3 Seahawks who need to thrive in Week 5 versus the New York Giants

Monday Night Football against the Lions in Week 4 was an exciting spectacle for Seattle fans. The Seahawks entered undefeated, looking to flex on a national stage against a lethal opponent. Spoiler alert: they lost a hard-fought game against a superior team. Did all of the goodwill dissipate in Detroit? Since the Seattle Seahawks hit their first bit of turbulence in the era of the Mike Macdonald flight plan, we will soon see how this team bounces back from adversity.

In his postgame press conference, Mike seemed disappointed yet determined. He was regretful yet resolute with regard to the game's outcome. He mentioned that the Lions "are a great team" and followed that up by stating plainly: "...we want to become a great team. We have to become a great team". Macdonald seems like a nice guy, but there looked to be a bit of fire in his eyes after his first loss as head coach of the Seattle Seahawks. Good, Mike. Don't calm down, let it flow!

There are, undoubtedly, things to fix in a short week before the Hawks travel back home to host the New York Giants. The G-Men are at the bottom of the NFC East standings (1-3) but should not be taken lightly. This week can be a stepping stone and a chance to put coach Macdonald's mantra of 'Make it right' into practice and fruition. Hopefully, the week brings better health, but if not, players will still be required to step up.

Seahawks players who need to ball out versus New York Football Giants

Connor Williams - Seahawks center

Connor Williams helped to lead Seattle’s offense to 38 first downs on Monday Night Football, the most in a single game in franchise history! Hey, I thought this was supposed to be a defensive coach! Enter an elite defensive line visiting town this Sunday, one that can cause more points of stress than Aidan Hutchinson and Alim McNeill from last week's game.

The Giants defenders who will try to throw a wrench into Seattle's offense are highly regarded edge rushers Brian Burns and Kayvon Thibodeaux, as well as possibly the NFL's best pure nose tackle in Dexter Lawrence.

Communication isn't just an emphasis on the defensive side of the ball, the offensive line must be in sync as well. That starts with the pivot position. Stunts and games by a talented Big Blue D-line will test the mettle and the gel between the Seattle blockers. Dexter Lawrence is out to personally test Connor Williams and raise hell doing it.

Even if D-Law lines up over a guard, Seattle's starting center will need to slide, help, and chip on him. Williams was signed to provide an upgrade over Olu Oluwatimi... here's a chance to see that veteran savvy come out and play a pivotal role. Unhitch the wagon and get rollin', big guy!

DK Metcalf - Seahawks wide receiver

DK Metcalf is arguably the most explosive and vertical weapon that the Seahawks house. If they can fire him off early, that can set the tone, taking pass rush largely off of the menu Thibodeaux, Burns, and Lawrence. Can he extend his Seahawks record to 4 consecutive 100-yard games by a Seattle wideout? That scenario would also serve to levy pressure against embattled NYG quarterback Daniel Jones to keep up through the air, an outcome Seattle should welcome.

Through four weeks of the 2024 NFL season, Metcalf has been shadowed by Patrick Surtain II, Christian Gonzalez, Jalen Ramsey, and Carlton Davis. That's an exceptional lineup of cover corners, but it has not stopped DK from gobbling up catches and yardage. He is currently third in the whole league on the list of receiving yards. Facing Deonte Banks this week could allow Metcalf to eat and eat well.

Rayshawn Jenkins - Seahawks strong safety

Before the game against the Lions, the Seahawks defense was being lauded, as they had allowed the second-fewest explosive passing plays (according to PFF). That is until they met an explosive wide receiver like Jameson Williams. Coach Macdonald had this to say about the 70-yard bomb by Jameson Williams: "It was just a mental error, and we didn't have a post player." Tough to speculate on coverage responsibilities as fans, but it does look like Rayshawn Jenkins was the only safety on the field for that particular coverage bust.

Well, Mike and Rayshawn, there's another couple of electric deep threats on tap: Malik Nabers (4.35 40-yard dash) and Jalin Hyatt (4.40 40-yard dash). Seattle may get lucky and avoid the young stud in Nabers, but Hyatt will certainly be there to try to take the lid off of the defense.

Whether or not Jenkins was responsible for a big play before, he must stay disciplined and get the defense in the right alignments. He is a former defensive play-caller, and that skillset may come in handy, especially if free safety Julian Love has any setbacks with his quad contusion.

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