Washington Commanders (7-6-1) – New York Giants (8-5-1): 12-20
The Giants are now in an excellent position in the race for the playoffs, and they can thank their defense. Kayvon Thibodeaux and Dexter Lawrence snatched two balls from the hands of Taylor Heinicke (17/29, 249 yards, 1 TD), each time to mark a turning point in the match.
The attack of Daniel Jones (21/32, 160 yards), she did the bare minimum. But it was enough.
D-FENSE
Thibodeaux recovered the leather to score the first touchdown of the match in the second quarter and allow his team to lead (3-7). After a stop, the G-Men even continued with their best offensive of the evening, 97 yards long and more than eight minutes. A series completed by Saquon Barkley (18 races, 87 yards, 1 TD), on a direct snap, for the touchdown of 14-3, the score at the break.
Back from the locker room, Washington finally advances, and Jahan Dotson (4 rec, 105 yards, 1 TD) scores on a 19-yard pass (9-14, missed XP). The two teams exchanged a field goal, and the capital team was trailing by only five points (12-17) when they won the ball just over 9 minutes from time.
There is room to pass, and the capital team starts strong, with a connection of 61 yards between Heinicke and Doston! The Commanders are on the 5 opposing yards when Dexter Lawrence snatches the ball and Leonard Williams recovers.
If Barkley finally gains yards after a sluggish start to the game, the Giants can’t kill the game. They only score a field goal (12-20) and leave the ball with two minutes to play. Washington still goes back to 6 opposing yards. A touchdown is even denied them because of a penalty for illegal formation. Finally, Heinicke misses his last two passes on third and fourth attempt. End of hopes.
Washington had the opportunity to take an option on the playoffs but wasted too much. The Commanders have gained more yards (387 to 288), but their effectiveness on third (1/10) and fourth (1/2) attempt, as well as their two lost balls, deprive them of victory.
