Seahawks defense must unleash in Week 5 as Giants will miss greatest weapon
By Lee Vowell
The Seattle Seahawks lost to the Detroit Lions in part because the team was missing so many defensive starters. Heck, even Byron Murphy II is not listed as a starter - Jarran Reed holds Murphy's wannabe spot - but Murphy is extremely important in stopping the run. Still, there are no excuses, as Seattle's backups failed to make a big enough impact.
In Week 5, Seattle might still be missing some defensive personnel, but no one as important as the player the New York Giants will be without. Rookie wide receiver Malik Nabers has been ruled out for Sunday's game as he is still dealing with the after-effects of sustaining a concussion in Week 4.
Nabers has not been a small part of the Giants offense. Heading into Week 4, the rookie was second in receiving yards in the NFL, first in receptions, and first in targets. In each of the last three games, he had gotten at least 12 targets. He is far and away the Giants' most productive offensive player, and his presence on the field helps the other receivers.
New York Giants wide receiver Malik Nabers officially out against the Seahawks in Week 5
Even should the Seahawks miss a couple of defensive players, Seattle must take advantage of the Giants missing Nabers. New York has not shown they can run the ball so far this year, as they are 30th in the league with 85.3 yards rushing per game. They have also only scored two rushing touchdowns so far.
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Nabers missing Week 5 should greatly limit what New York can do when throwing the ball, as their offense is already limited. The Seahawks need to be ultra-aggressive in attacking New York quarterback Daniel Jones and dare the Giants to try to run the ball well. What made Week 4 worse for Seattle was that the Detroit Lions could be effective in passing and running. New York might only be able to do one thing well.
The biggest question about the game might be if the Seahawks' offensive line can keep the Giants' elite defensive line off of quarterback Geno Smith. New York is weak in the secondary, so Smith should just need time to throw. Assuming he does, and New York not having Nabers, Seattle should win somewhat comfortably.
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