Lenoir was shocked by Metcalf’s lack of production against 49ers

Lenoir was shocked by Metcalf’s lack of production against 49ers originally appeared on NBC Sports Bay Area

SEATTLE — In the 49ers’ 36-24 victory over the Seahawks on Thursday at Lumen Field, San Francisco’s secondary took down Seattle wide receiver DK Metcalf so effectively that even Deommodore Lenoir was surprised.

When told that Metcalf had just three catches on 11 targets for 48 receiving yards, a genuine look of shock came over Lenoir’s face.

“Oh, wow, that’s crazy, three?” Lenoir said, eyes as big as saucers. “He’s not 14, the big guy.”

When the assembled media confirmed to the fourth-year defenseman that the stat line was indeed true, Lenoir smiled but then gave Seattle his due, adding that he’s a “great player, for sure.”

Defending Metcalf was a collective effort from the secondary that included two newcomers due to injuries in safety Talanoa Hufanga (wrist), who was placed on injured reserve, and cornerback Charvarius Ward, who suffered a knee contusion in the team’s Week 5 loss. .

Lenoir racked up eight total tackles – six solo and one pass breakup. The Oregon product always enjoys the challenge of lining up against any team’s best receiver and shared that while Metcalf is known for his emotions when faced with adversity, that is irrelevant to Lenoir.

“No, I just know that the Hyena can’t be… with,” said Lenoir. “Really, that’s all I know. I don’t know what he was doing out there. I’m just saying. There was a lot of talk out there. I mean, you’re going to compete. It’s football. We kept football, but one of us showed up today.”

Lenoir’s confidence really began to emerge in his third year, even though he was asked to play both outside and inside as a defender when necessary. Lenoir is setting himself up for a big payday in 2025 when he becomes a free agent.

Until then, Lenoir will continue to be a leader on defense and get into the minds of receivers like Metcalf.

“Ah, yes, he will talk,” said Lenoir. “It builds the guy’s confidence when they speak. But unlike me, the proof is in the pudding.”

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