Dec 6, 2020; Seattle, Washington, USA; New York Giants quarterback Colt McCoy (12) celebrates with running back Wayne Gallman (22) before the final play of a 17-12 victory against the Seattle Seahawks at Lumen Field. Mandatory Credit: Joe Nicholson-USA TODAY Sports
The New York Giants picked up their fifth win of the season on Sunday afternoon in Seattle.
Big Blue got arguably their biggest win of the season as they marched into Seattle and neutralized a top-three offense in the NFL. This victory for New York puts them at 5-7 and with some breathing room at the top of the NFC East.
Here’s how this win affected the stock of various aspects of the Giants organization.
Leonard Williams’ stock continues to rise during his contract year as he posted his best game of the season in week 13. Williams had seven pressures, five QB hits, and 2.5 sacks leading the game in all categories. The defensive tackle was an absolute wrecking machine that could not be stopped, and this was most evident on a crucial third and ten in the final minute where he was able to record a game-winning sack.
Another player who has been heating up as of recent is Jabrill Peppers. He has become the Giants’ best all-around defender doing a little bit of everything. The New Jersey native has been an amazing tackler, coverage man, and edge rusher these past few weeks. This was on display in Seattle, where he posted five tackles, two passes defended, and one sack.
Blake Martinez once again proved his worth of why he was an amazing singing by Gettleman. In this contest, the former Packer recorded 10 tackles, one tackle for loss, one pass defended, and a forced fumble. He was the clear leader of this defense, which most recently put up one of the best performances by any team this season.
In order for this defense to play so phenomenally, they are in need of excellent coaching and excellent coaching they have had. Patrick Graham had his players in the right position to hold a red hot Seattle offense to their lowest point total (10 offensive points) of the season. It is clear that he is a defensive mastermind as even with little pass-rushing talent, he was able to get a total of 25 pressures on Russell Wilson.
On the other side of the ball, Wayne Gallman carried the offensive production for New York. The fourth-year running back posted 135 yards on 16 carries. He posted a nice tote of 8.4 yards per attempt and had an explosive 60-yard run, a career-long, which set up the Giants’ first touchdown.
In order for Wayne Gallman to get this type of production, he needed the help of his tackles, who both did a phenomenal job. Andrew Thomas allowed zero pressures and received a PFF grade of 87.1. His improved blocking, and specifically pass blocking, has been an integral part of the Giants’ success as over the four-game win streak, he only allowed five pressures. On the other end, Cameron Fleming was also an elite blocker in week 13 as he was New York’s highest-graded player by PFF. He received a grade of 87.5 and allowed no QB pressures.
Lewis’ stock as a running back and blocker diminished in week 13. The veteran only saw three carries, which he turned into a mere six yards. He also did not receive one passing target. He was also New York’s worst pass blocker allowing four pressures and one sack in four pass-blocking snaps. This earned him an astonishingly low pass-blocking grade of 2.5. For now, it looks like New York should look to part ways with Lewis this upcoming offseason.
The special teams unit was once again disastrous on Sunday. Graham Gano missed an extra point, and Riley Dixon had his punt blocked for a safety. These are a net loss of three points, which a team can not afford from their specials unit.
This post was published on 2020-12-08 18:36
