The Seattle Seahawks and DK Metcalf began the 2023 season looking like one of the NFL’s chic teams. They were 6-3, riding high with a bevy of playmakers and an opportunistic defense tilting the field every Sunday. Now? They are living proof that sometimes the NFL stands for “Not For Long.”
Entering Sunday’s matchup with the San Francisco 49ers, Seattle had lost four of its last five games. It fell entirely out of the NFC playoff picture. And with further struggles against San Francisco in another defeat, the Seahawks officially fell below .500 for the first time since … Week 1. Folks, in case it isn’t clear: that’s very bad.
Naturally, this reality did not sit well with DK Metcalf.
As the Seahawks tried to rally in the Bay Area, backup quarterback Drew Lock launched an awful interception that never really had a chance of reaching his playmaker downfield. It’s probably one he shouldn’t have thrown in the first place:
.@49ers INT!
📺: #SEAvsSF on FOX
📱: Stream on #NFLPlus https://t.co/pWMED8SAQa pic.twitter.com/VSaJ2W9u31— NFL (@NFL) December 10, 2023
In response, Metcalf didn’t handle the situation in a cool-headed manner. As he set himself up on the bench, the star receiver ironically used his helmet to smash his helmet warmer. Oh, man:
DK broke the helmet warmer 😳
📺: FOX pic.twitter.com/PN7o1AZ8mW
— FOX Sports: NFL (@NFLonFOX) December 10, 2023
Later, after Lock threw another pick, Metcalf lost his cool altogether. Instead of just tackling the 49ers’ Fred Warner, Metcalf took full grasp of the linebacker and threw him. Even though Warner did take a cheap shot at Metcalf after the play, the receiver would be rightfully ejected for these antics:
#49ers LB Fred Warner picks off Drew Lock, DK Metcalf attempts to tackle him WWE-style; Warner pitches the ball to a teammate, and all hell eventually breaks loose.
Metcalf has been ejected.pic.twitter.com/MoIRMRqdHr
— Ari Meirov (@MySportsUpdate) December 10, 2023
It’s understandable that Metcalf feels frustrated about the Seahawks’ play. Their season seemed so promising only a month ago. But he’s also one of the team’s best players and leaders expected to provide a better example. Losing his composure as Seattle’s season spirals down the drain is an awful look.
Seattle’s season isn’t over, though it feels quite bleak. A cooler-headed Metcalf will be needed to salvage something meaningful down the stretch.
