Commanders vs. Giants: Jayden Daniels Leads Washington to 27-22 Victory, Secures Historic 7-2 Start
In a gritty NFC East showdown, rookie quarterback Jayden Daniels led the Washington Commanders to a hard-fought 27-22 win over the New York Giants, propelling the team to an impressive 7-2 record for the first time since 1996. Daniels demonstrated poise under pressure, using both his arm and legs to secure a season sweep of the Giants (2-7), who have now suffered their fifth consecutive home loss.
The Commanders’ victory marked their second consecutive win after last week’s thrilling, last-second win against the Chicago Bears, a game that saw Daniels throw a Hail Mary touchdown to Noah Brown. Commanders head coach Dan Quinn praised his team’s resilience, expressing pride in their ability to “fill the tanks back up” and reset emotionally for another pivotal division game.
Washington struck early, with Daniels completing two touchdown passes to standout wide receiver Terry McLaurin, one from 1 yard and another from 18 yards out. Austin Ekeler, stepping in for the injured Brian Robinson, powered into the end zone on a 1-yard run, helping the Commanders maintain their lead. Commanders kicker Austin Seibert, who made seven field goals against the Giants in their Week 2 matchup, added two more, ensuring Washington stayed comfortably ahead.
Daniels completed 15 of 22 passes for 209 yards and two touchdowns, and his chemistry with receivers like McLaurin and Olamide Zaccheaus was evident. Late in the fourth quarter, with the Giants narrowing Washington’s lead to five points, Daniels connected on a crucial 42-yard pass to Zaccheaus, effectively sealing the game as the Commanders ran out the clock.
“I’m just happy for the fan base,” Daniels said postgame. “They can be so proud of the product we’re putting on the field.”
The Giants, meanwhile, struggled to find consistency despite a notable performance from quarterback Daniel Jones. Jones completed 20 of 26 passes for 174 yards, rushing for 54 yards on seven attempts. However, costly errors and penalties hindered New York’s momentum. A fumble caused by Commanders linebacker Dante Fowler, which was recovered by Bobby Wagner, led to Washington’s first touchdown. Additionally, an offensive pass interference call negated a would-be touchdown pass from Jones to Wan’Dale Robinson in the third quarter, a setback that further frustrated the home crowd.
New York’s inability to capitalize on key moments left head coach Brian Daboll disappointed. “In the end, we just didn’t make enough plays to get the outcome we wanted,” Daboll remarked.
Despite his best efforts, Jones continues to face challenges at MetLife Stadium. His touchdown pass to tight end Chris Manhertz in the first quarter marked his first home TD pass since January 1, 2023. The Giants had two late opportunities to narrow the score further but failed to convert on back-to-back two-point attempts.
In a game marred by missed opportunities, the Giants also struggled defensively. They could not contain McLaurin, who became only the tenth player in Commanders history to record 30 career touchdowns. Washington’s defensive unit, led by standout linebacker Jeremy Chinn, stymied New York’s offense in critical situations, forcing Jones into rushed decisions and limited gains.
Dante Fowler’s two sacks helped establish a defensive tone for Washington, as he now leads the team with 6.5 sacks on the season, surpassing former teammates Montez Sweat and Chase Young. Fowler’s opening-quarter sack was pivotal, as it forced a fumble that set up Washington’s first touchdown.
The win further cements Washington’s position as a formidable NFC contender, with the Commanders set to host the Pittsburgh Steelers in Week 10. As for the Giants, the team’s season continues its downward trajectory as they prepare for a challenging international matchup against the Carolina Panthers in Germany next Sunday.