How Ward rose to Shanahan’s last-second Metcalf challenge vs. Seahawks

SEATTLE — Just before kickoff of the 49ers' 31-13 win over the Seahawks on Thursday night at Lumen Field, Charvarius Ward was given a tall task: Follow Seattle wide receiver DK Metcalf. Ward hadn't followed a receiver yet this season, but he went on to prove why San Francisco signed the cornerback as a free agent before the 2022 NFL season. "The game plan wasn't for me to follow him," Ward said after the game. "They told me to do it, and I was up for the task. I feel like I had a pretty good game. [Defensive backs coach] Daniel Bullocks came up to me and said, 'We need you to follow him. They want you to match up with him.' "So, that's what I did. That's what CB1s do." Ward did not disappoint. The six-year NFL veteran held Metcalf to three catches on nine targets for 32 yards and no touchdowns. The cornerback also registered five total tackles - three solo - and broke up three passes. Coach Kyle Shanahan, who ultimately made the final call for Ward to shadow Metcalf, was impressed by what he saw. "From what I saw out there, I thought he was unbelievable," Shanahan said after the game. "I don't get to see all of it, so I'm excited to watch it on the plane. He's been pretty...