• Fri. Mar 29th, 2024

EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J. – The New York Giants were looking to get their second win of the season. Unfortunately, Big Blue ran into the Seattle Seahawks. Seattle convincingly took care of New York, 24-7.

Both teams started the game slow, by punting on their first possessions. That slow pace attributed to both offenses trying to establish their run game. However, both defenses set the tone early. It wasn’t until a 32 yard pass to Doug Baldwin, that either team had any offensive momentum.

Big Blue’s defense showed up down in the red zone following the reception. Withstanding a pass interference call on 3rd down, the Giants were able to hold the Seahawks scoreless. Seattle went for it on 4th down, and Russell Wilson was unable to connect with Jimmy Graham. Eli Apple did not give up on the play, and was able to jar the ball loose.

New York’s defense really imposed their will in the first half. Avery Moss forced a fumble on Thomas Rawls, that was then recovered by Landon Collins and returned for 32 yards. This set up the Giants only scoring drive of the game. It only took 2 plays, as Evan Engram continued his red zone excellence by catching a play action pass for a touchdown.

(Photo Credit: Bobby O'Hara) Engram scored the Giants only touchdown.
(Photo Credit: Bobby O’Hara/PureSportsNY) Engram scored the Giants only touchdown.

Seattle tried to respond back by grinding out a drive of their own. The Seahawks would suffer a huge drop, by a wide open Graham. The Giants defensive pressure really started getting to Wilson, and made him uncomfortable. A big intentional grounding call stalled Seattle’s drive, which led to a Seattle punt.

Big Blue could not capitalize, as the offense put together a frustrating 3 and out drive. Seattle then looked to put points on the board, before heading into halftime. Wilson ran an effective two minute drill, but the Giants’ defense showed up again to hold the Seahawks to just a FG.  New York would take a 7-3 lead, going into halftime.

In the second half, Big Blue’s offense continued to struggle. New York was able to run six plays, before having to punt the football. To make matters worse, the punt was deflected by D.J. Alexander giving Seattle excellent field position. The Giants’ defense again bailed themselves out, by forcing a punt after great Seahawk field position. Even without B.J. Goodson who left with an ankle injury, the defensive front found ways to stuff the run game.

Graham made up for earlier drops, by catching a 29 yard reception on the next Seahawk possession. That catch put the Seahawks on the Giants’ 30 yard line. This set up Seattle for a 22 yard touchdown grab by Baldwin, which put the Seahawks up 10-7. With 7:30 left in the 3rd quarter, the Seahawks never looked back.

(Photo Credit: Bobby O'Hara/PureSportsNY) Baldwin celebrating after scoring a second half touchdown.
(Photo Credit: Bobby O’Hara/PureSportsNY) Baldwin celebrating after scoring a second half touchdown.

The time of possession really became a factor, as the Giants defense looked visibly tired. Seattle won the time of possession battle, having the ball for 35 minutes and running 71 plays. Penalties also derailed the offensive flow for the Giants. Engram had a long gain to the red zone called back, on a illegal touching penalty.

New York did catch some breaks, especially when Wilson overshot a wide open Baldwin that would have been a sure touchdown. The Giants gave themselves a chance to get back in the game, by forcing a punt on the very next down.

New York did a better job of moving the chains on the next drive, and gave their defense a much needed rest. However a key false start penalty on Bobby Hart, forced the Giants to have to go for a field goal. Aldrick Rosas was unable to convert on his FG attempt, which took the air out of MetLife Stadium. Yet again though, the defense was able to bail themselves out by forcing a punt on the next Seahawk drive.

With time running out on Big Blue, Manning was strip sacked and the ball was recovered by Seattle. On the very next play, Wilson connected with Paul Richardson for a 38 yard touchdown. This was a controversial touchdown, because Richardson and Collins had possession of the football. The referees said that the tie goes to the receiver,  which put Seattle up 17-7.

(Photo Credit: Bobby O'Hara/PureSportsNY) Collins and the Giants' caught the wrong end of a tie.
(Photo Credit: Bobby O’Hara/PureSportsNY) Collins and the Giants’ caught the wrong end of a tie.

The Giants were unable to answer on the next drive, as they went for a quick 3 and out. The inability to sustain drives was what really hurt the Giants. New York wasted a quality performance from the defense, as Seattle milked the clock to secure a win in MetLife. Late in the 4th quarter, Graham got a second chance at the play that he dropped on 4th down in the first half. Graham would convert for the touchdown on Apple, and put Seattle up 24-7.

New York is a team depleted of consistent offensive weapons. Manning is having a hard time moving the chains, as the Giants only converted twice (2 for 12) on 3rd down. If the Giants can’t find a way to score more than seven points and keep drives alive, they might not win more than four games this season.

Barry Holmes is a Senior Writer for PureSportsNY.com. Follow him on Twitter @BHO732

(Featured Photo Credit: Bobby O’Hara/PureSportsNY)

By Barry Holmes

Graduate of Millersville University, with a BS in Communications focused in Broadcast. Senior Writer & Social Media Manager for PureSportsNY.

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