Jayden Daniels’ 2 TD passes lead Commanders past Giants; N.Y. now 0-5 at home: Key takeaways

By Charlotte Carroll, Ben Standig and Zach Powell

Jayden Daniels threw two first-half touchdowns en route to leading the Washington Commanders to a 27-22 win against the New York Giants on Sunday. 

After the Commanders (7-2) grabbed a two-score halftime lead and the two teams exchanged scores in the second half, Daniels and Washington’s running backs led multiple long drives down the field on, including a late-game trip to seal the win. Washington’s final three drives totaled 30 plays and drained over 13 minutes off the clock.

The Giants’ offense awoke in the second half to cut the Commanders’ lead to five in the fourth quarter. In the second quarter, Giants quarterback Daniel Jones connected with tight end Chris Manhertz for a 2-yard touchdown, Jones’ first TD pass at MetLife Stadium since January 1, 2023. Jones would finish with three total scores in the loss, but fewer than 200 passing yards for the fourth time this season.

Commanders strike strong balance

The Commanders declared leading rusher Brian Robinson inactive for the second time this season. Unlike the Week 6 loss at Baltimore when Washington ran for a season-low 52 yards, they didn’t shelve their balanced offensive attack. Running backs Austin Ekeler, Jeremy McNichols and Chris Rodriguez combined with Daniels to gain 149 yards on the ground.

It’s not only about the yards or moving the chains, but keeping New York’s deep pass-rushing group off-balance.

The Giants finished without a sack and rarely got a hand on Daniels. Ekeler’s production included 41 receiving yards, headlined by a 28-yard reception in the fourth quarter as the Commanders fended off the Giants. Washington needs Robinson’s interior power to maintain it’s efficient ways, but at least this time the offense showed it could produce without him. —Ben Standig, Commanders beat writer

2 catches = 2 touchdowns for @TheTerry_25

📺 #WASvsNYG FOX pic.twitter.com/j2PWcq6WQG

— Washington Commanders (@Commanders) November 3, 2024

Jones came alive, but Giants fell short

After posting one of the more bizarre halftime stat lines, Jones finished Sunday by going 20-for-26 for 174 yards and two touchdowns. Jones went into halftime 4-for-6 for 0 yards and one touchdown.

He came out of the half much stronger, leading three scoring drives. He even ran one in, defiantly scoring after getting hit hard and then throwing the ball in celebration. He’s fighting for his job as the Giants (2-7) face a losing season. — Charlotte Carroll, Giants beat writer

Daniels impresses Giants

With the victory, Daniels became the first rookie quarterback to start and win two games against the Giants since the NFL began tracking QB starts in 1950. The Giants defense struggled to contain the mobile Daniels. Both Dexter Lawrence and Brian Burns complimented the rookie, saying the Commanders did a good job of trying to slow down the defensive line with chips. Burns said:  “He’s impressive. The game has already slowed down for him to a certain extent. He seems very poised. He seems like he’s in control.” — Carroll

Required reading

(Photo: Luke Hales / Getty Images)