FOXBOROUGH, Mass. — DK Metcalf’s elite speed has made him one of the NFL’s best deep threats over the first five years of his career. It helps when defenses aren’t covering him.

That was the case on the Seattle Seahawks’ second possession on Sunday, when Metcalf ran a go route from the slot and flew straight through the New England Patriots’ secondary on an apparent coverage bust. The result was a 56-yard touchdown pass from Geno Smith that tied the score at 7-7 late in the first quarter.

DK Metcalf is wide open for a 56-yard touchdown!

📺: #SEAvsNE on FOX
📱: https://t.co/waVpO909ge photo.twitter.com/nLjzMeiUub

— NFL (@NFL) September 15, 2024

It was the sixth touchdown catch of 50-plus yards in Metcalf’s career, which began in 2019. The Seahawks say he’s tied with Steve Largent and Darrell Jackson for second-most in franchise history.

It was the third-longest touchdown of Metcalf’s career and the longest TD the Patriots have allowed since Jonathan Taylor’s 67-yard rushing score in 2021, according to ESPN Stats & Information.