Commanders Stave Off Elimination With Late Comeback Over Giants
A 32-yard touchdown pass from Jayden Daniels on the final drive kept Washington alive in the NFC East race after a 24-21 win.
By Leah Thompson ·
Washington fans can breathe easier after Thursday night in East Rutherford, New Jersey. The Commanders defeated the New York Giants 24 to 21, a result that keeps their division title hopes intact. The victory improved Washington's record to 3 wins, 5 losses, and 1 tie.
The win staved off the immediate threat of elimination. Had the Commanders lost, they would have been effectively out of the race for the NFC East. This outcome also secured the coaching job of head coach Dan Quinn. Washington entered the game with a 7-17-1 record since the start of last season, making Thursday a high-stakes moment for the head coach.
Jayden Daniels overcame early struggles to lead the winning drive. He threw his first two interceptions of the season in the fourth quarter. Despite those mistakes, Daniels remained effective. He completed a 32-yard touchdown pass to Stefon Diggs on the final play of the game. This marked the first time the Commanders won by scoring a touchdown on their final drive.
The defense played a key role in preserving the lead. Cornerback Rasul Douglas intercepted a pass to end the Giants' final possession. Washington's defensive unit forced six turnovers in its previous three games. The team has recorded 14 takeaways this season. A forced fumble in the red zone also prevented the Giants from attempting a field goal.
Tight end Ben Sinnott provided a boost for the offense. The 2024 second-round pick entered the week with only one reception. He caught four passes for 42 yards and a touchdown against New York. This performance marked his first significant role in Washington's new scheme this season.
The Giants, now 5-3-1, missed a chance to extend their division lead. They entered the night with a 2.5-game cushion. Quarterback J.J. McCarthy completed 23 of 36 passes for a career-high 293 yards. He also rushed for 34 yards. McCarthy threw a 66-yard touchdown pass to tight end Isaiah Likely to give New York the lead in the fourth quarter.
Cam Skattebo continued a strong trend for the Giants. The second-year running back scored two rushing touchdowns on Thursday night. This is the second time in his career he has had multiple rushing scores in a single game, with both occurrences happening on Thursday nights. He previously scored three rushing touchdowns against the Philadelphia Eagles in Week 6 of the 2025 season.
The Giants will face the Jacksonville Jaguars on November 22 at 4:25 p.m. ET. The Commanders play the Cincinnati Bengals on November 23 at 8:15 p.m. ET.
