Unfortunately, DK Metcalf and the Seattle Seahawks fell short during their Week 13 Thursday Night Football game against the Dallas Cowboys. However, the fifth-year wideout from Ole Miss had an impressive game that etched his name into the list of fastest NFL players this season.
With under eight minutes left in the first quarter, Metcalf lined up against Cowboys cornerback DaRon Bland, who already had seven interceptions for the season. Bland also established an NFL record five interception returns for touchdowns the previous week against the Washington Commanders.
However, Metcalf shook off Bland's defense by running a post route. Geno Smith threw a perfect pass between Bland and safety Donovan Wilson, hitting Metcalf in full stride. The throw's perfect timing and placement allowed the one-time All-Pro to catch and run in one motion.
The smooth transition allowed him to reach a top speed of 22.73 miles per hour, completing a 73-yard touchdown pass. That's the fastest speed by a ball carrier since Raheem Mostert ran 23.09 miles per hour in Week 2 of the 2020 season. He's even quicker than Tyreek Hill, who has a top speed of 22.01 mph this season, per Next Gen Stats.
DK Metcalf reached a top speed of 22.23 mph on his 73-yard TD reception, the fastest speed by a ball carrier since Week 2, 2020 (Raheem Mostert, 23.09 mph).
— Next Gen Stats (@NextGenStats) December 1, 2023
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Metcalf's size makes him suspect for that kind of speed. However, he burned two defensive backs to score his fourth touchdown grab this season.
But the former second-round pick was far from done. He caught a one-yard touchdown pass to give the Seahawks a one-point halftime lead, 21-20. Metcalf had another three-yard scoring reception to give the Seahawks a 34-27 lead.
He finished the game with six catches for 134 yards and three touchdowns. That's an impressive haul against a team that ranked third in total yards allowed and fifth in passing yards allowed per game.
While it's only his second 100-yard game this season, Metcalf's stock is trending up. Aside from his 32-yard performance against the San Francisco 49ers last week, he's had a 94-yard output versus the Los Angeles Rams and a 98-yard production versus the Commanders.
Despite the losing effort, his production against the Cowboys gave him 37.4 fantasy points in PPR mode. He will try to sustain that momentum in their road game rematch against the 49ers next week.
-Lance Fernandez