On Sunday, the San Francisco 49ers defeated the Seattle Seahawks in a game that was tainted by a fight between Fred Warner and DK Metcalf. But it appears that the 49ers’ strategy included getting under Metcalf’s skin from the beginning.
The San Francisco head coach, Kyle Shanahan, gave his players a challenge the night before at the team meeting to try to induce the Seahawks receiver to lose his cool. According to reports, Shanahan also collected and displayed a number of videos showing Metcalf losing it in the past.
According to the San Francisco Chronicle, Shanahan instructed his teammates, “We will get ’14’ to lose his mind.” “Christmas gift for the person who receives him.”
Fred Warner seemed to be getting something for the holidays, as chaos broke out in the final moments of the fourth period. Warner made an interception, and Metcalf body-slammed the 49ers linebacker. Warner responded by pushing the man from behind. Then, Metcalf grabbed Warner’s facemask, sparking a brawl involving numerous players on both teams. Metcalf and 49ers cornerback Deommodore Lenoir were both dismissed from the game when the smoke cleared. The goal was achieved.
San Francisco controlled the game for the most part, with the exception of the opening quarter. The Seattle players were beginning to lose their cool, which gave Warner easy access to his Christmas gift. With a 10-3 record, the 49ers have already guaranteed themselves a postseason berth. But for now, the Seahawks are viewing the postseason from the outside in. If Metcalf keeps falling for the mind games, it will not be good for the squad. But it was a job well done, according to coach Kyle Shanahan.
