(Sports Network) – Despite averaging just 333.0 yards per game (21st in the league), the Giants rank ninth in the NFL with an average of 25.5 points per game. The ground game has yet to be a major factor, as New York logged just 54 rushing yards versus Arizona and ranks 24th at 87.5 yards per game on the ground. Ahmad Bradshaw (228 rushing yards, 15 receptions, 3 total TD) managed 39 yards on 12 carries last week but scored a touchdown, as did Brandon Jacobs (116 rushing yards, 2 TD). The score was the 51st on the ground for Jacobs in his career, leaving him four shy of Tiki Barber’s club record. Manning (1066 passing yards, 8 TD, 2 INT) has thrived thus far for the Giants, throwing for 321 yards last weekend in addition to a pair of touchdown throws without an interception. Eli Manning was also sacked just once and targeted Nicks (24 receptions, 2 TD) 14 times, connecting with his top target on 10 occasions for a career-high 162 yards. One week after posting 110 yards and two touchdowns versus the Eagles, Cruz (11 receptions, 2 TD) made a career-high six catches for 98 yards against Arizona. Tight end Jake Ballard (7 receptions, 1 TD) also caught a touchdown pass from Manning.
The Seahawks rank in the middle of the pack in most main defensive categories, but couldn’t play up to par versus the Falcons last weekend. They rank 13th with an average of 341.5 yards allowed per game, 14th against the run and are tied for 18th in scoring defense at 24.3 points allowed per game, but saw Atlanta exceed all of those totals with 412 yards of offense, 121 rushing yards and 30 points. Though Seattle and linebacker David Hawthorne (22 tackles) held Atlanta running back Michael Turner under 100 yards rushing, he did score twice. Hawthorne topped the club with 10 tackles, while safety Earl Thomas (27 tackles) set a career-high with nine stops. He was without his starting partner in Kam Chancellor (24 tackles, 1 INT), who sat out the game with a quadriceps injury and is questionable for this week. Defensive end Anthony Hargrove’s status is also up in the air due to a hamstring issue suffered against Atlanta, while linebacker Matt McCoy, who led the club with 19 special teams tackles last year, was placed on IR due to a knee injury this week. Cornerback Marcus Trufant (23 tackles, 1 INT) and linebacker Leroy Hill (23 tackles, 1 sack) also made nine stops for a Seattle defense that failed to force a turnover or come up with a sack against Atlanta.