The Seattle Seahawks’ Will Dissly (89) celebrates after recovering a fumble on a New York Giants punt return during the second half of Sunday’s game in Seattle. (AP Photo/John Froschauer)

The Seattle Seahawks’ Will Dissly (89) celebrates after recovering a fumble on a New York Giants punt return during the second half of Sunday’s game in Seattle. (AP Photo/John Froschauer)

Grading the Seahawks’ 27-13 victory over the Giants

Big efforts on defense, special teams lead Seattle to victory over a formidable foe.

Here’s how the Seattle Seahawks grade out in their 27-13 victory over the New York Giants on Sunday at Lumen Field:

OFFENSE

No, this wasn’t Seattle’s best offensive performance of the season. Running back Ken Walker III was largely contained, quarterback Geno Smith was hit time and time again in the first half, and receiver Tyle Lockett had an uncharacteristically bad game in terms of ball security. But credit the offense for coming through when it needed to. Smith was imperious during the fourth-quarter drive that snapped a 13-13 tie, with Lockett hauling in the touchdown pass in a heart-warming redemptive moment. And Walker finally broke free for a trademark tackle-breaking touchdown run that essentially clinched the victory. Getting receiver DK Metcalf back after he had to be carted off with a knee injury last week was an added bonus.

Grade: B-

DEFENSE

Is this really the unit that looked so hopeless following the Week 5 loss to New Orleans? Seattle forced the Giants to go three-and-out in each of their first three drives, as New York didn’t manage a first down until the second quarter. New York’s star running back Saquon Barkley was completely bottled up as he was a non-factor. The one touchdown New York scored was not the defense’s fault at all, as the Giants began that drive at the 2-yard line following a turnover. Even late in the game when Seattle was in a prevent defense up by two TDs, New York couldn’t get a score. It’s no fluke when the defense has done it three weeks in a row.

Grade: A

SPECIAL TEAMS

Special teams have been a problem for Seattle for much of the season, but they played a huge role in Sunday’s victory. The Seahawks twice created turnovers in punt coverage, with the resulting short fields both leading to scores. Kicker Jason Myers was up to his usual exploits, drilling a 51-yard field goal, and even his kick that was tipped still made its way through the uprights. Not everything was perfect in terms of punting or the return game, but there were no disasters, and the turnovers more than made up for that.

Grade: A

COACHING

There were some gutsy calls made on offense, and they paid off for the Seahawks, particularly during their first touchdown drive in the second quarter when they twice converted fourth-and-short when in the red zone. There was some great play calling on the decisive fourth-quarter drive when Seattle scored a touchdown immediately after New York tied it at 13-13. The one blemish came late in the game when coach Pete Carroll got so excited by a Smith first-down run that he accidentally collided with the side judge and drew a 15-yard penalty.

Grade: A-

OVERALL

This game was an important gauge for Seattle. The Seahawks have been one of the NFL’s surprise teams, but haven’t had the toughest strength of schedule. Sunday saw a 6-1 team come to town and Seattle not only held up against the challenge, the Seahawks were every bit worthy of the victory, particularly on defense where the team’s dramatic turnaround looks legit. Seattle remained in first place in the NFC West, and the Seahawks — against all preseason predictions — may just be the favorites for the division title.

Grade: A

– Nick Patterson, Herald writer

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