DK Metcalf's stunning fade route catch could be a sign of things to come
It's surprising for a man of his incredible stature, but fade routes run by DK Metcalf were not a productive method of offense for the Seahawks last year. Could that change in 2023? Wednesday's practice produced perhaps some encouragement that it might, as Metcalf delivered a highlight reel play. Tightly covered by Artie Burns, Metcalf […]
It's surprising for a man of his incredible stature, but fade routes run by DK Metcalf were not a productive method of offense for the Seahawks last year.
Could that change in 2023? Wednesday's practice produced perhaps some encouragement that it might, as Metcalf delivered a highlight reel play.
Tightly covered by Artie Burns, Metcalf used all of his 6ft 4in, 235-pound frame to highpoint the ball and make a spectacular two-handed grab for a touchdown.
Such plays were all too rare of an occurrence for Seattle last season.
Per Sports Info Solutions, only Davante Adams (17) was targeted more often on the fade than Metcalf (11). However, Metcalf brought in just two of those balls, five of which were considered catchable, for 50 yards.
Metcalf produced minus 3.25 Expected Points Added when running the fade route, though to put this into context, only nine of the 25 players with at last five targets on the fade had a positive EPA.
It is, by that measure, one of the least efficient routes in football. Still, theoretically, Metcalf has the physical gifts to turn it into a productive play for him and Seattle.
Of course, there are plenty of factors in a real game that were not at play during Metcalf's catch over Burns, namely the potential of a pass rush disrupting the quarterback and the likelihood of more physical coverage than was on show on this rep.
But Metcalf would obviously back himself to win a physical battle with most cornerbacks in the NFL and the Seahawks are hoping their offensive line, bookended by two impressive young tackles in Charles Cross and Abraham Lucas, will take a step forward in 2023.
As such, don't be surprised if the Seahawks give Metcalf the chance to win 50-50 balls on the fade more often, and with more success, in the coming campaign.
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