The New York Giants delivered a surprising defeat to Geno Smith and the Seattle Seahawks on Sunday at Lumen Field, highlighted by a dramatic blocked field goal that was returned for a touchdown in the closing moments of the game.
Seahawks head coach Mike Macdonald addressed the controversial blocked kick after the game, expressing that the play was simply a result of being outperformed. He noted that a player needed to handle the block in the A gap. “It’s pretty much that simple,” Macdonald explained. “They pushed down on our right guard, preventing him from reaching Simmons.”
Isaiah Simmons breezed through the Seahawks’ offensive line to block the kick, which Bryce Ford-Wheaton returned for a 60-yard touchdown, solidifying the Giants’ 29-20 victory and preventing the game from heading into overtime. This victory felt especially significant as Smith was generating momentum, reviving the Seahawks from a late 10-point deficit.
Although the play initially appeared questionable regarding legality due to the rules prohibiting defenders from jumping over the offensive line, Macdonald clarified that Simmons utilized a gap created by a blocking maneuver, which is within the rules.
Commentator Mina Kimes noted the rarity of such push-down blocks in field-goal attempts, underscoring how uncommon this tactic is in the league. Nonetheless, Simmons’ technique was deemed perfectly legal during the game.
Giants quarterback Daniel Jones completed 23 of 34 passes for 257 yards and threw two touchdowns. Darius Slayton made a crucial touchdown reception in the second half, accumulating 122 yards on eight receptions. Tyrone Tracy also made significant contributions with 129 rushing yards on 18 carries.
Meanwhile, Smith, who was leading the league in passing yards, finished 28 of 40 for 284 yards and recorded one touchdown. He also led the Seahawks in rushing with 73 yards.
With this defeat, the Seahawks have now lost two consecutive games and will need to regroup quickly as they prepare to face the San Francisco 49ers on Thursday night.