EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J. — Rookie sensation Jayden Daniels threw two touchdown passes to Terry McLaurin, leading the Washington Commanders to a 27-22 victory over the struggling New York Giants on Sunday. This win marks Washington’s best season start in nearly three decades, bringing their record to 7-2 for the first time since 1996.
In the game, Daniels connected with McLaurin on scoring plays of 1 yard and 18 yards during the first half. Austin Ekeler, stepping in for the sidelined Brian Robinson, added a 1-yard rushing touchdown, solidifying the Commanders’ sweep of the NFC East rivals, who now hold a 2-7 record. Kicker Austin Seibert, who previously recorded seven field goals in their earlier matchup this season, contributed two more in this game. On defense, linebacker Dante Fowler made a significant impact with a strip-sack early on, creating an opportunity for Washington’s opening touchdown.
The Giants have now lost four consecutive games, and they remain winless at home this season. Quarterback Daniel Jones managed to throw a 2-yard touchdown pass to tight end Chris Manhertz, and he also fought through two tackles to score on a 2-yard run in the fourth quarter. Later, he completed a 35-yard touchdown pass to rookie Theo Johnson, although the Giants were unsuccessful on both two-point conversion attempts. Additionally, Jude McAtamney made his NFL debut, kicking a 31-yard field goal.
New York found themselves repeatedly undermining their own efforts. Jones’ fumble during a sack occurred in Washington’s territory, and a crucial missed tackle during a third-and-18 late in the second quarter allowed the Commanders to maintain their momentum, leading directly to McLaurin’s 18-yard touchdown reception. The Giants also had a touchdown negated due to offensive pass interference on a fourth-and-1 attempt from the Washington 3-yard line while trailing 21-7.
Unlike the previous week, where he secured a last-minute win against the Bears, Daniels demonstrated control throughout the match, finishing with 15 completions on 22 attempts for 209 yards. He effectively sealed the game with a 42-yard throw to Olamide Zaccheaus, as the Giants had narrowed the gap to five points late in the contest.
Jones finished the day with 20 completions in 26 attempts for 174 yards. Daniels’ former teammate from LSU, Malik Nabers, had a standout performance with nine receptions totaling 59 yards and had a friendly exchange with Daniels over an incomplete pass late in the game.
Injury updates reveal that Washington’s Robinson was unable to play due to a hamstring injury, and defensive tackle Philarian Mathis was assessed for a concussion in the fourth quarter. For the Giants, wide receivers Darius Slayton and Ihmir Smith-Marsette were also evaluated for concussions late in the game.
Looking ahead, the Commanders will host the Pittsburgh Steelers next Sunday, while the Giants are set to travel to Germany to face the Carolina Panthers in Munich on the same day.