49ers’ Kyle Shanahan targeted DK Metcalf for one specific reason

“We will get 14 to lose his mind,” Shanahan told his players, according to Mike Silver of the San Francisco Chronicle. “Christmas present for whoever gets him.”

The line about the Christmas present may have been a joke, but the strategic targeting of Metcalf was not. Ultimately, it was linebacker Fred Warner who did get him, as a confrontation between the two after a Seahawks interception led to Metcalf being ejected from the game, even though the contest was essentially over already. One 49ers player also taunted Metcalf after the game in a unique way.

Metcalf’s proclivity for losing his cool in games when things are not going his team’s way is well-documented. This is not even the first time this season that something like this has happened. The Seahawks have tried to address it, but Metcalf does not seem willing to acknowledge that his temper can pose a significant problem.

Metcalf caught a touchdown pass on Sunday, but the 49ers otherwise limited him to two catches for 52 yards. That probably did not help his mood much.