrounding the Seattle Seahawks ahead of their Week 2 meeting with the Detroit Lions at Ford Field on Sunday.

Late in the fourth quarter with the Seahawks having essentially conceded their loss, Metcalf slammed cornerback Ahkello Witherspoon to the ground with a block from the side at the end of a play for pretty much no reason. The Rams sideline was irate at the play, and Pete Carroll didn't seem pleased during his radio show when he mentioned he discussed Metcalf's actions with the receiver again. 

When asked about what he and Carroll discussed, Metcalf wasn't willing to elaborate but acknowledged that he is aware that defenses will be trying to get under his skin.

"That's between me and Pete (Carroll), but the gist of the message was that I'm a target now I've got to carry myself as such and not continue to hurt the team. That's what I'm going to do."

USA Today

According to an ESPN report, Metcalf has now been flagged eight times in his career for either taunting, unsportsmanlike conduct, or unnecessary roughness. That number has led the NFL in since his rookie season in 2019.

The receiver was also asked about the possibility of Lions defensive back C.J. Gardner-Johnson getting under his skin, whom he will likely be matching up with this weekend. Gardner-Johnson is known for being an instigator, but Metcalf brushed off the question.

"That's pretty much every DB, but it's just the volume that he talks at."

Metcalf was held to just three catches for 47 yards in Week 1, but he did add a touchdown. He and the Seahawks are looking to turn things around against a Lions team that is feeling good after a huge season-opening win over the defending champion Kansas City Chiefs.