Gilmore vs Metcalf could be key matchup in Cowboys-Seahawks tilt

Of all the matchups between the Cowboys and Seahawks in Week 13, the most intriguing is when Stephon Gillmore and D.K. Metcalf line up. | From @ReidDHanson

The Week 13 battle between the Dallas Cowboys and Seattle Seahawks features a number of storylins. Both teams are in second place within their respective divisions and both have hopes a late-season surge can lead to  division crowns.

The Cowboys’ offensive line has finally take shape. LT Tyron Smith is regaining a form not seen in years. He’s currently ranked No. 2 by PFF and could be in store for his first Pro Bowl season since 2021.

Opposite him at RT is Terence Steele, who up until recently has struggled to bounce back from a season-ending injury suffered last December. Steele has posted two strong games in a row and could be on an equally as impressive upswing.

Both men will be put to the test by Seattle’s Boye Mafe. Mafe, an EDGE who has played 275 snaps on the left and 177 snaps on the right, can rush from either side. When he sees a matchup that favors him, he’ll attack it. Expect him to test both OTs.

Another key battle to watch will be between the Cowboys’ safeties and Geno Smith. The Seahawks are loaded with downfield weapons and keeping their big plays down to a minimum will be of high priority. Seattle should expect more 2-high looks than normal from Dallas as the Cowboys try to keep things under wraps and caged in.

But the key matchup to watch on Thursday has to be between Stephon Gillmore and D.K. Metcalf. Dallas isn’t married to the idea of shadowing WRs with a specific CB in most games. In fact, they rarely do it this season and haven’t since Week 4, but matchups like this seem like the perfect opportunity.

Metcalf, 6-foot-3, 229-pounds, is an enormous task for anyone. But Gilmore’s long arms and veteran savvy make him the ideal candidate to limit his damage. If there was ever a reason to have him travel, this seems like the time.

Only a few weeks ago Dallas pushed Gillmore into A.J. Brown’s direction. Against Gillmore, Brown caught all four passes he was thrown, but he was kept to just 42 yards on the day. Gillmore was smart enough to reduce the damage and stay between his WR and the endzone. He will be asked to do the same against Metcalf, a player who has the speed to break off a long run from anywhere.

While Metcalf is fast and powerful, he doesn’t have the agility or move with the same suddenness as the other Seattle WRs. It makes Gillmore the ideal matchup for Metcalf and DaRon Bland best used elsewhere.

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