Through Week 11, Seattle receiver D.K. Metcalf had already put up 239 yards after the catch and 5.0 yards after the catch per reception, and he’s firmly established himself as one of the NFL’s most physical receivers. Against the Eagles on Monday night, it appeared that Philadelphia’s defensive game plan was to play man coverage against Seattle, which was their first bad idea.
Through Week 11, no team had more pass defense snaps in man coverage than the Eagles (162). They’re allowed 8TD and 3INT in man.
Russell Wilson vs. man coverage this season: 74 of 120 for 888 yards, 589 air yards, 17TD, 4INT. pic.twitter.com/vpOmNJ4bwh
— Doug Farrar (@NFL_DougFarrar) November 30, 2020
Philadelphia’s second bad idea was to have safety Rodney McLeod, all 5-foot-10 and 195 pounds of him, face up against Metcalf early in the first quarter and try to make this a physical intimidation thing. Metcalf, who runs in the 4.3s at 6-foot-4 and 229 pounds, wasn’t having it.
A helpful hint: Play more zone coverage against the Russell Wilson, and gang-tackle D.K. Metcalf whenever you can. That was not a good rep for McLeod, as he resembled Fred Sanford experiencing “The Big One” after that attempted tackle.
