Game-Changing Block
Isaiah Simmons joined the New York Giants’ field goal block team this week, and it proved to be a game-changer. In a surprising turn of events, he blocked a kick that led to Bryce Ford-Wheaton returning it 60 yards for a touchdown with just 55 seconds remaining, securing the Giants’ 29-20 victory over the Seattle Seahawks.
Key Play Execution
As Seattle prepared for a possible game-tying field goal, Simmons leaped over the gap between the guard and long snapper to swat the kick away. The ball fell right into Ford-Wheaton’s hands, who then raced for a touchdown, sending the home crowd home early.
Simmons’ Debut on Field Goal Block Team
“I usually don’t play on the field goal block team, so this was my first time today,” Simmons said. “I promised myself I was going to block either a punt or a field goal.”
Overall Team Performance
The blocked kick capped off a nearly flawless day for the Giants. Despite missing two key offensive players, New York (2-3) executed a brilliant game plan, taking a 23-13 lead midway through the fourth quarter. Just when Seattle looked poised to potentially tie the game, the Giants delivered a crucial special teams play.
Special Teams Strategy
The block was designed by special teams coordinator Michael Ghobrial earlier in the week. New York’s Dexter Lawrence II pushed guard Laken Tomlinson down, creating a path for the agile Simmons to leap in and make the block. Ford-Wheaton then seized the opportunity, scooping up the loose ball and racing down the field with no defenders in sight.
Surprising Endgame
“It unfolded just as we planned. We know (Simmons) is an incredible athlete with the talent to make plays like that, and we have full trust in him,” Ford-Wheaton said.
The ending was shocking, especially after Seattle appeared ready to mount an unlikely comeback, which could have resulted in another narrow loss for the Giants. Geno Smith connected with Jaxon Smith-Njigba for a 5-yard touchdown with 2:09 left, completing a 95-yard drive. The Giants then failed to gain a first down and had to punt back to Seattle, where Smith quickly advanced 32 yards on the first play, putting the Seahawks (3-2) in field goal range. However, the drive ultimately stalled, leading to Simmons’ game-changing blocked kick.
Daniel Jones’ Leadership
“We discussed who would be the best candidate for the jump, and Isaiah immediately came to mind. He executed it flawlessly,” said Giants coach Brian Daboll.
Daniel Jones orchestrated the entire effort with an impressive performance. Despite being without rookie wide receiver Malik Nabers and running back Devin Singletary, the Giants devised a strategy featuring short passes and powerful runs that allowed them to control possession and keep Seattle’s offense off the field.
Offensive Contributions
Jones completed 23 of 34 passes, throwing a 7-yard touchdown to Wan’Dale Robinson and a 30-yard touchdown to Darius Slayton early in the third quarter, giving the Giants a 17-10 lead they maintained for the rest of the game. Rookie fifth-round pick Tyrone Tracy stepped up in Singletary’s absence, rushing for 129 yards, while Darius Slayton caught eight passes for 122 yards with Nabers sidelined. The Giants amassed a total of 420 yards and controlled the ball for over 37 minutes.
Skill Depth Acknowledged
“We’ve talked since training camp about how much we value our skill players and the depth we have at those positions. Today, we saw many guys rise to the occasion and make significant contributions,” Jones said.
Missed Opportunities
The victory could have been even more decisive for New York if not for a fumble by Eric Gray at the goal line, which Rayshawn Jenkins returned 102 yards for a touchdown in the first quarter. However, that was the only bright spot for a Seahawks team that had a frustrating day overall.
Seattle’s Struggles
Smith completed 28 of 40 passes for 284 yards and added 72 rushing yards, but Seattle’s run game struggled significantly. He was sacked seven times, with three of those coming from Dexter Lawrence. After losing to Detroit on Monday night and facing a short week, the Seahawks were outcoached and appeared sluggish throughout the game. They committed numerous penalties, struggled with tackling, and failed to protect Smith effectively. With a Thursday night divisional game against San Francisco approaching, there’s little time for adjustments.
Smith’s Reflection
“We played poorly; that’s the reality,” Smith said. “I don’t think we executed well. We came out slow, which is not what we wanted. We talked about starting fast, but then we turned the ball over and couldn’t finish drives. All of that adds up to losses in the NFL.”
Injury Report
Seattle outside linebacker Uchenna Nwosu sustained a thigh injury in the first half and was ruled out by halftime. This was his season debut after missing the first four weeks due to a knee sprain he suffered in the preseason. He also spent much of last season sidelined with a torn pectoral muscle. Cornerback Riq Woolen had an ankle injury that caused him to exit and re-enter the game during the first half, while Derick Hall injured his foot in the fourth quarter.