SEATTLE’S METCALF: ‘I HAVE TO GROW UP’
For the third time this season, DK Metcalf ended up in the office of Seattle coach Pete Carroll having conversations about matters other than catching passes for the Seahawks.
The latest came after Metcalf was ejected in the final seconds of Sunday’s 17-0 loss at Green Bay where the frustration of a sixth loss and Seattle being shut out led to Metcalf boiling over.
Metcalf said Thursday that he felt as if he was being “challenged,” by the Green Bay secondary that led to the confrontation that included a few helmet slaps, a facemask grab and plenty of words being exchanged.
“I’m a passionate player and I’m never going to back down from anything,” Metcalf said. “(Carroll) understands that but at the same time, I’m starting to become a leader on this team. I have to grow up and continue to get better. I know that I’m still a work in progress.”
After a breakout season in 2020, Metcalf ’s endured a rockier year so far this season, seemingly a mirror of what Seattle has done as a team. Metcalf has good numbers with 42 catches for 608 yards and eight touchdowns through nine games. But he’s seemed to disappear at times from Seattle’s offense and doesn’t have a game with more than six receptions.
Last week, Metcalf was targeted eight times, but finished with only three receptions for 26 yards.
Browns’ Mayfield practices
One day off was enough for Baker Mayfield.
The Browns’ battered quarterback returned to practice after taking a day to rest an assortment of injuries and appears set to play Sunday against the Lions.
“That’s what we are planning for,” said offensive coordinator Alex Van Pelt.
Mayfield was kept off the field on Wednesday, when he said he’s never been as “beat up” in his career and seemed unsure of his status to face the Lions (0-8-1).
Brown shares battle
Titans wide receiver A.J. Brown seemed to have everything going his way in 2020, having his best season yet in the NFL on the way to earning his first Pro Bowl honor.
Behind his big smile, Brown said he was battling so hard with depression back then that he thought of killing himself. He shared a video on social media Nov. 12 on the one-year anniversary of that dark time, encouraging people to ask for help, and Brown told reporters Thursday that’s why he finally spoke up.
“It was a dark moment, and it was a year ago where I had thought about taking my life, you know? And it was special to me because it just came with my heart that I wanted to share with others and help others so much as I can,“Brown said of sharing his own struggle.
Growing up in Mississippi, Brown said he always brushed off his feelings and didn’t consider what depression really was. Brown wouldn’t share what led to his depression. Those feelings wound up almost overwhelming him.
Brown said he thought long and hard about posting the video he recorded earlier on Nov. 12.
“I just wanted to put out a positive message that I’m still here,” Brown said. “I’m still growing. I’m still learning. I’m blessed. I’ve got a lot of things to be grateful for and someone was there for me. So reach out to your loved ones and ask them how they’re doing and listen to them, you know, because it’s important.”
Notable
The NFL sent a training video focusing on taunting and created for teaching purposes. In a memo from football operations chief Troy Vincent to the 32 teams and obtained by The Associated Press, the video reviews actions that are appropriate celebrations and are encouraged.
• Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson missed his second straight practice Thursday, as an illness unrelated to the coronavirus continued to sideline the team’s most important player. Offensive coordinator Greg Roman said before practice Thursday that Jackson was feeling better.