Commanders Snap Losing Streak With 29–21 Win Over Giants

The Washington Commanders earned a rare bright spot in a difficult season on Sunday, defeating the New York Giants 29–21 at MetLife Stadium. The victory snapped Washington’s eight-game losing streak, while the Giants dropped their eighth straight, continuing a frustrating downward spiral in the NFC East.

Washington took control early and never fully relinquished it, leaning on timely scoring, special teams excellence, and a disciplined defensive effort to hold off a late Giants push.

Fast Start and 2nd Quarter Surge

The opening quarter was pretty uneventful, with Washington settling for a field goal to take a 3–0 lead. The game tilted decisively in the second quarter, when the Commanders exploded for 19 points, turning a tight contest into a commanding advantage. Nothing new for Giants fans.

Running back Jacory Croskey-Merritt sparked the surge with a short touchdown run, and kicker Jake Moody added a pair of field goals to extend the lead. I think the defining moment came on special teams, when Jaylin Lane returned a punt 63 yards for a touchdown, stunning the MetLife crowd and pushing Washington ahead 22–7. Just another embarrassing performance put up by our special teams unit.

New York managed one bright spot before halftime, as Tyrone Tracy Jr. capped a drive with a rushing touchdown, but the Giants entered the break facing a two-score deficit.

Giants Rally Falls Short

The Giants showed renewed life in the second half behind rookie quarterback Jaxson Dart, who displayed poise and aggressiveness as New York chipped away at the lead. Dart finished with a solid passing day, spreading the ball efficiently and leading three scoring drives. Dart again showed glimpses of greatness during this game, and continues to excite Giants fans for the near-future.

Touchdowns in both the third and fourth quarters brought the Giants within striking distance, but every surge was met with resistance. Washington’s defense tightened in key moments, limiting explosive plays and forcing New York to settle for shorter gains as the clock worked against them.

The Commanders sealed the game late in the fourth quarter with a methodical touchdown drive, restoring a two-possession cushion and extinguishing any hopes of a comeback for the G-Men.

Key Performances

● Marcus Mariota (WAS): Efficient and steady, guiding the offense without turnovers

● Jacory Croskey-Merritt (WAS): Productive on the ground with a touchdown

● Jaylin Lane (WAS): Game-changing punt return touchdown

● Jaxson Dart (NYG): Strong showing from the rookie despite the loss

● Tyrone Tracy Jr. (NYG): Provided balance with a rushing score

Injuries and Absences

Washington played without rookie quarterback Jayden Daniels, sidelined by an elbow injury, leaving Mariota to handle starting duties. Tight end Zach Ertz also missed the game.

The Giants remained shorthanded, continuing to play without several key contributors who have been unavailable for much of the season, limiting offensive continuity.

Final Takeaway

Washington’s victory was fueled by execution in all three phases, particularly special teams, while the Giants were once again undone by slow starts and missed opportunities. As the season winds down, the Commanders walk away with a morale-boosting road win, while New York’s losing streak deepens and questions continue to mount about the franchise’s direction heading into the offseason. On the bright-side though, this loss inches the Giants just that much closer to earning the top pick in the draft.