DK Metcalf is the Seahawks', and his own, worst enemy

Being a fiery, passionate player can be a great asset on the football field, but there is a fine line, and knowing how to keep one’s emotions in check can be an even greater attribute. Seattle Seahawks wide receiver DK Metcalf has gained a reputation around the NFL for being easily agitated. San Francisco 49ers head coach Kyle Shanahan went into Week 14's matchup imploring his defense to go at Metcalf, knowing he’d likely respond in kind. Once teams start using your passion against you, it’s time to take a serious look in the mirror.

Rumor has it that Shanahan “jokingly” offered Christmas gifts to whoever pushed Metcalf to the brink of disqualification. Well, Shanahan’s plan worked, and late in the fourth quarter of Sunday’s game, Metcalf was ejected for suplexing 49ers linebacker Fred Warner following an interception. If Metcalf ever wants to make a career change, the WWE is always an option after that maneuver. That’s great in a professional wrestling ring or 1970s NFL, but not today’s game.

Now, San Francisco is obviously the better team and was going to win this game regardless of this incident. But the concerning part of this is Metcalf being so easily coerced into behaving the way the Niners wanted him to. Other teams likely knew this about Metcalf already, but now the world does. We’re entering Week 15 of the season and the Seahawks are fighting for their postseason lives.

As one of Seattle’s most dynamic offensive weapons, Metcalf has to keep a cool head, especially when defensive players are intentionally provoking him. The Seahawks are still alive for the final NFC playoff spot but are in a position where they can’t lose any more games. Even if they win out, finishing 10-7, they’ll need help getting into the tournament. There’s no good time for a player to be kicked out of a game, but this is the worst time of year for it to happen to arguably your best player.

“I mean, if you want to call it frustration, yeah, it was frustration,” Metcalf said following the 28-16 loss. “From my side, he hit me in the back of the head. So I just retaliated from that.”

This was Metcalf’s second ejection in three years. It may not sound like anything to worry about, but you rarely see offensive players ejected from games. Yes, it happens, but in such a violent game, offensive players really have to cross a line to warrant getting the boot in most cases. Once a player’s passion begins to affect the team, it’s time to sit down and have a talk with the coaching staff. This is where Pete Carroll needs to step in. You can’t let opponents know they’ve gotten under your skin. They’ll get you every time once they know they can.