Rookie Devon Witherspoon scores on 97-yard pick six as Seahawks D leads Seattle over Giants
Seattle Seahawks defensive end Mario Edwards Jr., center, celebrates with teammates after forcing New York Giants quarterback Daniel Jones to fumble during the first quarter of an NFL football game, Monday, Oct. 2, 2023, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Adam Hunger)
Seattle Seahawks linebacker Jordyn Brooks (56) recovers a fumble by New York Giants quarterback Daniel Jones during the second quarter of an NFL football game, Monday, Oct. 2, 2023, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Adam Hunger)
Seattle Seahawks center Olu Oluwatimi (51) reacts as running back Kenneth Walker III (9) pushes his way across the goal line against the New York Giants for a touchdown during the second quarterof an NFL football game, Monday, Oct. 2, 2023, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Adam Hunger)
Seattle Seahawks tight end Noah Fant (87) is tackled by the New York Giants just short of the goal line during the second quarter of an NFL football game, Monday, Oct. 2, 2023, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Frank Franklin II)
Seattle Seahawks running back Kenneth Walker III (9) celebrates with linebacker Jordyn Brooks (56) after scoring a touchdown against the New York Giants during the second quarter of an NFL football game, Monday, Oct. 2, 2023, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Adam Hunger)
New York Giants punter Jamie Gillan (6) congratulates place kicker Graham Gano (9) after Gano kicked a field goal against the Seattle Seahawks during the second quarter of an NFL football game, Monday, Oct. 2, 2023, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Adam Hunger)
New York Giants wide receiver Parris Campbell (0) is tackled by Seattle Seahawks linebacker Bobby Wagner (54) during the second quarter of an NFL football game, Monday, Oct. 2, 2023, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Adam Hunger)
New York Giants wide receiver Parris Campbell (0) avoids a tackle by Seattle Seahawks cornerback Devon Witherspoon (21) during the second quarter of an NFL football game, Monday, Oct. 2, 2023, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Adam Hunger)
New York Giants defensive end Leonard Williams (99) reacts against the Seattle Seahawks during the second quarter of an NFL football game, Monday, Oct. 2, 2023, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Frank Franklin II)
New York Giants quarterback Daniel Jones (8) fumbles the ball as he is tackled by Seattle Seahawks defensive end Mario Edwards Jr. (97) during the second quarter of an NFL football game, Monday, Oct. 2, 2023, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Adam Hunger)
Seattle Seahawks head coach Pete Carroll reacts during the first quarter of an NFL football game against the New York Giants, Monday, Oct. 2, 2023, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Adam Hunger)
New York Giants quarterback Daniel Jones (8) fumbles the ball as he is hit by Seattle Seahawks defensive end Mario Edwards Jr. (97) during the second quarter of an NFL football game, Monday, Oct. 2, 2023, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Adam Hunger)
New York Giants linebacker Kayvon Thibodeaux (5) reacts with linebacker Bobby Okereke (58) and defensive tackle Dexter Lawrence II (97) after a defensive play against the Seattle Seahawks during the first quarter of an NFL football game, Monday, Oct. 2, 2023, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Frank Franklin II)
Seattle Seahawks cornerback Devon Witherspoon (21) gets by New York Giants quarterback Daniel Jones (8), wide receiver Parris Campbell (0) and wide receiver Wan’Dale Robinson (17) after intercepting a pass to run it back for a touchdown during the third quarter of an NFL football game, Monday, Oct. 2, 2023, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Adam Hunger)
Seattle Seahawks defensive tackle Jarran Reed (90) and linebacker Bobby Wagner (54) hug during the third quarter of an NFL football game against the New York Giants, Monday, Oct. 2, 2023, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Adam Hunger)
Seattle Seahawks cornerback Devon Witherspoon (21) cuts behind New York Giants quarterback Daniel Jones (8) after intercepting a pass to run it back for a touchdown during the third quarter of an NFL football game, Monday, Oct. 2, 2023, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Adam Hunger)
Seattle Seahawks linebacker Uchenna Nwosu (10) reacts during the fourth quarter of an NFL football game against the New York Giants, Monday, Oct. 2, 2023, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Adam Hunger)
New York Giants quarterback Daniel Jones (8) walks to the sidelines after throwing an interception that was returned for a touchdown by the Seattle Seahawks during the third quarter of an NFL football game, Monday, Oct. 2, 2023, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Adam Hunger)
Seattle Seahawks defensive end Mario Edwards Jr., center, celebrates with teammates after forcing New York Giants quarterback Daniel Jones to fumble during the first quarter of an NFL football game, Monday, Oct. 2, 2023, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Adam Hunger)
Seattle Seahawks defensive end Mario Edwards Jr., center, celebrates with teammates after forcing New York Giants quarterback Daniel Jones to fumble during the first quarter of an NFL football game, Monday, Oct. 2, 2023, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Adam Hunger)
Seattle Seahawks linebacker Jordyn Brooks (56) recovers a fumble by New York Giants quarterback Daniel Jones during the second quarter of an NFL football game, Monday, Oct. 2, 2023, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Adam Hunger)
Seattle Seahawks linebacker Jordyn Brooks (56) recovers a fumble by New York Giants quarterback Daniel Jones during the second quarter of an NFL football game, Monday, Oct. 2, 2023, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Adam Hunger)
Seattle Seahawks center Olu Oluwatimi (51) reacts as running back Kenneth Walker III (9) pushes his way across the goal line against the New York Giants for a touchdown during the second quarterof an NFL football game, Monday, Oct. 2, 2023, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Adam Hunger)
Seattle Seahawks center Olu Oluwatimi (51) reacts as running back Kenneth Walker III (9) pushes his way across the goal line against the New York Giants for a touchdown during the second quarterof an NFL football game, Monday, Oct. 2, 2023, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Adam Hunger)
Seattle Seahawks tight end Noah Fant (87) is tackled by the New York Giants just short of the goal line during the second quarter of an NFL football game, Monday, Oct. 2, 2023, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Frank Franklin II)
Seattle Seahawks tight end Noah Fant (87) is tackled by the New York Giants just short of the goal line during the second quarter of an NFL football game, Monday, Oct. 2, 2023, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Frank Franklin II)
Seattle Seahawks running back Kenneth Walker III (9) celebrates with linebacker Jordyn Brooks (56) after scoring a touchdown against the New York Giants during the second quarter of an NFL football game, Monday, Oct. 2, 2023, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Adam Hunger)
Seattle Seahawks running back Kenneth Walker III (9) celebrates with linebacker Jordyn Brooks (56) after scoring a touchdown against the New York Giants during the second quarter of an NFL football game, Monday, Oct. 2, 2023, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Adam Hunger)
New York Giants punter Jamie Gillan (6) congratulates place kicker Graham Gano (9) after Gano kicked a field goal against the Seattle Seahawks during the second quarter of an NFL football game, Monday, Oct. 2, 2023, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Adam Hunger)
New York Giants punter Jamie Gillan (6) congratulates place kicker Graham Gano (9) after Gano kicked a field goal against the Seattle Seahawks during the second quarter of an NFL football game, Monday, Oct. 2, 2023, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Adam Hunger)
New York Giants wide receiver Parris Campbell (0) is tackled by Seattle Seahawks linebacker Bobby Wagner (54) during the second quarter of an NFL football game, Monday, Oct. 2, 2023, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Adam Hunger)
New York Giants wide receiver Parris Campbell (0) is tackled by Seattle Seahawks linebacker Bobby Wagner (54) during the second quarter of an NFL football game, Monday, Oct. 2, 2023, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Adam Hunger)
New York Giants wide receiver Parris Campbell (0) avoids a tackle by Seattle Seahawks cornerback Devon Witherspoon (21) during the second quarter of an NFL football game, Monday, Oct. 2, 2023, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Adam Hunger)
New York Giants wide receiver Parris Campbell (0) avoids a tackle by Seattle Seahawks cornerback Devon Witherspoon (21) during the second quarter of an NFL football game, Monday, Oct. 2, 2023, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Adam Hunger)
New York Giants defensive end Leonard Williams (99) reacts against the Seattle Seahawks during the second quarter of an NFL football game, Monday, Oct. 2, 2023, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Frank Franklin II)
New York Giants defensive end Leonard Williams (99) reacts against the Seattle Seahawks during the second quarter of an NFL football game, Monday, Oct. 2, 2023, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Frank Franklin II)
New York Giants quarterback Daniel Jones (8) fumbles the ball as he is tackled by Seattle Seahawks defensive end Mario Edwards Jr. (97) during the second quarter of an NFL football game, Monday, Oct. 2, 2023, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Adam Hunger)
New York Giants quarterback Daniel Jones (8) fumbles the ball as he is tackled by Seattle Seahawks defensive end Mario Edwards Jr. (97) during the second quarter of an NFL football game, Monday, Oct. 2, 2023, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Adam Hunger)
Seattle Seahawks head coach Pete Carroll reacts during the first quarter of an NFL football game against the New York Giants, Monday, Oct. 2, 2023, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Adam Hunger)
New York Giants quarterback Daniel Jones (8) fumbles the ball as he is hit by Seattle Seahawks defensive end Mario Edwards Jr. (97) during the second quarter of an NFL football game, Monday, Oct. 2, 2023, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Adam Hunger)
New York Giants quarterback Daniel Jones (8) fumbles the ball as he is hit by Seattle Seahawks defensive end Mario Edwards Jr. (97) during the second quarter of an NFL football game, Monday, Oct. 2, 2023, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Adam Hunger)
New York Giants linebacker Kayvon Thibodeaux (5) reacts with linebacker Bobby Okereke (58) and defensive tackle Dexter Lawrence II (97) after a defensive play against the Seattle Seahawks during the first quarter of an NFL football game, Monday, Oct. 2, 2023, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Frank Franklin II)
New York Giants linebacker Kayvon Thibodeaux (5) reacts with linebacker Bobby Okereke (58) and defensive tackle Dexter Lawrence II (97) after a defensive play against the Seattle Seahawks during the first quarter of an NFL football game, Monday, Oct. 2, 2023, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Frank Franklin II)
Seattle Seahawks cornerback Devon Witherspoon (21) gets by New York Giants quarterback Daniel Jones (8), wide receiver Parris Campbell (0) and wide receiver Wan’Dale Robinson (17) after intercepting a pass to run it back for a touchdown during the third quarter of an NFL football game, Monday, Oct. 2, 2023, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Adam Hunger)
Seattle Seahawks cornerback Devon Witherspoon (21) gets by New York Giants quarterback Daniel Jones (8), wide receiver Parris Campbell (0) and wide receiver Wan’Dale Robinson (17) after intercepting a pass to run it back for a touchdown during the third quarter of an NFL football game, Monday, Oct. 2, 2023, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Adam Hunger)
Seattle Seahawks defensive tackle Jarran Reed (90) and linebacker Bobby Wagner (54) hug during the third quarter of an NFL football game against the New York Giants, Monday, Oct. 2, 2023, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Adam Hunger)
Seattle Seahawks defensive tackle Jarran Reed (90) and linebacker Bobby Wagner (54) hug during the third quarter of an NFL football game against the New York Giants, Monday, Oct. 2, 2023, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Adam Hunger)
Seattle Seahawks cornerback Devon Witherspoon (21) cuts behind New York Giants quarterback Daniel Jones (8) after intercepting a pass to run it back for a touchdown during the third quarter of an NFL football game, Monday, Oct. 2, 2023, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Adam Hunger)
Seattle Seahawks cornerback Devon Witherspoon (21) cuts behind New York Giants quarterback Daniel Jones (8) after intercepting a pass to run it back for a touchdown during the third quarter of an NFL football game, Monday, Oct. 2, 2023, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Adam Hunger)
Seattle Seahawks linebacker Uchenna Nwosu (10) reacts during the fourth quarter of an NFL football game against the New York Giants, Monday, Oct. 2, 2023, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Adam Hunger)
New York Giants quarterback Daniel Jones (8) walks to the sidelines after throwing an interception that was returned for a touchdown by the Seattle Seahawks during the third quarter of an NFL football game, Monday, Oct. 2, 2023, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Adam Hunger)
New York Giants quarterback Daniel Jones (8) walks to the sidelines after throwing an interception that was returned for a touchdown by the Seattle Seahawks during the third quarter of an NFL football game, Monday, Oct. 2, 2023, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Adam Hunger)
EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J. (AP) — Rookie cornerback Devon Witherspoon scored on a 97-yard interception return late in the third quarter and the Seattle Seahawks tied a team record with 11 sacks in a 24-3 victory over the struggling and offensively inept New York Giants on Monday night.
Geno Smith threw a 6-yard touchdown pass to DK Metcalf late in the first quarter after a strip-sack by defensive end Mario Edwards Jr. set up a short drive and Kenneth Walker III scored on a 1-yard run just before halftime as the Seahawks (3-1) won their third straight.
A fourth-quarter interception Quandre Diggs set up a field goal by Jason Myers in the fourth quarter as the Seattle improve to 6-0 at MetLife Stadium, including the franchise’s only Super Bowl win.
Bobby Wagner, Jordyn Brooks, Witherspoon and Uchenna Nwosu each had two sacks. Wagner also had 17 tackles.
Graham Gano kicked a 55-yard field goal for the Giants (1-3), who have played one good half in four games this season and have looked nothing like the team that last year made the playoffs for the first time since 2016.
Seattle was clinging to a 14-3 lead late in third quarter when the Giants moved from their 43 to the Seahawks 5. On second and goal, Daniel Jones tried to hit Parris Campbell and the receiver seemed to stumble. Jones’ pass went to Witherspoon, the No. 5 overall pick in the draft, and he scored almost untouched crossing from the right side of the field to the left to make it 21-3.
The Giants’ offense has really struggled the past two games with star running back Saquon Barkley out with high ankle sprain and left tackle Andrew Thomas down with hamstring injury for three games.
The Seahawks didn’t do a lot against the Giants’ defense. The only real drive they had was seven plays, 75 yards just before halftime that was engineered by backup Drew Lock, who replaced Smith after he tweaked a knee and needed X-Rays. The drive included a 51-yard pass to Noah Fant.
Smith, who returned for the second half, finished 13 of 20 for 110 yards. A battered Jones was 27 of 34 for 203 yards. He ran 10 times for 66 yards.
STRANGE START
Seattle’s first offensive play from scrimmage took about five minutes. Walker took a handoff and headed right. Inside linebacker Bobby Okereke broke through and seemingly made a tackle for a 2-yard loss. For a moment everyone on the field stopped.
Walker felt his body never touched the turf and he got up and ran 20 yards downfield, stopped and then to the end zone, where an official ruled touchdown.
There was a long review of the scoring play and videotape showed Walker’s elbow hit the turf. The touchdown call was reversed.
INJURIES:
Seattle: S Jamal Adams sustained a concussion on the opening series after being kneed in the helmet attempting to tackle Jones. Adams was playing in his first game since tearing quadriceps in the 2022 opener. RG Phil Haynes aggravated an calf injury and had to leave in the first half. G Damiel Lewis (ankle) left in the second quarter
Giants: Rookie C John Michael Schmitz (shoulder) and No. 2 tight end Daniel Bellinger (knee) left the game in the first half.
UP NEXT
Seahawks: Following a bye week, at Cincinnati on Oct. 15.
Giants: at Miami on Sunday.
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