All Seahawks

DK Metcalf likely salivating over facing depleted Seattle Seahawks secondary

Ex Seattle Seahawks' star receiver DK Metcalf gets to face a banged-up secondary Sunday in Pittsburgh.
Steelers wide receiver DK Metcalf (4) warms up before the game against the Jets
Steelers wide receiver DK Metcalf (4) warms up before the game against the Jets | Wendell Cruz-Imagn Images

In this story:


DK Metcalf is publicly attempting to downplay Sunday's game against his former team. But, privately, you just know the two-time Pro Bowl receiver is licking his chops to face a depleted Seattle Seahawks' secondary.

"Y'all are going to make it a big deal," Metcalf said in advance of Sunday's game between Seattle and the Pittsburgh Steelers. "I'm not. It's just another football game."

Unfortunately for the Seahawks, it's not their normal secondary.

MORE: Seahawks boost defensive depth at 2 key spots ahead of Steelers game

The Seahawks will be short-handed in facing Metcalf and a Steelers' offense that threw for four touchdowns and scored 34 points against the New York Jets in Week 1. Rookie safety Nick Emmanwori has been ruled outwith a sprained ankle and safety Julian Love was also on the injury report but is expected to be in the lineup. Cornerback Devon Witherspoon is listed as doubtful, and Riq Woolen is coming off a dismal Week 1 performance in which he allowed two big plays - including the game-winning touchdown catch to the San Francisco 49ers' third-string tight end - in a 17-13 loss.

It will not, obviously, be the healthy, hearty defense that Seattle head coach Mike Macdonald is banking most of his season on.

MORE: ESPN on why Riq Woolen is likely Seahawks' best chance to stop DK Metcalf

It's likely Metcalf isn't too scared of the Seahawks' Saturday roster moves: elevating safety D'Anthony Bell and defensive tackle Brandon Pill from the practice squad. DK is saying he expects a normal game, but we cringe at his results being very abnormal.

He caught four passes for 83 yards last week in Pittsburgh's victory.

Ex-Seahawks wide receiver DK Metcalf (14) runs after a pass reception against the Steelers in 2021.
Ex-Seahawks wide receiver DK Metcalf (14) runs after a pass reception against the Steelers in 2021. | Charles LeClaire-Imagn Images

More Seahawks on SI stories

Seattle Seahawks given mandate to reverse fortune in Week 2

Odds not in Seahawks’ favor against Aaron Rodgers’ Steelers

Seahawks OC Klint Kubiak’s Week 1 playcalling grades are terrible

Mike Macdonald non-committal on Riq Woolen starting Week 2


Published
Richie Whitt
RICHIE WHITT

Richie Whitt has been a sports media fixture in Dallas-Fort Worth since graduating from UT-Arlington in 1986. His career is highlighted by successful stints in print (Fort Worth Star-Telegram, Dallas Observer), TV (NBC5) and radio (105.3 The Fan). During his almost 40-year tenure, he's blabbed and blogged on events ranging from Super Bowls to NBA Finals to World Series to Stanley Cups to Olympics to Wimbledons to World Cups. Whitt has been covering the NFL since 1989, and in 1993 authored The 'Boys Are Back, a book chronicling the Dallas Cowboys' run to Super Bowl XXVII.

Share on XFollow richiewhitt