The good: Lockdown defense
As the Seattle Seahawks headed into Week 4, there was a noticeable chink in their armor—defense. Despite showing significant improvement in their run defense compared to the previous season, the secondary had been a cause for concern, allowing opponents to pile up points through the air. However, the clash against the New York Giants turned out to be a pivotal moment for the Seattle defense, as they delivered a jaw-dropping performance that silenced their critics.
Before this game, Seattle had been giving up a substantial number of points to their opponents. Questions were raised about their ability to stop the pass and whether they could hold their ground when it mattered most. But on Monday Night Football, the Seahawks' defense had something to prove, and they did so emphatically.
The star of the show was undoubtedly the Seattle pass rush. Their front seven, led by Bowler Bobby Wagner descended upon Giants quarterback Daniel Jones like a relentless storm. The result? A jaw-dropping season-high and Monday Night Football record, 11 sacks on Jones, leaving him battered and bewildered in the pocket.
The pass rush wasn't the only unit firing on all cylinders; the Seahawks' secondary also rose to the occasion. They showed their mettle by intercepting two of Daniel Jones' passes, effectively shutting down the Giants' aerial assault. One of these interceptions was nothing short of spectacular, a pick-six orchestrated by the promising rookie cornerback Devon Witherspoon.
Witherspoon, a top-five draft pick, showcased his elite athleticism and football IQ by picking off Jones and returning the ball an astonishing 97 yards for the touchdown. It was a defining moment for the young corner, a statement that he was ready to make a significant impact in the NFL.