The first macro objective of every NFL team at the start of each season is to win their respective division. Doing so ensures a spot in the playoffs. The goal is achieved by approaching each of the 17-regular season games as singularly the most important. For the Giants, that mindset was amplified by going into Seattle on Sunday to face the imposing Seahawks at Lumen Field, arguably the loudest in the league.
The Giants came into the game with a record of 1-3 and in a league where a win is hard to come by and critically important, there is wide chasm between being 2-3 and 1-4. The Giants left the Pacific Northwest ecstatically claiming the former, earning their second win of the season without emerging star rookie wide receiver Malik Nabers (concussion protocol) and starting running back Devin Singletary (groin), taking down the Seahawks 29-20. In their absence, head coach Brian Daboll and quarterback Daniel Jones leaned on rookie running back Tyrone Tracy Jr. and six-year veteran Darius Slayton.
Tracy Jr., a product of Purdue, selected by the Giants in the fifth round (No. 166 overall) in this past April’s NFL Draft, rushed for 129 yards on 18 carries. Slayton, also a fifth round pick (No. 177) by the Giants five years after Tracy Jr. in 2019 out of Auburn, had eight catches for 122 yards, including a 30-yard touchdown pass from Jones at 10:41 of the third quarter to put the Giants ahead 17-10 after the extra-point kick. Jones was steady and effective, going 23-34 for 257 yards, two touchdowns and no turnovers.
“I would say the butterflies is something that is always going to happen on game day,” said Tracy Jr. via Giants.com of his first professional start at running back. “For me personally, when you get out there after that first snap, the butterflies need to go away. You have to stay focused, understand the gameplan, and rely on your fundamentals and technique.”
It wasn’t until linebacker Isaiah Simmons blocked a game-tying field goal attempt by the Seahawks, who were trailing 23-20, and the ball bounced into the hands of wide receiver Bryce Ford-Wheaton, who sprinted 60 yards for a touchdown with 55 seconds left that the victory was in hand for the Giants. It was an unlikely win that has lifted their hopes in the early part of the NFC East division race that is likely to remain close for most, if not all of this season.
The Washington Commanders lead at 4-1, with the Dallas Cowboys 3-2, the Philadelphia Eagles 2-2 and the Giants 2-3. The Giants will host the 1-4 but still dangerous Cincinnati Bengals Sunday night at home at MetLife Stadium. A loss would be a disappointing step back for the Giants.