Tyler Lockett responds to criticism about third down slide that came up short

Seahawks wide receiver Tyler Lockett is one of the best in the game at what he does. Few wideouts runs routes sharper, nobody has a better catch rate on deep passes and nobody makes more clutch plays.

That said, nobody’s game is perfect and yards after catch is the one area where Lockett’s is weakest. Some receivers like Deebo Samuel or DK Metcalf excel at adding extra yards with their power and speed. Lockett is plenty quick, but he doesn’t have the frame to take big hits looking for a few extra yards. As such, Lockett avoids contact more than any other high-end receiver in the NFL.

That should be fine with Seahawks fans, who have to appreciate his game for what it is. However, that didn’t stop one from criticizing Lockett for his failed dive on third down against the Cardinals on Sunday. Facing third and 12, Lockett made a catch but slid to the ground a couple yards shy of the sticks, resulting in a punt. After the game, someone went on Twitter and asked Lockett not to slide next time on crucial plays.

Lockett responded by stating the obvious: players don’t always know where the marker is because the big yellow line we see on TV isn’t there in real life.

To be fair, Lockett probably should have gotten the first down in that particular case, but at this point he’s earned the right to not be called out for getting down to avoid contact.

Lockett also took a shot from Zaven Collins later in the game on another critical catch and also scored the go-ahead touchdown. That tied him with Doug Baldwin for second-most in franchise history with 49. He got away with pushing off on Budda Baker on that catch – which he later admitted.

Let Lockett Lockett.

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Story originally appeared on Seahawks Wire