DK Metcalf explains blindside hit on Rams' Ahkello Witherspoon

It was a frustrating afternoon for the Seattle Seahawks in Week 1, and that was more than evident in DK Metcalf’s demeanor.

The Los Angeles Rams stifled Seattle on their way to a victory on the road, defeating the Seahawks by a score of 30-13. Even without Cooper Kupp on the field, Sean McVay and company found a way to get the job done, as his team re-announced themselves to the league.

Late in the game, while the Seahawks trailed big and the writing was on the wall, Metcalf caught some flack on social media for what many perceived as a dirty play. Rams defensive back Ahkello Witherspoon had his back to a play, and Metcalf sized him up and leveled him with a gigantic hit, crushing the Los Angeles defender.

While Metcalf wasn’t flagged for the hit, he was hit with a taunting penalty soon after. It was a microcosm of the disastrous afternoon for Seattle, and Metcalf attempted to explain himself in his post-game press conference.

“Well, I was blocking,” Metcalf said in his postgame press conference, via Myles Simmons of Pro Football Talk. “I guess I blocked him a little too hard and pushed him to the ground and he got up mad because he felt like I blocked him in the back. 

“But I mean, that’s just how I play. I block every play when I don’t have the ball and I’m never taking a play off or jogging, trying to take a play off. So that’s what transpired.”

Whether you believe him or not, that’s the story Metcalf is sticking with. He believes he was blocking, and not simply taking a run at Witherspoon. Whether you believe him or not is up to you.

Moreover, Metcalf was hoping to be used more in Seattle’s offense throughout the NFC West showdown on Sunday. While he caught three passes for 47 yards and a touchdown, he certainly could’ve put up bigger numbers on the afternoon.

The Rams defense came to play though, only allowing quarterback Geno Smith to pass for 112 yards, and running back Kenneth Walker III to run for 64 yards. Seattle’s potentially potent offense was far from it on Sunday.

Next up for the Seahawks is a date in Detroit with the Lions, who will be well rested and coming off their biggest victory in a decade. There’s no rest for the weary, and Seattle better get a grip on their season before it all comes crashing down.