The day after each game this year, we'll take a look at the game film and roll through some advanced statistics to determine the most important five factors that impacted each game and the Giants moving forward.
Today, we look at the 30-29 road loss to Washington.
1. Tale of two pass rushes: Washington was able to apply fairly consistent pressure to Daniel Jones, but the Giants were not able to do the same to Taylor Heinicke. According to Pro Football Focus, the Giants allowed pressure on 53.5% of their snaps, which would have been the second-highest rate allowed in the NFL in Week 1. On 32% of their passing snaps, the Giants allowed pressure in under 2.5 seconds, which would have been the sixth-highest rate in Week 1.
The Giants were without left guard Shane Lemieux, who was placed on injured reserve before the game. They lost Nick Gates, who had moved to left guard to make room for Billy Price at center and got hurt early in the game. It was not the game to be shorthanded on the interior of the offensive line against a talented pass rush.
After failing to produce a lot of pressure in Week 1, the Washington defensive line came out with a vengeance in the first half. They achieved pressure all across the line with five different Washington players managing four or more pressures. Edge rusher Montez Sweat had a sack and a pair of quarterback hits, while DT Johnathan Allen finished with two sacks and five hurries as a consistent force from the inside.
The Giants' pass protection did improve as the game went along. Tight ends and running backs were left in to help with max protection or chip the Washington edge rushers coming up the field. They were able to handle some five-man rushes later in the game.
The Giants defense only managed quick pressure (under 2.5 seconds) 19% of the time, which would have been the fifth-lowest rate in the league in Week 1. Their overall pressure rate of 24%, according to PFF, would have been the second-lowest rate in the league in Week 1. Only Ojulari was tracked with more than two pressures, according to PFF. Ojulari also had his second sack of the season. The Giants blitzed on 21% of their snaps, which was almost half as frequently as they did in Week 1.
2. On the money: Daniel Jones played an excellent football game. His adjusted completion percentage, which compensates for drops, was over 70%.
Despite being pressured for most of the evening, PFF did not track him for one turnover-worthy play throughout the game. Jones' final stat line (22-of-32 for 249 yards and a touchdown) would have been more impressive if Darius Slayton was able to haul in that deep post toward the end of the game.
Jones also made his presence felt in the run game, rushing nine times for 95 yards and a touchdown. He would have had a second rushing touchdown if not for a holding penalty.
Check out the best photos from the New York Giants' primetime game against the Washington Football Team.
New York Giants quarterback Daniel Jones (8) walks back to the sidelines after running the ball in to score a touchdown against the Washington Football Team during the first half of an NFL football game, Thursday, Sept. 16, 2021, in Landover, Md. (AP Photo/Alex Brandon)
New York Giants quarterback Daniel Jones (8) gets up after after scoring a touchdown against the Washington Football Team during the first half of an NFL football game, Thursday, Sept. 16, 2021, in Landover, Md. Throwing his arms up is teammate New York Giants center Billy Price (69). (AP Photo/Patrick Semansky)
New York Giants quarterback Daniel Jones (8) stands up and running in to score a touchdown against the Washington Football Team during the first half of an NFL football game, Thursday, Sept. 16, 2021, in Landover, Md. (AP Photo/Alex Brandon)
New York Giants quarterback Daniel Jones (8) scoring a touchdown against the Washington Football Team during the first half of an NFL football game, Thursday, Sept. 16, 2021, in Landover, Md. (AP Photo/Patrick Semansky)
New York Giants quarterback Daniel Jones (8) throws the ball during the first half of an NFL football game against the Washington Football Team, Thursday, Sept. 16, 2021, in Landover, Md. (AP Photo/Alex Brandon)
New York Giants running back Saquon Barkley (26) running with the ball during the first half of an NFL football game, Thursday, Sept. 16, 2021, in Landover, Md. (AP Photo/Alex Brandon)
New York Giants wide receiver C.J. Board runs the ball during an NFL football game against the New York Giants on Thursday, September 16, 2021 in Landover, Maryland. (Alika Jenner/NFL)
New York Giants running back Saquon Barkley (26) runs the ball during an NFL football game against the Washington Football Team on Thursday, September 16, 2021 in Landover, Maryland. (Alika Jenner/NFL)
New York Giants quarterback Daniel Jones (8) looks for an open passduring an NFL football game against the XXXX on Thursday, September 16, 2021 in Landover, Maryland. (Alika Jenner/NFL)
New York Giants running back Saquon Barkley (26) running with the ball during the first half of an NFL football game, Thursday, Sept. 16, 2021, in Landover, Md. (AP Photo/Alex Brandon)
New York Giants running back Saquon Barkley (26) breaks away from Washington Football Team cornerback Bobby McCain (20) as he runs with the ball during the first half of an NFL football game, Thursday, Sept. 16, 2021, in Landover, Md. (AP Photo/Alex Brandon)
New York Giants wide receiver C.J. Board (18) is tackled by Washington Football Team cornerback Bobby McCain (20) during the first half of an NFL football game, Thursday, Sept. 16, 2021, in Landover, Md. (AP Photo/Al Drago)
New York Giants running back Saquon Barkley (26) is tackled by Washington Football Team inside linebacker Jon Bostic (53) during an NFL football game on Thursday, September 16, 2021 in Landover, Maryland. (Alika Jenner/NFL)
New York Giants running back Saquon Barkley (26) runs the ball during an NFL football game against the Washington Football Team on Thursday, September 16, 2021 in Landover, Maryland. (Alika Jenner/NFL)
New York Giants quarterback Daniel Jones (8) during an NFL football game against the Washington Football Team on Thursday, September 16, 2021 in Landover, Maryland. (Cooper Neill/NFL)
New York Giants center Billy Price (69) lines up against Washington Football Team nose tackle Daron Payne (94) during the second half of an NFL football game, Thursday, Sept. 16, 2021, in Landover, Md. (AP Photo/Patrick Semansky)
New York Giants running back Saquon Barkley (26) running downfield with the ball against the Washington Football Team during the first half of an NFL football game, Thursday, Sept. 16, 2021, in Landover, Md. (AP Photo/Alex Brandon)
New York Giants wide receiver C.J. Board (18) is tackled by Washington Football Team cornerback Bobby McCain (20) during the first half of an NFL football game, Thursday, Sept. 16, 2021, in Landover, Md. (AP Photo/Al Drago)
New York Giants wide receiver Darius Slayton (86) makes a touchdown catch against Washington Football Team cornerback William Jackson (23) during the second half of an NFL football game, Thursday, Sept. 16, 2021, in Landover, Md. (AP Photo/Alex Brandon)
New York Giants wide receiver Darius Slayton (86) scores a touchdown during an NFL football game against the Washington Football Team on Thursday, September 16, 2021 in Landover, Maryland. (Alika Jenner/NFL)
New York Giants quarterback Daniel Jones (8) looks for an open pass during an NFL football game against the Washington Football Team on Thursday, September 16, 2021 in Landover, Maryland. (Alika Jenner/NFL)
New York Giants quarterback Daniel Jones (8) looks for an open pass during an NFL football game against the Washington Football Team on Thursday, September 16, 2021 in Landover, Maryland. (Alika Jenner/NFL)
New York Giants quarterback Daniel Jones (8) looks to pass the ball during an NFL football game against the Washington Football Team on Thursday, September 16, 2021 in Landover, Maryland. (Alika Jenner/NFL)
New York Giants wide receiver Darius Slayton (86) celebrates a touchdown during an NFL football game against the Washington Football Team on Thursday, September 16, 2021 in Landover, Maryland. (Cooper Neill/NFL)
New York Giants wide receiver Darius Slayton (86) celebrates a touchdown during an NFL football game against the Washington Football Team on Thursday, September 16, 2021 in Landover, Maryland. (Cooper Neill/NFL)
New York Giants wide receiver Darius Slayton (86) scores a touchdown during an NFL football game against the Washington Football Team on Thursday, September 16, 2021 in Landover, Maryland. (Cooper Neill/NFL)
New York Giants wide receiver Sterling Shepard (3) is tackled by Washington Football Team safety Kamren Curl (31) during the second half of an NFL football game, Thursday, Sept. 16, 2021, in Landover, Md. (AP Photo/Patrick Semansky)
New York Giants wide receiver Darius Slayton (86) makes a touchdown catch against Washington Football Team cornerback William Jackson (23) during the second half of an NFL football game, Thursday, Sept. 16, 2021, in Landover, Md. (AP Photo/Patrick Semansky)
New York Giants kicker Graham Gano (5) kicks a field goal during the second half of an NFL football game against the Washington Football Team, Thursday, Sept. 16, 2021, in Landover, Md. (AP Photo/Alex Brandon)
New York Giants cornerback Adoree' Jackson (22) runs during an NFL football game against the Washington Football Team, Thursday, Sept. 16, 2021 in Landover, Md. (AP Photo/Daniel Kucin Jr.)
New York Giants kicker Graham Gano (5) kicks fourth quarter go-ahead field goal during an NFL football game against the Washington Football Team, Thursday, Sept. 16, 2021, in Landover, Md. (AP Photo/Terrance Williams)
New York Giants wide receiver Sterling Shepard (3) runs the ball against Washington Football Team linebacker Cole Holcomb (55) during the first quarter of an NFL football game, Thursday, Sept. 16, 2021, in Landover, Md. (AP Photo/Terrance Williams)
New York Giants linebacker Azeez Ojulari (51) runs during an NFL football game against the Washington Football Team, Thursday, Sept. 16, 2021 in Landover, Md. (AP Photo/Daniel Kucin Jr.)
New York Giants center Billy Price (69) raises arms after New York Giants quarterback Daniel Jones (8) scores a touchdown during the first half of an NFL football game against the Washington Football Team, Thursday, Sept. 16, 2021, in Landover, Md. (AP Photo/Terrance Williams)
New York Giants wide receiver C.J. Board (18) runs during an NFL football game against the Washington Football Team, Thursday, Sept. 16, 2021 in Landover, Md. (AP Photo/Daniel Kucin Jr.)
Washington Football Team quarterback Taylor Heinicke (4) looses the ball against New York Giants cornerback Logan Ryan (23) during the second half of an NFL football game, Thursday, Sept. 16, 2021, in Landover, Md. (AP Photo/Alex Brandon)
New York Giants running back Saquon Barkley (26) running with the ball during the first half of an NFL football game, Thursday, Sept. 16, 2021, in Landover, Md. (AP Photo/Alex Brandon)
New York Giants quarterback Daniel Jones (8) makes a throw during an NFL football game against the Washington Football Team, Thursday, Sept. 16, 2021 in Landover, Md. (AP Photo/Daniel Kucin Jr.)
New York Giants cornerback James Bradberry (24) celebrates with his teammates in the end zone during an NFL football game against the Washington Football Team, Thursday, Sept. 16, 2021 in Landover, Md. (AP Photo/Daniel Kucin Jr.)
New York Giants quarterback Daniel Jones (8) looks to pass the ball during the fourth quarter of an NFL football game against the Washington Football Team, Thursday, Sept. 16, 2021, in Landover, Md. (AP Photo/Terrance Williams)
New York Giants wide receiver C.J. Board (18) running with the ball against the Washington Football Team during the first half of an NFL football game, Thursday, Sept. 16, 2021, in Landover, Md. (AP Photo/Al Drago)
New York Giants running back Saquon Barkley (26) runs during an NFL football game against the Washington Football Team, Thursday, Sept. 16, 2021 in Landover, Md. (AP Photo/Daniel Kucin Jr.)
New York Giants quarterback Daniel Jones (8) is hit while running with the ball by Washington Football Team strong safety Landon Collins (26) during the first half of an NFL football game, Thursday, Sept. 16, 2021, in Landover, Md. (AP Photo/Patrick Semansky)
New York Giants quarterback Daniel Jones (8) passes the ball during the first half of an NFL football game against the Washington Football Team, Thursday, Sept. 16, 2021, in Landover, Md. (AP Photo/Terrance Williams)
New York Giants quarterback Daniel Jones (8) runs during an NFL football game against the Washington Football Team, Thursday, Sept. 16, 2021 in Landover, Md. (AP Photo/Daniel Kucin Jr.)
New York Giants running back Saquon Barkley (26) runs the ball during the first half of an NFL football game against the Washington Football Team, Thursday, Sept. 16, 2021, in Landover, Md. (AP Photo/Terrance Williams)
DB Nate Ebner
LS Casey Kreiter
WR Sterling Shepard, S Jabrill Peppers
TE Kyle Rudolph, WR Darius Slayton
RB Saquon Barkley
S Jabrill Peppers
WR Kadarius Toney
S Julian Love
RB Saquon Barkley, WR Sterling Shepard
WR Kadarius Toney
QB Daniel Jones
QB Daniel Jones
WR Kadarius Toney
RB Saquon Barkley
QB Daniel Jones
HC Joe Judge
FB Cullen Gillaspia, RB Saquon Barkley, RB Devontae Booker
WR Darius Slayton
DB Logan Ryan
QB Daniel Jones, RB Saquon Barkley
WR Kenny Golladay
WR Sterling Shepard
LB Reggie Ragland
WR C.J. Board
QB Daniel Jones
QB Daniel Jones
RB Saquon Barkley
RB Saquon Barkley
CB Darnay Holmes, S Xavier McKinney
WR Sterling Shepard
WR Sterling Shepard
QB Daniel Jones
WR Sterling Shepard
RB Saquon Barkley
QB Daniel Jones
QB Daniel Jones
WR Sterling Shepard
RB Saquon Barkley
QB Daniel Jones
RB Saquon Barkley
LB Oshane Ximines
CB Darnay Holmes
S Julian Love
LB Carter Coughlin
LB Lorenzo Carter
TE Kyle Rudolph
LB Azeez Ojulari
K Graham Gano
WR Sterling Shepard
RB Saquon Barkley
CB Rodarius Williams
RB Gary Brightwell
RB Elijhaa Penny
LB Tae Crowder
S Jabrill Peppers
RB Saquon Barkley
RB Devontae Booker
OL Nick Gates
G Will Hernandez
S Xavier McKinney
CB Adoree' Jackson
LS Casey Kreiter
CB James Bradberry
LB Blake Martinez
DL Dexter Lawrence
DL Leonard Williams
C.J. Board (18)
Mike Glennon (2)
Evan Engram (88)
Riley Dixon (9), Casey Kreiter (58)
C.J. Board (18)
Daniel Jones (8)
Reggie Ragland (55)
Tae Crowder (48)
Dexter Lawrence (97)
Blake Martinez (54), Nate Ebner (43)
Kaden Smith (82)
Rodarius Williams (25)
Matt Peart (74)
Nate Solder (76)
Graham Gano (5)
Austin Johnson (98)
Darius Slayton (86)
Kyle Rudolph (80)
James Bradberry (24)
Lorenzo Carter (59)
Jabrill Peppers (21)
Logan Ryan (23)
Leonard Williams (99)
3. Situational struggles: The Giants' mistakes in critical situations cost them points and eventually the victory. Some important plays to remember:
A. 2nd drive for New York: A false start on 3rd and 2 at the Washington 27 yard line turns into a 3rd and 7 and a sack. It pushes the Giants out of field goal range and they have to punt.
B. CJ Board is called for a holding penalty on Daniel Jones' potential touchdown run in the 2nd quarter and the Giants only get a field goal on the drive.
C. The Giants allow Washington to run the last four minutes of the first half off the clock and score a touchdown.
D. A James Bradberry defensive holding penalty extends a Washington drive in the fourth quarter and leads to a field goal.
E. Consecutive false starts for the Giants offensive line from the Washington 38 yard line turns a 3rd and 5 into a 3rd and 15, and Graham Gano has to hit a 55 yard field goal to salvage the possession.
F. Giants were unable to get a first down and run out the clock after receiving the ball in the fourth quarter with 2:16 to play. Washington received the ball with 2:00 to play and a timeout remaining after a three-and-out.
G. Washington drives 50 yards on 11 plays in the two-minute drill to end the game, setting up a Dustin Hopkins field goal attempt. He misses the first but gets another try after a Dexter Lawrence offsides penalty.
4. Coverage conundrum: For the second straight week, the Giants' secondary struggled to stay attached to opposing receivers. Taylor Heinicke completed 34 of 46 passes for 336 yards with two touchdowns and an interception.
Adoree' Jackson had a strong day in coverage. PFF tracked that he allowed five catches on eight targets for 47 yards and a touchdown. The touchdown and 19 yards came on the impressive touchdown grab by Ricky Seals-Jones that Jackson had covered well. James Bradberry gave up six catches, but snared a critical interception that set up a late go-ahead field goal.
5. Player participation: Saquon Barkley was up to 84% of the snaps in Thursday night's game after playing just under 50% in Week 1. He had a 40-yard run and is looking more like his old self. Kenny Golladay played 84% of the snaps, which was similar to his Week 1 output. It was the same for Kyle Rudolph, who played 71% of the team's offensive snaps. After playing only five snaps in Week 1, Kadarius Toney was up to 19 snaps (28% of the snaps), which seemed to cut into Darius Slayton's snaps (57%).
Defensively, Jabrill Peppers was back up to his more typical 80% of the snaps after only playing 45% of the snaps in Week 1. Those snaps came at the expense of Xavier McKinney who played only 55%. Darnay Holmes was back to his more typical 75% of the snaps, too. Lorenzo Carter led all edge players playing 75% and Azeez Ojulari was not far behind with 63%. Oshane Ximines picked up 46% of the snaps. Tae Crowder got far more work than Reggie Ragland at inside linebacker, playing 42 snaps versus just 12 for Ragland.
Limited Tickets Available for Eli Manning Ceremony
Limited tickets are available for Eli Manning's jersey retirement and Ring of Honor induction game
