As Smith pointed out, one of the many ways Metcalf has continued to help the team is his blocking ability, which relies on a combination of strength, physicality and commitment that few, if any, other receivers possess.

“Just the competitor, the relentless competitor,” Seahawks coach Mike Macdonald said when asked about Metcalf. “I just love seeing him out there, man. It feels good when he’s out there doing his thing. But I know it’s a little harder to get him the ball when teams want to play at a high-low, double-level level.” So we’ve got to continue to find creative ways to make sure he’s alive becomes. But if that doesn’t happen, we will definitely feel the full DK experience.

“There are so many plays like that that easily go unnoticed, but I know this, I don’t want him to block me. I don’t want to be out there with him blocking me.”

As Metcalf pointed out this week, his willingness to mix it up as a blocker shouldn’t be a surprise, not considering his father, Terrence Metcalf, was an offensive lineman who spent seven seasons with the Bears.

“Well, my dad played offense, so I watched him grow up and admired the blocking aspect of the game,” Metcalf said. “And a lot of people don’t take blocking seriously, and I’m just trying to do it to differentiate myself from other receivers in the league.”

One of Seattle’s most physical offensive players, Abraham Lucas, can see the influence of the offensive line in Metcalf’s game.

“DK does a great job blocking,” Lucas said. “I like his mentality. When he gets going, it’s pretty hard to stop him. He’s wild. He’s not the type to let anyone do anything to him, and you like that. I think if he were, he would be a good offensive lineman to play O-line.”

While Metcalf, like any receiver, would like to get the ball more often, he also recognizes that the way teams are focusing on him only validates the success he’s had in his career.

“I just look at it as a sign of the respect I’ve gained from other defensive coordinators and continue to do my job as a blocker or decoy,” he said. “The ball will find me on one play or another, but if not, at least we’ll get the ball and the only thing that matters in this league is winning and keeping winning, and if you keep winning, you stay.” So no, I’m just working on continuing my job. If the stats don’t say that, then so be it.

When asked what his priorities are when he doesn’t get the ball, Metcalf smiled and let the inner O-lineman come out in him: “I try to play my ass off and try to get pancakes on the defensive backs. “