The Seattle Seahawks shook up the core of their broad receiver room by buying and selling DK Metcalf to the Pittsburgh Steelers this offseason amidst a contract dispute. Jaxon Smith-Njigba had technically changed Metcalf because the Seahawks’ WR1 final season, main the crew in receptions (100), receiving yards (1,130), and touchdowns (six).
That does not imply the Seahawks will not miss their big-bodied boundary goal in high-pressure conditions, nevertheless.
Professional Soccer Focus not too long ago collected information for what they name “safety-blanket WRs.” They assessed the best goal charges in 2024 when a quarterback is beneath strain. In different phrases, which receivers had been leaned on most when cross rushers received dwelling?
Metcalf positioned tenth on the record. He was focused with the fifth-most under-pressure targets final season (39), per PFF. Metcalf’s “Menace Charge” was 17.9%.
“Metcalf noticed the fifth-most under-pressure targets final season (39) and hauled in 20 for 302 yards and a landing,” Lauren Grey wrote. “He gained 13 first downs, recorded eight beneficial properties of 15-plus yards and posted a 78.4 PFF receiving grade in these conditions.
“The now-Steelers receiver owns a 79.0 PFF receiving grade on pressured performs over the previous three seasons and ranks within the prime 10 in targets (98) and catches (54). He has recorded 762 receiving yards with 5 touchdowns, 19 explosive performs and 36 first downs.”
Regardless of JSN’s breakout season, the proof suggests Geno Smith leaned on Metcalf when beneath strain behind a lackluster offensive line. Sam Darnold is the Seahawks’ new beginning QB, and his prime receiver final season, Justin Jefferson, positioned fifth on this record, indicating Darnold additionally had an inclination to hyper-focus on a particular goal when beneath duress.
The Seahawks want JSN or Cooper Kupp to be that participant in 2025.
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