N.Y. Giants: Big Blue Goes Old School in Upset Over Seattle

From the desk:  DO IT FOR THE DUKE

Week Thirteen

Giants        17

Seahawks  12

FINAL

S   M   A   S   H   ~  M   O   U   T   H

Many fans last season questioned Dave Gettleman's sanity when he packaged the Giants' 2020 third-round pick and 2021 fifth-round pick in exchange for Jets defensive end Leonard Williams who was in the final year of his rookie contract and considered by some an underachiever.  In four and one-half years with the Jets, Williams averaged 26.8 solo tackles and 3.7 sacks per season.  He played eight games last season for the Giants, registering just one-half sack.  No deal was reached in the off-season, but Gettleman franchised him as a defensive tackle, which this season guarantees Williams slightly over $16 million.  The matter of a contract extension remains open.  Leonard has now played in twenty games for the Giants, which equates to one and one-quarter season.  If we prorate his performance, he is averaging 36 solo tackles and 7.5 sacks per season.  That speaks to a 26-year old player on the rise.  On Sunday against the Seahawks, he registered 2.5 sacks, which tied and breaks his single-season high of seven sacks set in his sophomore (2016) season with four games still left on the schedule.

The Giants sacked potential MVP candidate Russell Wilson five times and applied another ten hits for good measure.  Otherwise, Russell was 27 of 43 (62%) for 263 yards with one touchdown.  Rookie cornerback Darney Holmes (fourth-round selection) intercepted Russell early in the fourth quarter, which at the time helped protect a 14-5 lead.  DJ Metcalf topped out at 80 yards, and aside from Wilson's 45 yards on the ground, the Seahawks' backfield was held to just 66 yards rushing.  If you take away Seattle's defensive safety late in the first half, the Giants' defense held the Seahawks to just ten points.  Twelve total points still rate as Seattle's lowest output to date, even with the safety.

Eleven seconds are all that separated the Giants from the Seahawks insofar as time of possession.  That's a big deal considering Seattle had 15 more plays from scrimmage.  The Giants had Colt McCoy throw 22 times and elected to rush 29 times (QB scrambles not included).  Wayne Gallman rushed 16 times for 136 yards, and Alfred Morris rushed eight times for 39 yards.  The Giants grossed 190 yards on the ground, and therein lies the importance of a running game and clock control.

Colt McCoy was 13 of 22 for 105 yards with a touchdown (to Alfred Morris) and one interception.  Let's assume a healthy Daniel Jones performs better, which further advances the point.  With a superior running game - two tight ends and fullbacks and actual blocking receivers - the quarterback must merely manage the game (and himself).  It's not outdated.  If I'm bigger and stronger than you with superior cardio, and you can't stop me, then what is so antiquated about that?

First game ball goes to defensive coordinator Patrick Graham; the second goes to Wayne Gallman.

S   M   A   S   H   ~   M   O   U   T   H