Packers: Five players to watch in divisional round vs. Seahawks
By Jesse Fry
1. Kevin King
The player with one of the most difficult matchups of the game is Kevin King. Second-round pick D.K. Metcalf is coming off a strong rookie year and had the performance of the lifetime in the wild-card round.
Metcalf set an NFL rookie playoff record with 160 receiving yards, highlighted by a 53-yard touchdown. Metcalf is a big, fast receiver (6-feet-4, 229 pounds) who the Eagles had a hard time keeping up with. This is where Kevin King can shine.
Russell Wilson seems to look for Metcalf when under duress, and who could blame him? With his size, he’s an easy target to find.
King can match up in ways no other cornerback on the roster can. At 6-foot-3, King isn’t giving up much size to Metcalf.
King has had a good year for the Packers, leading the team with his five interceptions. Often a punching bag of fans, King has played much better than given credit for by those outside the locker room.
Matching King up against Metcalf will also allow the Packers to use Jaire Alexander against Tyler Lockett, who’s smaller and shifty. A perfect match for Alexander.
With their top three backs on injured reserve and a returning Marshawn Lynch, Russell Wilson and the passing game might be Seattle’s best bet for success. If King, and Alexander for that matter, can take away their best options in the passing game, the Packers should be in good position for the win.