New York Giants return man Ihmir Smith-Marsette was named the NFC Special Teams Player of the Week for his performance against the Indianapolis Colts on Sunday.
Smith-Marsette had only one kick return attempt against the Colts, but it was a big one.
Following a late second-quarter touchdown by Indianapolis that cut the Giants’ lead to just one score, New York received the ball at the start of the third quarter.
Smith-Marsette would then proceed to return Matt Gay’s kick 100 yards for a touchdown, giving New York a 28-13 lead and swinging the momentum of the game drastically in their favor.
“Obviously, giving up an explosive kickoff return to start the second half is something that is inexcusable,” Indianapolis special teams coordinator Brian Mason said via the Indy Star. “Something we can’t do.”
This was one of what has been just seven kick returns for touchdowns this season.
To the house! 🏠
📺: FOX pic.twitter.com/oEsssIPhHV
— New York Giants (@Giants) December 29, 2024
This return played a pivotal role in holding off the Colts’ comeback attempt.
The third quarter of the game, would prove to be tough sledding for the Giants’ offense who would follow up the kickoff return with a punt, turnover on downs, and then another punt.
The Colts, meanwhile, would score touchdowns on two of their four possessions following the kick return, making it just a two point Giants lead. However, the reason that New York still had a lead was because of Smith-Marsette.
Then as the fourth quarter progressed, the New York offense would go back to generating explosive plays and putting up points, just as they had done for much of the first half.
As was pointed out by Horseshoe Huddle’s Jake Arthur, Smith-Marsette is now one of four players who have earned Player of the Week honors after facing the Colts.
He joins Houston running back Joe Mixon, Buffalo cornerback Taron Johnson, and Denver punt returner Marvin Mims Jr.
