Three takeaways from Giants' Week 5 victory over Seahawks
SEATTLE
1. Slayton fills Nabers’ role
Darius Slayton had an eventful day. He had a game-high 11 targets and made eight receptions for 122 yards. And he was Malik Nabers for the day.
Or, at least, he was expected to fill that void. Slayton did just fine. And he did it while having to rewire himself, to some degree, as he slid over to Nabers’ role.
“Played on the other side since Malik wasn’t there,” he said. “It’s basically playing the other side for me. I definitely went the wrong way a time or two. But I was able to do decent today.”
Slayton also might have been the recipient of an officiating mistake. He was flagged by an official for making a gesture of a gun, something Slayton said he did not do. It was possible that the official got that one wrong.
Giants coach Brian Daboll said: “Slayton was very regretful and remorseful. I’m not sure he was doing what [the officials] thought he was doing.”
The day, of course, was a success overall.
“Great atmosphere. Obviously great atmosphere,” Slayton said. “Awesome play by [Simmons] to come out with that play at the end. Big game for us.
“The penalty, you know what’s funny is, I made sure there was nobody near me. So I wasn’t pointing at anyone. I told Dabes, ‘I’m done. No more pointing for me.’ ”
2. Rookie Tracy carries load
Rookie running back Tyrone Tracy had his most extensive workload of the season and was up to the responsibility.
“He was productive. He’s tough,” Daboll said. “He ran hard. That’s something we’ve been working on, It was good to see the rookies. They’re developing still. Gained some extra yards with the ball in his hand. There are a lot of things to clean up, but I’m proud of our team and proud of our coaches.”
Tracy did well with an extensive workload. He carried the ball 18 times for 129 yards, a gaudy average of 7.2 yards. He had a long run of 27. With Devin Singletary still dealing with a groin issue, Tracy likely gained confidence from the coaching staff that he can do the job, too.
3. Simmons contributes
Isaiah Simmons will tell you that this season hasn’t gone the way he had hoped. But he made up for that in Seattle.
Simmons sealed the Giants’ victory by using his extraordinary athleticism.
Seattle kicker Jason Myers was preparing for a potential tying 47-yard field-goal attempt with 1:05 remaining. Simmons jumped the gap and swatted the kick, which was scooped up by Bryce Ford-Wheaton, who ran it back 60 yards for the clinching score for the Giants.
Minutes later, the Giants were celebrating one of the biggest wins in Daboll’s tenure.
“I gave Simmons a game ball,” Daboll said. “He’s a high-profile [draft] pick. He’s been on a couple different teams. There’s certain roles he plays . . . [but] whatever that role is, that’s what good teammates do.
“Certainly, everyone wants the ball on offense or wants to play 100% of the time. But this is a team game, and when your number is called, we’re expecting you to make the play. I applaud the young man for that. He made a heck of a play to seal it.”