San Francisco 49ers cornerback Jason Verrett has been having an impressive season so far. It's one that fans probably didn't see coming, given the defender's injury history. He has been a pleasant surprise for a defense that has been decimated by injuries.
According to Pro Football Focus, opposing quarterbacks own a passer rating of 23.2 when targeting Verrett this season. That is the second-lowest rating allowed among NFL cornerbacks with at least 70 coverage snaps. Only Washington's Kendall Fuller has allowed a lower passer rating (9.3) when targeted.
This weekend could be a big test for Verrett, though. He will go against D.K. Metcalf, who has muscled and sped his way to 519 receiving yards and five trips into the end zone. Verrett was asked on Thursday how he prepares to face an opponent as physically intimidating as Metcalf.
"You've just got to play big," Verrett responded. "He's a big, physical guy. He's having a hell of a season so far. It's going to be an exciting matchup for us — him and Tyler Lockett."
Metcalf stands tall at 6-foot-4 and around 230 pounds. Verrett stands at 5-foot-10 and around 190 pounds. That doesn't mean he has any shortage of confidence in his ability to slow down the Seahawks' big man.
"Yeah, I've definitely played several big guys over the course of my career," Verrett shared. "Obviously, he's a different stature as far as with the explosion and his speed. You've just got to play physical. He's probably going to try to bully guys. You've seen that he's showing that on film. But yeah, it's just going to be one of those matchups where the big-boy pads gotta come on."
Then there is the smaller but talented Lockett, who leads the Seahawks in receiving with 542 yards and seven touchdowns. He'll be a handful too. There is some familiarity there. Verrett remembers going against Lockett in college.
"Lockett, we had great matchups in college," Verrett said. "I've got tremendous respect for him. He's definitely a good receiver, shifty. We had some real good battles in college."
Sunday should be another good battle on Sunday, as the 49ers hope to upset the home-team Seahawks and continue climbing up the NFC West standings.