Before this season's first meeting between the San Francisco 49ers and Seattle Seahawks, veteran cornerback Jason Verrett previewed the matchup between himself and second-year receiver DK Metcalf as one where the "big-boy pads gotta come on." Metcalf ended up finishing the game with 12 catches for 161 yards and two touchdowns as the Seahawks rolled to a 37-27 win.
The two teams will face each other again on Sunday, and Verrett is once again ready to put on the "big-boy pads." On Friday, the cornerback was about the task of ending the season going against a strong and physical receiver like Metcalf.
"I think DK Metcalf is a hell of a receiver," the confident Verrett responded. "I think he's had a great year so far. It's just going to be another one of those battles like it was last week with physicality, the jump balls, the 50/50 catches. So, it's just one of those games you've got to put the big-boy pads on, play big."
Verrett is used to having to "play big." At 6-foot-4, Metcalf often towers over the competition, including the 5-foot-10 Verrett. The cornerback doesn't let that intimidate him, though. He never has.
"It's been like that my whole career," Verrett said. "Obviously, most receivers on every team is going to be around six-foot and up, so I've always had to play big. I've always been, quote-unquote, the undersized guy that plays bigger than my stature, so I look forward for every matchup that I'm in. Despite of what receiver it is, it's still football at the end of the day, so make your plays."
Like so many of his teammates, Verrett is scheduled to become a free agent after this season. His value has climbed with some impressive play this season. That isn't something that Verrett is too consumed with, though. He remains focused on doing everything he can to end this season on a strong note.
"Right now, I'm just focused on finishing strong, hopefully getting a W here against Seattle," Verrett said. "Just let the offseason just take care of itself, and I'll just deal with that when that comes."