Seattle Seahawks receiver is DK Metcalf is simply positive when he doesn’t have the the ball as a result of it means he will get to showcase his blocking expertise.
“I just look at it as a sign of respect that I’ve gained from other defensive coordinators and just continue to do my job with it as blocking or being a decoy,” the two-time Professional Bowler mentioned.
Whereas opposing defenses have keyed in on Metcalf, different features of Seattle’s offense have surfaced throughout its four-game profitable streak. The run has the Seahawks (8-5) sitting atop the NFC West heading into Sunday night time’s recreation towards the visiting Inexperienced Bay Packers (9-4).
Geno Smith’s new high goal is second-year receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba, who wants 89 receiving yards for his first profession 1,000-yard season.
Smith-Njigba has 75 catches for 911 yards and 5 touchdowns, whereas Metcalf, typically coping with double protection, has 54 catches for 812 yards and two scores.
Metcalf says he feels the delight of a “proud parent or a big brother” in terms of Smith-Njigba’s success.
Seattle’s offense additionally obtained a lift from the bottom recreation in a 30-18 victory over the Arizona Cardinals final weekend. Zach Charbonnet, filling in for the injured Kenneth Walker III, ran for a career-best 134 yards and two touchdowns.
The Seahawks face one other sizzling group within the Packers (9-4), who’ve received seven of 9.
Inexperienced Bay’s two losses over that stretch have come towards NFC-best Detroit (12-1), together with a 34-31 victory by the Lions on Dec. 5, which implies the NFC North title is probably going out of attain for the Packers.
The Packers are well-positioned for a playoff berth, however that just about definitely received’t come this weekend. They would wish a win, a loss or tie by the Atlanta Falcons and a tie between the Los Angeles Rams and San Francisco 49ers.
Metcalf, who realized to dam from his father, former Chicago Bears offensive lineman Terrence Metcalf, says he tries to take blocking significantly to set himself other than different receivers.
His priorities are easy when he’s getting double-teamed and the ball goes elsewhere.
“Trying to block my (butt) off and trying to get pancakes on defensive backs,” he mentioned.
Love heats up
When the Packers surged their approach into the playoffs final season, quarterback Jordan Love was a significant purpose why. He had 18 landing passes and one interception throughout Inexperienced Bay’s remaining eight video games.
Over the past 4 video games of this season, Love ranks third within the NFL with a 118.9 passer score with six touchdowns, one interception and a league-best 10.3 yards per try.
“I always feel like I can put the ball where I want to — and that’s part of it, too, having that confidence to be able to throw those passes,” Love mentioned. “There’s always like I said a handful of plays that might not come off or be in the exact spot that you wanted it to or the throw might be a little bit off. So, that’s where you’ve just got to try to be at your best every play, be consistent and accurate as possible.”
Passing fancy
Inexperienced Bay’s cross protection has been picked aside the final two weeks. First, it was torched by Tua Tagovailoa and the Dolphins in a Packers win. Subsequent, it allowed Jared Goff to finish his remaining 13 passes because the Lions rallied to victory.
It received’t get any simpler this week. Smith is second within the NFL in makes an attempt, completions and passing yards and is fifth in completion share.
“It’s been a remarkable turnaround for him in terms of just where he started,” Packers coach Matt LaFleur mentioned. “It’s not always where you start, but where you finish. And it tells me a lot about the person in terms of his resiliency and ability to fight through some adversity. He’s a dangerous quarterback.”
The potential return of former All-Professional cornerback Jaire Alexander (knee) might assist the Packers.
Trend ahead
Will the Packers escape their head-to-toe white uniforms? The final time Inexperienced Bay wore the winter white look was in a 24-22 win over Houston in October. The Packers requested followers to weigh in on social media.
As for the Seahawks, they’ll be sporting their “Action Green” uniforms. Metcalf is a fan.
“I would say this about the Action Green, I love them personally in my opinion, but the big guys hate them. I don’t know why, don’t ask me,” he mentioned. “Hopefully, the Packers wear all white, so it’ll be a fun-looking game.”