Seahawks Take 14-3 Halftime Lead Over Giants

The New York Giants offense and special teams struggled in the first half.

Author:
Hunter De Siver
Publish date:
Oct 2, 2023 10:00 PM EDT

In this story:

East Rutherford, NJ - The Seattle Seahawks lead the New York Giants 14-3 at halftime. Neither team has created a ton of offense, but New York's mistakes have helped Seattle over the first 30 minutes.

The Giants' first drive seemed eerily similar to Week 1 against the Dallas Cowboys, as they had a good mix of run and pass that drove them over midfield but couldn't finish with points on the board.

Giants quarterback Daniel Jones often looked deep downfield with time but didn't release the ball and used his legs. Those legs couldn't get the job done on the fourth-and-one quarterback sneak, though, which ended the drive at Seattle's 21-yard line.

New York Giants center John Michael Schmitz during warm-ups prior to a training camp practice.

The Seahawks' first offensive play may have been the most extraordinary of the half as running back Ken Walker wrapped over Giants linebacker Bobby Okereke and kept sprinting toward the endzone for 73 yards. However, his elbow was down on the review, and the point of impact was two yards behind the line of scrimmage. A couple of plays later, Giants edge rusher Kayvon Thibodeaux came over the right side for a five-yard sack on 3rd-and-12 as Seattle punted away.

Jones made up for returner Eric Gray's near turnover on the muffed punt after he used his legs again for a 16-yard gain on the first play. Nevertheless, it would all be for none, as Seahawks rookie cornerback Devon Witherspoon stormed in for his first career sack, leading to a punt.

The Seahawks' second drive was riddled with flags, as three of their five plays had yellow on the field, and they were forced to punt. Giants nickel Adoree' Jackson fielded the punt and did so the rest of the half.

New York couldn't take advantage of Seattle's mishaps, as Jones was strip-sacked by Mario Edwards, and Jordyn Brooks recovered it in the red zone on the second play of the drive. Two plays later, Seahawks quarterback Geno Smith found receiver D.K. Metcalf--who was covered by Giants rookie cornerback Deonte Banks--for a six-yard touchdown.

Both teams shared punts on each of their next possessions, but the Giants defensive line tipped back-to-back pass attempts. The first tip was sent right back to Smith, who ran out of bounds, but Giants linebacker Isaiah Simmons fell on his legs and suffered a knee injury, which later sent him to the locker room for x-rays on his knee.

Giants running back Matt Breida was arguably New York's best playmaker of the first half, and a 22-yard reception--his second one of that length of the half--helped kickstart a 12-play, 61-yard drive that ended with a 55-yard field goal by Graham Gano to make the score 7-3

Seahawks backup quarterback Drew Lock couldn't have filled in much better for Smith on his first drive, as it ended in a one-yard touchdown run by Walker. Just before the score, Lock connected with tight end Noah Fant on a short route, but he was so open that he ran 52 yards before being tracked down by Simmons at the goal line.

Both teams would punt again, but Giants' Gary Brightwell ran into the punter and gave Seattle a new set of downs. However, they'd take a knee to end the half with a 14-3 score a couple of plays later.

Stat leaders at the half:

Passing yards: Daniel Jones (121)
Rushing yards: Daniel Jones (26)
Receiving yards: Noah Fant (63)
Tackles: Bobby Wagner (9)

Blue Notes

Giants center John Michael Schmitz (shoulder) and tight end Daniel Bellinger (knee) have been ruled out.
Seattle safety Jamal Adams (concussion) was ruled to. Quarterback Geno Smith (knee) is questionable to return.
Players not in uniform for the Giants include running back Saquon Barkley, left tackle Andrew Thomas, defensive lineman Jordon Riley, and safeties Bobby McCain and Gervarrius Owens.
The Giants have now been outscored 77-9 in the first half of their games.