Giants @ Seahawks
Final Score: Seahawks 27, Giants 13
Writer: Matthew Theodosopoulos (@FreeMattyTee on Twitter)
The Seahawks took down the New York football Giants in Week 8, and Geno Smith continues to be my hero. The Giants’ hot start came to an abrupt, brisk cool in Seattle, while the Seahawks continued to see great play from a defense that is developing an identity. Seattle almost shot themselves in the foot a couple of times, but in the end, managed to pull away from the Giants and advance to 5-3. While it was a tough loss for New York, they are still a 6-2 football team with plenty of season left to play.
New York Giants
Quarterback
Daniel Jones: 17/31, 176 Yards | 6 Carries, 20 Yards, 1 Fumble (Recovered)
There is very little positive to say about the game from Daniel Jones today. The Seattle defense was able to get to him throughout the game, causing him to be uncomfortable quickly while also having his attempts at escaping bottled up. 67 of his 176 yards came from New York’s final 2 drives of the game when it was all but sealed. This was a game to forget for Jones, who never seemed to find any sort of groove throughout the game. Even on the ground, Jones never seemed to make any of his signature big plays. Seattle’s defense has started to come alive recently, so Jones should be able to bounce back.
Running Back
Saquon Barkley: 20 Carries, 53 Yards, TD | 5 Targets, 3 Receptions, 9 Yards
Matt Breida: 2 Carries, 5 Yards | 2 Targets, 1 Reception, 10 Yards
Again, the Seattle defense managed a great performance against the Giants. They were able to contain stud Saquon Barkley for the most part, only surrendering 53 yards on the ground to the Quadfather. Saquon did still have some nice 10-yard scampers, but Seattle was stingy with the yardage today. His touchdown came on a short field when Seahawks receiver Tyler Lockett fumbled on Seattle’s own 2-yard line, setting the Giants up nicely. He is a threat every time he touches the ball and it shows; even on plays where there didn’t seem to be any space, Saquon managed to find a way to earn yards. He is a special player and it is nice to watch him playing football the way he’s capable of playing. Matt Breida seemed fresh in relief, but that’s all he was: relief for Saquon.
Wide Receiver/Tight End
Darius Slayton: 6 Targets, 5 Receptions, 66 Yards
Tanner Hudson: 5 Targets, 3 Receptions, 58 Yards
Wan’Dale Robinson: 3 Targets, 2 Receptions, 15 Yards
Chris Myarick: 1 Target, 1 Reception, 10 Yards
David Sills V: 2 Targets, 1 Reception, 5 Yards
Marcus Johnson: 6 Targets, 1 Reception, 3 Yards
Lawrence Cager: 1 Target
Daniel Jones having a quiet day means that the wide receivers follow suit. Darius Slayton led the way for the Giants’ receiver room, bringing in five passes for 66 yards. He had an impressive grab that showcased his strength, as he outmuscled Seahawk Tariq Woolen for the catch and run. Tanner Hudson had a solid game in place of the injured Daniel Bellinger. He seemed to be a dependable safety blanket. for Daniel Jones to go to. Wan’Dale Robinson failed to continue his ascension, settling for 15 yards on two catches. That being said, it was a very quiet day for the Giants’ passing game. The Seahawks’ defense came to play and defended the Giants’ schemes well. Lawrence Cager did find a way to get through the Seattle secondary to be wide open on what would have been a big gain, but Daniel Jones missed. him.
Seattle Seahawks
Quarterback
Geno Smith: 23/34, 212 Yards, 2 TD | 5 Carries, 26 Yards
The box score will not tell the entire tale for quarterback Geno Smith. While the numbers are fine, Geno had a number of great passes that were either uncatchable or not brought in by his receivers. He had a perfect would-be 30-yard touchdown pass to Tyler Lockett that he just flat-out dropped. Earlier in the game, Geno made what I consider to be his best throw of the day on what would have been another touchdown to Tyler Lockett, who was just unable to get his second foot down inbounds. It was a very difficult catch to make, but Geno placed that ball in a nook no defender could do anything about. He also completed passes to nine different receivers today. He’s been progressing through his reads and making great decisions; taking what the defense gives him. What Geno is doing this season is unprecedented and at this point, it seems foolish to believe he’ll come crashing back down to Earth. He is showing great pocket presence and escapability, even cementing the game with a nice 14-yard scramble on 3rd and 8 to pick up the first down.
Running Back
Kenneth Walker III: 18 Carries, 51 Yards, TD | 2 Targets, 1 Reception, 1 Yard
Travis Homer: 2 Carries, 10 Yards | 1 Target, 1 Reception, 21 Yards
Although the Giants did keep him in check, for the most part, Ken Walker III again flashed on plays showing why the Seahawks drafted him early in the second round of this year’s draft. As he showed on his touchdown run, it is extremely difficult to bring him down and he almost always breaks through first contact. It’s tough to follow up rushing for over 160 yards and a couple of touchdowns, but the Giants’ defense deserves a lot of credit for holding Walker to just over 50 yards on the ground. Leonard Williams had a lot of great penetration. Travis Homer had a very nice catch and run, showcasing his speed down the sideline on a sweet play.
Wide Receiver/Tight End
Tyler Lockett: 8 Targets, 5 Receptions, 63 Yards, TD, 1 Fumble (Lost)
DK Metcalf: 10 Targets, 6 Receptions, 55 Yards, TD
Marquise Goodwin: 5 Targets, 4 Receptions, 33 Yards
Noah Fant: 2 Targets, 2 Receptions, 19 Yards
Will Dissly: 2 Targets, 2 Receptions, 12 Yards, 1 Fumble (Recovered)
Colby Parkinson: 1 Target, 1 Reception, 5 Yards
Dee Eskridge: 2 Targets, 1 Reception, 3 Yards
If you are a pass catcher on the Seahawks, chances are you got involved today. As mentioned earlier, nine different Seattle receivers caught passes today. Fresh off of a knee injury last week, DK Metcalf saw an abundance of targets and caught the first touchdown of the game. Geno clearly has a lot of trust in DK, targeting him on jump balls a couple of times throughout the game.
Tyler Lockett had an up-and-down game. Early on a Seahawks drive, Lockett caught a quick pass at their own 2-yard line and was tackled immediately, fumbling in the process and giving the Giants the ball at the goal line. Additionally, he did have that easy touchdown drop in the third quarter. However, he made a number of other plays, including a filthy double move that Geno hit him on for a long touchdown.
Marquise Goodwin didn’t have a huge game, but he showcased his speed and a nice catch and run. He also had a drop early in the game on another great pass from Geno. The Seahawks seem to be getting all three of their tight ends involved weekly, with all of Will Dissly, Noah Fant, and Colby Parkinson making big catches.
Debbie Downer masterclass.