In what felt like a sloppy battle along the I-95 beltway, both teams made costly mistakes, missed opportunities, and left points on the field. Yet the Giants refused to fold.
The Commanders appeared to have one final chance to escape with a win after defensive tackle Daron Payne forced a fumble from Giants running back Cam Skattebo with approximately two minutes remaining in overtime. Washington recovered possession and quarterback Jayden Daniels quickly moved the offense into field-goal range.
However, the Commanders could not capitalize.
With 12 seconds remaining and no timeouts available, Daniels scrambled instead of immediately getting the ball out of bounds or setting up a potential game-winning kick. He was brought down for no gain, leaving Washington scrambling to stop the clock. The offense attempted to line up for a spike, but time expired before the play could be executed.
Head coach Dan Quinn removed his headset in frustration as the opportunity disappeared.
Washington left the field at 1-3-1, while the Giants, who entered the contest leading the NFC East, moved to 3-1-1.
Daniels Returns and Gives Washington a Spark
Daniels made his return after dislocating his left elbow for the second time during Week 2. Wearing a brace on the injured elbow, the quarterback demonstrated his ability to create problems for the Giants with both his arm and his legs.
He completed 199 passing yards and added 103 yards rushing, including two second-half touchdown runs that appeared to put Washington in control.
The Commanders established an early advantage behind a productive opening possession. Daniels connected on two passes totaling 34 yards, added a scramble and helped set up Jacory Croskey-Merritt’s 33-yard touchdown run.
Washington missed the extra point when Drew Stevens failed to convert, but the Commanders continued to build their lead through the first half. Stevens added two field goals, while New York struggled to finish its drives and missed two field-goal attempts.
Washington carried a 12-3 advantage into halftime.
The Commanders extended their lead in the third quarter when Daniels broke loose for a 38-yard touchdown run, making it 19-6.
He struck again in the fourth quarter, racing 26 yards for another score that pushed Washington ahead 27-13. At that point, the Commanders appeared positioned to secure a much-needed victory.
Instead, the Giants mounted a determined comeback.
Winston Leads Giants’ Fourth-Quarter Rally
New York quarterback Jameis Winston helped revive the Giants’ offense after a difficult opening half. He finished with 326 passing yards and three touchdown passes, guiding the team to scores on four consecutive possessions as the game grew increasingly competitive.
Winston connected with Isaiah Likely for a 17-yard touchdown midway through the fourth quarter, cutting Washington’s lead to 27-20. It was Likely’s second touchdown reception of the afternoon.
The Giants continued pressing, and Winston found Malik Nabers for another 17-yard touchdown with 1:43 remaining. The score pulled New York even at 27-27 and completed the comeback from a two-touchdown deficit.
Nabers finished with 11 receptions for 121 yards and a touchdown. Likely also caught 11 passes, totaling 94 yards and two touchdowns.
Likely’s second scoring reception required a closer look. The ball was knocked loose just after he crossed the goal line, but a replay review upheld the touchdown.
Washington had an opportunity to respond before regulation ended, but the Commanders’ final drive stalled near midfield, sending the game into overtime.
Missed Kicks Prove Costly for New York
Despite Winston’s late-game production, the Giants had difficulty finishing the job because of missed opportunities on special teams.
Kicker Dominic Zvada converted only two of five field-goal attempts, leaving valuable points on the field. New York’s missed kicks helped Washington maintain its advantage and ultimately contributed to the Giants’ inability to pull ahead.
The defense also struggled to contain Daniels, particularly when he broke free on designed runs and scrambles. His two rushing touchdowns in the second half gave Washington a seemingly comfortable cushion before Winston’s late surge.
The Giants’ comeback was impressive, but their mistakes prevented them from turning it into a victory.
Overtime Ends With More Frustration
The extra period featured another major momentum swing when Payne stripped Skattebo of the football with New York in position to attempt a potentially game-ending field goal.
Washington took over with about two minutes remaining and moved to the Giants’ 24-yard line. With the clock winding down and no timeouts left, the Commanders needed to execute quickly.
Instead, Daniels went down for no gain on a scramble with 12 seconds remaining. Washington attempted to organize a spike to stop the clock, but the final seconds disappeared before the offense could complete the sequence.
The missed opportunity capped a frustrating afternoon for both teams, each of which had chances to secure the win but could not avoid critical mistakes.
Injury Updates
New York Giants: Right tackle Jermaine Eluemunor was carried off the field with a left calf injury. Cornerback Colton Hood suffered an injury on a kickoff late in the third quarter and was assisted off the field while being evaluated for a concussion. Safety Tyler Nubin also needed help leaving the field in the fourth quarter because of a neck injury.
Washington Commanders: Wide receiver Terry McLaurin returned after missing the previous game with a hamstring injury. He recorded four catches for 62 yards.
Looking Ahead:
The Giants will return home next Sunday to host the New Orleans Saints as they look to turn their late rally into a complete performance.
Washington faces a road test against the San Francisco 49ers on Monday, Oct. 19, with the Commanders seeking to build on Daniels’ return and find a way to finish close games.
