During Thursday night’s game between the Seattle Seahawks and San Francisco 49ers, wide receiver DK Metcalf was visibly frustrated as the opposing defense effectively picked him off. A crucial part of Seattle’s game plan, Metcalf was targeted a game-high 11 times but managed just three for 48 yards – his lowest single-game total since Week 1.

Initially, it was likely that the 49ers’ defensive strategy had cornerback Charvarius Ward shadowing Metcalf the entire game. However, after suffering a bruised knee in Sunday’s loss to the Arizona Cardinals, Ward was unable to play in such a short week.

“It was close enough to make a decision during the game,” head coach Kyle Shanahan said after the game. “He went to train (in pre-season), and it was close, but he couldn’t go.”

This made Deommodore Lenoir responsible for limiting Metcalf’s impact. When asked about Metcalf’s emotions during the game, Lenoir said candidly, “I just know the Hyena can’t be messed with. Really, that’s all I knew. I don’t know what he was doing there.”

Earlier this week, Ward noted that Metcalf often talked trash on the field during their previous games. However, this chatter has subsided in recent meetings, indicating that Metcalf respects Ward’s game.

After Thursday night’s performance, that same respect may develop for Lenoir.

“There was a lot of talk,” Lenoir said of his match against Metcalf. “I mean, you’re going to compete. It’s football. So we kept the football. But one of us showed up today. … He’s going to talk. I mean, that increases a man’s confidence when he doesn’t have to.” talk, but (with) me the proof is in the pudding.”