Wow. Just wow. The New York Giants defeated the Seattle Seahawks in a great team win.
Led by backup quarterback Colt McCoy, the Giants were able to put up 17 points against this improving Seattle defense. Starting off slow, the Giants did not put up any points in the first half of the game, however they did come close before Evan “Butterfingers” Engram struck again. Around the 15 yard line, the ball went right through Engram’s hands as it tipped up right to Seattle’s Quandre Diggs.
While the offense was not up to par in the first half, the defense limited Russell Wilson’s top offense to only 3 points, with 2 additional points tacked on from a blocked punt safety. Head Coach Joe Judge and Defensive Coordinator Patrick Graham really executed their plan to perfection. With the goal of preventing big plays by Seattle’s explosive offense, the defense really did its job here. In fact, Seattle’s largest play from scrimmage was only for 24 yards, something that most defenses were not able to accomplish this season against Seattle.
All aspects of the defense were working yesterday. Top cornerback James Bradberry locked up DK to 5 receptions for 80 yards. While this may not seem like COMPLETE lockdown compared to the numbers Metcalf put up against other teams, Bradberry really played him to perfection. By playing him deep, the shot plays that Wilson and DK usually connect on were prevented. While the secondary did great in preventing big plays to the explosive Seattle receiving core, the front seven was the real highlight of this Giants defense. Leonard Williams showed out again with 2.5 sacks, rookie Carter Coughlin made big tackles on crucial third downs, MLB Blake Martinez continued his tackle-filled season with 10 this game (despite exiting the game early with a lower back issue), and Niko Lalos came up with an important fumble recovery in the second quarter.
It really is great that Judge was able to game plan for a top team in the league with a BACKUP quarterback, who hasn’t started in OVER A YEAR. Wayne Gallman was able to channel his inner Saquon, averaging 8.4 yards per carry. If the defense continues to lock down offenses, and Jones is able to come back healthy, this Giants team may be a sleeper for a playoff run. After all, an underdog Giants team entering the playoffs isn’t the worst thing according to recent (2008) history 😉
