There is a fine line in emotions, particularly in a fiery player like DK Metcalf. The wide receiver for the Seattle Seahawks gained a reputation for being easily agitated, and opposing teams have used this to their advantage. In Week 14, San Francisco 49ers head coach Kyle Shanahan encouraged his team to provoke Metcalf, and it worked. Metcalf was ejected late in the game for an altercation with a 49ers player.

The concerning part is not just Metcalf’s behavior but how easily he was coerced into it. As the Seahawks fight for their postseason lives, they can’t afford to lose a player of Metcalf’s caliber due to ejections. Metcalf himself admitted that he retaliated out of frustration, but it’s a pattern that needs to be addressed.

Metcalf’s second ejection in three years is a cause for concern, especially for an offensive player. It’s a sign that his passion is affecting the team negatively, and it’s something that the coaching staff, including head coach Pete Carroll, needs to address. Players like Metcalf need to learn how to control their emotions on the field, especially when opponents are intentionally trying to provoke a response.