The New York Giants, losers of five of their six games thus far in 2023, hosted the 3-3 Washington Commanders at MetLife Stadium on Sunday afternoon.
The Giants played the game with an extensive injury list. Quarterback Daniel Jones and starting cornerback Adoree’ Jackson both sat out with neck injuries.
Three starting offensive linemen — left tackle Andrew Thomas (hamstring), center John Michael Schmitz (shoulder) and right tackle Evan Neal (ankle) were also inactive as well as swing tackle Matt Peart (shoulder).
The Giants wore their ‘legacy’ uniforms in this game, which was a sloppily-played affair by both sides.
Ultimately, the Giants’ defense stepped up and embodied the players who had worn those uniforms before them, carrying the team to a 14-7 victory.
Final score: Giants 14, Commanders 7
| Q1 | Q2 | Q3 | Q4 | Final | |
| Giants | 0 | 14 | 0 | 0 | 14 |
| Commanders | 0 | 0 | 7 | 0 | 7 |
Keys to the game
- The Giants’ defense looked strong again, holding the Commanders to just 1-for-15 on third down while forcing 10 punts and nine three-and-outs.
- The Giants came into the game with just five sacks in their first six games. They matched that total by halftime in this game. Washington was allowing 7.3 sacks plus turnovers per game this year, the most in the league.
- Five receivers had receptions of over 20 yards for the Giants in this game and Tyrod Taylor had a 20-yard rush. The most 20-plus yard plays the Giants have had all year.
- The Commanders had 10 accepted penalties for a total of 75 yards. The Giants had four for 40 yards.
It was over when...
When the Giants forced Commanders quarterback Sam Howell out of the pocket for an incompletion on a 4th-and-5 on the New York 7-yard line with 1:01 remaining in the fourth quarter.
The Giants took possession and went into the victory formation deep in their now territory and ran out the remainder of the clock to secure a 14-7 win.
Players of the game
- Quarterback Tyrod Taylor completed 18 of 29 passes for 279 yards with two touchdowns and no interceptions for a 116.9 quarterback rating.
- Tight end Darren Waller reeled in seven of eight targets for 98 yards and a touchdown.
- Running back Saquon Barkley racked up 118 yards from scrimmage (77 rushing, 41 receiving) and scored what would become the deciding touchdown.
- Wide receiver Jalin Hyatt made big plays again, catching two passes for a total of 75 yards.
- Defensive lineman Dexter Lawrence had two sacks, four QB hits and six total stops on the afternoon.
Injuries
Running back Saquon Barkley was shaken up after a 9-yard run in the first quarter after getting hit late out of bounds. No penalty was called. Trainers put a sleeve on Barkley’s left arm and he returned on the Giants’ next possession.
Running back/returner Eric Gray suffered a calf injury in the first half and did not return. Sterling Shepard replaced Gray on punt returns.
Backup running back Gary Brightwell (hamstring) left the game in the second quarter and was ruled out.
What's next?
Head coach Brian Daboll will hold a Zoom call with the team’s beat writers on Monday afternoon before a few players are also made available.
Big Blue will return to practice on Wednesday ahead of a Week 8 game against the New York Jets on Sunday, October 29 at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey. Kickoff is 1:00 p.m. ET.
