EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J. — As they did last week against the 49ers, cornerbacks Jeremy Lane and Byron Maxwell showed the Seattle Seahawks secondary is still just fine without Brandon Browner or Walter Thurmond.
Maxwell had two interceptions Sunday in the Seahawks’ 23-0 win over the New York Giants, seven days after picking off San Francisco’s Colin Kaepernick in his starting debut this season. Maxwell also had three passes defensed Sunday.
Maxwell expected to play well when stepping into a starting spot after rarely playing when Browner and Thurmond were healthy. When Thurmond was moved to a starting spot in place of the injured Browner (groin), Maxwell was on the field more often at corner and nickel back.
Once Thurmond was suspended for four games for violating the NFL’s policy on PEDs, Maxwell and Lane moved into prominent roles. They’ve been outstanding for consecutive weeks, Seahawks head coach Pete Carroll said.
“I think it just shows great preparation for the backup guys,” Lane said. “When I wasn’t a starter, I came in and practiced every day like I was a starter.”
Lane had five tackles on defense and two on special teams. He also downed a punt at the Giants’ 5-yard line.
Maxwell intercepted a deep pass on the left sideline for the second consecutive week. His second interception came when he was playing defense like a basketball player in the passing lane. Reaching in front of Hakeem Nicks, Maxwell was able to deflect Eli Manning’s pass into his body before securing the ball.
The interception was at the Giants’ 22-yard line. The Seahawks scored a touchdown seven plays later to take a 23-0 lead.
Playing on the opposite side from cornerback Richard Sherman, who is tied for the league lead with six interceptions after making two on Sunday, Maxwell is an obvious target for opposing offenses.
“They came out the first play and threw at me,” Maxwell said.
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