Seahawks' Metcalf Defends Cheap Shot; NFL Fine Coming?
Outscored 23-0 in the second half. Injuries to key offensive players. And, in the end, a dismal opening-game home loss to a divisional foe.
It was a forgettable Sunday for the Seattle Seahawks. And late in the 30-13 loss to the Los Angeles Rams, receiver DK Metcalf channeled all of our frustration. It might have gotten lost amid a second half in which coach Pete Carroll admitted his offense "didn't do anything" and the injuries to receiver Tyler Lockett and starting tackles Abe Lucas and Charles, but Metcalf's fourth-quarter cheap shot will likely get the attention of the NFL's front office this week.
Though he did grab a 10-yard touchdown pass that helped Seattle to a 13-7 halftime lead, Metcalf was held to just three catches and 47 yards. His emotions boiled over in the fourth quarter.
With the Seahawks trailing 27-13 with just under five minutes remaining, quarterback Geno Smith hit tight end Colby Parkinson for an 8-yard gain. On the other side of the field - and after the whistle - Metcalf took out his day's frustration with a cheap-shot hit on unsuspecting Rams' cornerback Ahkello Witherspoon.
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As Witherspoon was helped off the field by medical personnel, Rams' coach Sean McVay yelled "that's so bad!" toward the officials.
Metcalf was eventually flagged 15 yards for taunting, turning 2nd-and-2 into 2nd-and-17. After consecutive sacks of Smith, the Seahawks faced 4th-and-34 and were forced to punt, effectively ending any faint hopes of a comeback.
After the game, Metcalf attempted to explain - and defend - his hit that will likely draw a fine from the league office.
"Well, I was blocking," Metcalf said. "I guess I blocked him a little too hard and pushed him to the ground, and he got up mad because he felt like I blocked him in the back. But I mean, that’s just how I play. I block every play when I don’t have the ball and I’m never taking a play off or jogging, trying to take a play off. So that’s what transpired."
In 2022, Metcalf was flagged eight times, including two unsportsmanlike conduct penalties and one taunting penalty.
