Careless and sloppy are great adjectives to describe the first quarter of the Seahawks and Giants game in the Meadowlands on Monday night. Penalty flags were flying all over the field as both teams came out with almost too much energy to start the final game to wrap up week 4 of the NFL season. The Giants continued to struggle to find offensive momentum after punting and losing a strip sack fumble in their first four drives as well as accumulating four special teams penalties in the first half. Geno Smith was able to capitalize on his defense's big play by way of a nice back shoulder throw to D.K. Metcalf for a touchdown. Later in the second quarter the Seahawks saw starting quarterback Geno Smith succumb to injury after getting tackled out of bounds by a Giants defender. Smith would not return in this game after receiving treatment in the medical tent and then further evaluation in the locker room. Smith would finish 9-11 for 67 yards and a TD.
Daniel Jones has lost 24 fumbles since entering the league in 2019.
— SportsCenter (@SportsCenter) October 3, 2023
The most in the NFL during that time 😬 pic.twitter.com/fWWVwcW2Fj
With Smith unable to return for the remainder of the half, Drew Lock stepped in for his first action in a Seahawks uniform since getting traded by Denver in the Russell Wilson deal in March of 2022. Lock would lead a late 7 play 75 yard drive capped off by a Kenneth Walker III touchdown run, his third straight game with a rushing touchdown. The Giants went into the halftime break down 14-3, now being outscored 77-9 in their first four games this season. The New York Giants are the only team in the NFL to not score a first half touchdown in the 2023 season.
Geno Smith was able to bounce back from his early injury and resume signal calling for the Seahawks in the second half. Smith would lead a 10 play drive that would stall out on 4th and 1 in the redzone to give the Giants some momentum. This momentum would turn into a 11 play 58 yard drive ending with a 97 yard pick-six by 5th overall pick Devon Witherspoon to give Seattle a 21-3 lead at the end of the third quarter. Witherspoon would end the game with; 7 total tackles, 6 solo tackles, 2 tackles for loss, 3 QB hits, and a pick-six. Witherspoon’s x-factor performance was accompanied by 10 sacks from the Seahawks defense to keep Daniel Jones frantic all night. The Seahawks would coast the entire second half thanks to their defense's dominant performance and would leave East Rutherford, New Jersey with a 24-3 win. Jones would finish 27-34, 203 yards, 1 fumble lost, 2 interceptions.
DEVON WITHERSPOON PICK-SIX
— ESPN (@espn) October 3, 2023
The No. 5 overall pick is having a big night for the Seahawks 🍿 pic.twitter.com/uHHiZ5E5cQ
The Seattle Seahawks will move to 3-1 and will look to build upon their statement primetime win with a road visit to the struggling 1-3 Cincinnati Bengals. The major bright spots for this team include the 9 sacks and two turnover performances from their defense as well as the steady running attack from Walker III, 17 carries for 79 yards and a touchdown. Keep an eye on the Seattle injury reports throughout the week on Geno Smith to see if he will continue to be the starting QB in week 5. If Smith cannot play in Cincinnati, Drew Lock showed signs of his ability to be a serviceable quarterback if Smith were to miss time.
The New York Giants continue to be arguably the worst offensive team in the league after still being unable to score a first half touchdown, and a touchdown in a game for the second time in four weeks. Brian Daboll will go to the film room to see an almost nonexistent offensive line and will need more than Saquon Barkley to turn this season around. Daniel Jones is now 1-12 in primetime games. The Giants move to 1-3 and will have another tough test next week as they travel to Miami to face the 3-1 Dolphins.
