Seattle Seahawks Thrive Without DK Metcalf in Resounding Victory
In a sensational display of skill and resilience, the Seattle Seahawks put on an impressive performance against the Arizona Cardinals, despite playing without their star receiver DK Metcalf. Metcalf’s absence was felt due to rib and hip injuries, which limited his availability for practice throughout the week. However, it was the Seahawks’ young rookies, Jaxon Smith-Njigba and Jake Bobo, who stepped up to fill the void left by Metcalf.
Head coach Pete Carroll expressed his delight at the performance of the two rookies, stating, It’s great for us coming around to the halfway point and to have those pups playing like that — they can play like starters. And they did. Smith-Njigba and Bobo combined forces, amassing an impressive eight receptions for 124 yards and two touchdowns.
Smith-Njigba, the first receiver selected in this year’s draft, made his mark early in the game with a 28-yard touchdown reception, securing Seattle’s first points of the match. This remarkable catch marked Smith-Njigba’s first touchdown in the NFL. The Ohio State product had an exceptional game, finishing with four receptions for 63 yards and a touchdown.
Bobo, an undrafted rookie out of UCLA, also played a pivotal role, showcasing his skills with four receptions for 61 yards, including a spectacular 18-yard touchdown catch from quarterback Geno Smith. Initially called out of bounds, Carroll challenged the ruling, and after review, it was determined that Bobo had indeed made a touchdown catch. Next Gen Stats revealed that Bobo’s catch had the lowest completion probability of the season, further emphasizing the significance of his contribution.
The absence of Metcalf did not deter the Seahawks from delivering a stellar offensive performance. Metcalf, who had faced criticism for a series of personal foul penalties in recent games, was undoubtedly missed. However, Carroll was quick to dispel any notion that Metcalf’s absence was a way out of the spotlight for the team’s high-priced receiver, stating, He’s hurting. If he could have played, he would have played. That’s not him at all. He’s sick that he couldn’t play, and he tried to stay with it.
While the offense shone brightly, the Seahawks’ defense played a crucial role in the victory. They held their opponents to under 250 total yards for the third consecutive game and limited the Cardinals to a mere three points following three Seattle turnovers. Seattle linebacker Bobby Wagner expressed his satisfaction with the defense’s performance, stating, I feel really good. I feel like obviously we could have executed some things better. But overall, to hold a team to under 20 points and 250 yards, we’re moving in the right direction.
With a solid performance from quarterback Geno Smith, who finished the game with 219 yards, two touchdowns, and an interception, and the excellent contribution of second-year running back Ken Walker III, who rushed for 105 yards, the Seahawks displayed their strength as a team.
This victory without DK Metcalf highlights the depth and potential of the Seattle Seahawks’ roster. The remarkable performances from rookies Jaxon Smith-Njigba and Jake Bobo have not only boosted the team’s confidence but also emphasized their capacity to step up in challenging circumstances. As the season progresses, the Seahawks will undoubtedly relish the return of DK Metcalf, whose presence will only further enhance the team’s offensive prowess.
