Dynamic duo Metcalf, Lockett set for explosive postseason
SEATTLE — One is a freak — a 6-foot-4, 230-pound specimen with the body fat of a mannequin and Formula-1 speed.
The other is a rabbit — small but quick and impossible to corner.
The first is D.K. Metcalf, the Seahawks’ new franchise recordholder for receiving yards in a season. The second is Tyler Lockett, the Seahawks’ new franchise record holder for receptions in a season.
Seattle has had a myriad of movers and shakers on offense since Russell Wilson took over as quarterback in 2012. Among them have been running back Marshawn Lynch, receiver Doug Baldwin and tight end Jimmy Graham, all of whom made the Pro Bowl while wearing the blue and green.
But it is unlikely Wilson has ever had as potent a weapon as the Metcalf-lockett tandem. They’ve provided thrills all season — and will be essential to the deep playoff run the Seahawks hope to make.
As far as wide receivers go, there isn’t a better 1-2 punch in the NFL. It’s Metcalf and Lockett right now. Or maybe it’s Lockett and Metcalf. Honestly, it’s hard to tell who the more effective player is on a given week.
As for pure explosion, it’s D.K. For a man of his size to run a 4.33 40-yard dash at the NFL combine two years ago is a middle finger to physics. He is a walking go route, and has become Wilson’s go-to receiver on deep balls this season.
Metcalf ’s 15.7 yards per catch rank third among receivers with at least 1,000 receiving yards this season (he had 1,303 yards). He has 10 touchdown catches to boot, and though it wasn’t an offensive highlight, his chase-down of Arizona safety Budda Baker remains one of the top 10 plays of the year.
Lockett, meanwhile, is a walking first down. He may not be as physically imposing as Metcalf, but he is able to blend short-yardage receptions with explosive plays in a manner maddening to opposing defenses. In Sunday’s 26-23 win over the 49ers, Lockett caught 12 passes for 90 yards (giving him100 receptions for the season). He had a game earlier in the year agianst the Cardinals in which he caught 15 balls for 200 yards.
Seahawks coach Pete Carroll was asked about the duo that has transformed Seattle’s offense.
“They’re so uniquely different. They’re just uniquely different in style and all — the result is that you throw it to them and they catch it. And they make plays and they make big plays and their consistency is really the thing that jumps out,” Carroll said. “Tyler has been doing it for years. Think about how long he has been good, and he just continues to be unique and special. He had as good a game as he’s ever had in this last one. D.K. just continues to be impressive in a totally different fashion.”