AT A GLANCE
Six sacks. Two touchdowns. A takeaway by their first-round draft choice. The New York Giants got on track with a 14-7 victory over the Washington Commanders on Sunday at MetLife Stadium.
UP NEXT
The Giants (2-5) will be the "home" team in their Week 8 meeting with the New York Jets at MetLife Stadium. The Giants lead the all-time series 8-6 but dropped the past two, which broke a five-game winning streak against the AFC foe.
View photos from the Giants' Week 7 matchup against the Washington Commanders.
New York Giants wide receiver Jalin Hyatt (13) makes a catch against Washington Commanders cornerback Tariq Castro-Fields (26) during the first quarter an NFL football game, Sunday, Oct. 22, 2023, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Adam Hunger)
New York Giants defensive tackle Dexter Lawrence II (97) puts pressure on Washington Commanders quarterback Sam Howell (14) during the first quarter an NFL football game, Sunday, Oct. 22, 2023, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Adam Hunger)
New York Giants quarterback Tyrod Taylor (2) passes against the Washington Commanders during the first quarter an NFL football game, Sunday, Oct. 22, 2023, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Seth Wenig)
New York Giants quarterback Tyrod Taylor (2) passes against the Washington Commanders during the first quarter an NFL football game, Sunday, Oct. 22, 2023, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Seth Wenig)
New York Giants linebacker Cam Brown (47) celebrates with linebacker Carter Coughlin (52) during the first quarter of an NFL football game, Sunday, Oct. 22, 2023, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Adam Hunger)
New York Giants linebacker Cam Brown (47) celebrates with teammates during the first quarter an NFL football game, Sunday, Oct. 22, 2023, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Adam Hunger)
Washington Commanders quarterback Sam Howell (14) is sacked by New York Giants linebacker Micah McFadden (41) during the first quarter an NFL football game, Sunday, Oct. 22, 2023, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Adam Hunger)
New York Giants defensive end Leonard Williams (99) sacks Washington Commanders quarterback Sam Howell (14) during the first quarter an NFL football game, Sunday, Oct. 22, 2023, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Seth Wenig)
Washington Commanders wide receiver Curtis Samuel (4) is tackled by New York Giants cornerback Cor'Dale Flott (28) and New York Giants cornerback Tre Hawkins III (37) during the first quarter of an NFL football game, Sunday, Oct. 22, 2023, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Adam Hunger)
New York Giants tight end Darren Waller (12) comes down with a touchdown catch against the Washington Commanders during the second quarter of an NFL football game, Sunday, Oct. 22, 2023, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Seth Wenig)
New York Giants tight end Darren Waller (12) celebrates with teammates after scoring a touchdown against the Washington Commanders during the second quarter of an NFL football game, Sunday, Oct. 22, 2023, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Adam Hunger)
New York Giants tight end Darren Waller (12) celebrates with teammates after scoring a touchdown against the Washington Commanders during the second quarter of an NFL football game, Sunday, Oct. 22, 2023, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Adam Hunger)
New York Giants tight end Darren Waller (12) celebrates with running back Saquon Barkley (26) after scoring a touchdown against the Washington Commanders during the second quarter of an NFL football game, Sunday, Oct. 22, 2023, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Seth Wenig)
New York Giants tight end Darren Waller (12) comes down with a touchdown catch against the Washington Commanders during the second quarter of an NFL football game, Sunday, Oct. 22, 2023, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Adam Hunger)
New York Giants defensive end Leonard Williams (99) sacks Washington Commanders quarterback Sam Howell (14) during the first quarter of an NFL football game, Sunday, Oct. 22, 2023, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Adam Hunger)
New York Giants cornerback Deonte Banks (25) intercepts a pass intended for Washington Commanders wide receiver Jahan Dotson (1) during the second quarter of an NFL football game, Sunday, Oct. 22, 2023, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Adam Hunger)
New York Giants safety Jason Pinnock (27) reacts during the second quarter an NFL football game against the Washington Commanders, Sunday, Oct. 22, 2023, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Adam Hunger)
New York Giants running back Saquon Barkley (26) crosses the goal line for a touchdown against the Washington Commanders during the second quarter of an NFL football game, Sunday, Oct. 22, 2023, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Adam Hunger)
New York Giants cornerback Deonte Banks (25) intercepts a pass intended for Washington Commanders wide receiver Jahan Dotson (1) during the second quarter of an NFL football game, Sunday, Oct. 22, 2023, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Adam Hunger)
New York Giants running back Saquon Barkley (26) reacts after scoring a touchdown against the Washington Commanders during the second quarter of an NFL football game, Sunday, Oct. 22, 2023, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Adam Hunger)
New York Giants linebacker Kayvon Thibodeaux (5) and defensive tackle Dexter Lawrence II (97) sack Washington Commanders quarterback Sam Howell (14) during the second quarter of an NFL football game, Sunday, Oct. 22, 2023, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Adam Hunger)
New York Giants tight end Darren Waller (12) scores a touchdown during the first half an NFL football game against the Washington Commanders, Sunday Oct. 22, 2023, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Bryan Woolston)
New York Giants cornerback Deonte Banks (25) catches an interception during the first half an NFL football game against the Washington Commanders, Sunday Oct. 22, 2023, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Bryan Woolston)
New York Giants safety Bobby McCain (21) is pushed out of bounds by the Washington Commanders during the second quarter of an NFL football game, Sunday, Oct. 22, 2023, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Adam Hunger)
New York Giants running back Saquon Barkley (26) scores a touchdown against the Washington Commanders during the second quarter of an NFL football game, Sunday, Oct. 22, 2023, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Adam Hunger)
New York Giants running back Saquon Barkley (26) avoided a tackle by Washington Commanders linebacker Jamin Davis (52) during a touchdown run during the second quarter of an NFL football game, Sunday, Oct. 22, 2023, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Adam Hunger)
New York Giants quarterback Tyrod Taylor (2) hands the ball off to running back Saquon Barkley (26) during the first half an NFL football game against the Washington Commanders, Sunday Oct. 22, 2023, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Bryan Woolston)
New York Giants linebacker Jihad Ward (55) puts pressure on Washington Commanders quarterback Sam Howell (14) during the second quarter of an NFL football game, Sunday, Oct. 22, 2023, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Adam Hunger)
New York Giants players celebrate a play during the first half an NFL football game against the Washington Commanders, Sunday Oct. 22, 2023, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Bryan Woolston)
Washington Commanders quarterback Sam Howell (14) is sacked by the New York Giants during the second quarter of an NFL football game, Sunday, Oct. 22, 2023, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Adam Hunger)
Washington Commanders quarterback Sam Howell (14) looks to pass under pressure from New York Giants linebacker Jihad Ward (55) during the second quarter of an NFL football game, Sunday, Oct. 22, 2023, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Seth Wenig)
New York Giants defensive tackle Dexter Lawrence II (97) and defensive end Leonard Williams (99) react during the third quarter of an NFL football game against the Washington Commanders, Sunday, Oct. 22, 2023, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Seth Wenig)
New York Giants defensive tackle Dexter Lawrence II (97) sacks Washington Commanders quarterback Sam Howell (14) during the second quarter of an NFL football game, Sunday, Oct. 22, 2023, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Seth Wenig)
New York Giants cornerback Deonte Banks (25) intercepts a pass intended for Washington Commanders wide receiver Jahan Dotson (1) during the second quarter of an NFL football game, Sunday, Oct. 22, 2023, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Adam Hunger)
New York Giants quarterback Tyrod Taylor (2) hands off the ball to running back Saquon Barkley (26) during the third quarter of an NFL football game, Sunday, Oct. 22, 2023, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Adam Hunger)
Washington Commanders running back Antonio Gibson (24) is tackled by the New York Giants during the third quarter of an NFL football game, Sunday, Oct. 22, 2023, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Adam Hunger)
New York Giants defensive end Leonard Williams (99) celebrates with tight end Darren Waller (12) after blocking a field goal attempt by the Washington Commanders during the fourth quarter of an NFL football game, Sunday, Oct. 22, 2023, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Seth Wenig)
WHAT WE LEARNED ABOUT THE OFFENSE
Daniel Jones, who was limited in practice this week due to a neck injury, missed his second consecutive game. The Giants listed the quarterback as questionable heading into Sunday, but Jones was ruled out on the inactive list, which is released 90 minutes prior to kickoff.
Backup Tyrod Taylor again started in place of Jones. Tommy DeVito, an undrafted rookie and the third-string quarterback since the summer, was activated from the practice squad on Saturday, along with offensive lineman Jalen Mayfield.
The Giants had five different starting offensive line combinations, tied for the most in the NFL entering Week 7. From left to right, the starting lineup on Sunday was Justin Pugh, Marcus McKethan, Ben Bredeson, Mark Glowinski, and Tyre Phillips, who reunited with the Giants this week after he was signed off the Eagles' practice squad.
Coach Brian Daboll said this week that rookie wide receiver Jalin Hyatt has "got to play." He added, "You can go out here and practice and do that, which is important, but you've got to get some game reps and run routes against DBs that are playing in the NFL in a competitive way." The third-round pick and Biletnikoff Award winner continued to see his role expand and kicked off Sunday with a 33-yard reception in the first quarter on third-and-long. Hyatt later hauled in a clutch 42-yarder down the right sideline in the fourth quarter.
Taylor completed 18 of 29 passes for 279 yards and two touchdowns. He was sacked four times.
The Giants ended their touchdown drought with a 15-yard pass early in the second quarter from Taylor to tight end Darren Waller, his first score as a member of the Giants. The offense had not found the end zone since the third quarter of Week 3 at San Francisco. Waller finished with 98 yards on seven receptions.
The first touchdown drive was propelled by back-to-back 22-yard receptions from Wan'Dale Robinson and Darius Slayton.
Running back Saquon Barkley added to his storied history with Washington on a 32-yard catch-and-run for a touchdown in the second quarter, his longest score since the 2021 season. Barkley averaged 129.4 yards from scrimmage in his previous seven games against the Commanders. On Sunday, he rushed 21 times for 77 yards and caught three passes for 41 yards, including the score. However, he lost a fumble on the Washington 8-yard line with the Giants trying to extend the lead to two possessions midway through the fourth quarter.
The Giants were outscored 94-25 in the first half before Sunday, when they took a 14-0 lead into the locker room.
The Giants had ruled out three players with injuries on the final injury report of the week, and they were all offensive linemen – center John Michael Schmitz (shoulder) and tackles Andrew Thomas (hamstring) and Matt Peart (shoulder). Right tackle Evan Neal was listed as questionable with an ankle injury but did not dress for Week 7.
Earlier in the week, the Giants placed versatile offensive lineman Joshua Ezeudu (toe) on injured reserve and signed Justin Pugh "straight off the couch" to the 53-man roster. Pugh, a former first-round draft pick, had been on the practice squad and elevated for last Sunday night's game in Buffalo, where he started at left guard and had to switch in-game to left tackle after Ezeudu went down.
Guard Shane Lemieux was placed on injured reserve this week after tearing his biceps in practice.
WHAT WE LEARNED ABOUT THE DEFENSE
Adoree' Jackson missed Week 7 with a neck injury. The veteran cornerback had started every game this season.
The only team that had allowed more sacks than the Giants (33) were the Commanders (34) entering Week 7. On Washington's opening drive, defensive lineman Dexter Lawrence got the initial pressure on Sam Howell and inside linebacker Micah McFadden cleaned up for the sack.
The Giants had just five sacks entering Sunday, the fewest in the league, but finished with six against the Commanders alone. Lawrence (2.0), McFadden (0.5), defensive lineman Leonard Williams (1.0), safety Jason Pinnock (1.0), and outside linebacker Kayvon Thibodeaux (1.5) all got to Howell.
Cornerback Deonte Banks, the 25th overall pick in the 2023 NFL Draft, recorded his first career interception on Sunday. The Maryland product tracked Howell's pass intended for Jahan Dotson, a former Penn State standout, running toward the Giants' end zone. Once he caught the ball, Banks slammed on the brakes and ran the other way before offensive lineman Andrew Wylie hit him out of bounds, tacking on another 15 yards with an unnecessary roughness penalty. Barkley scored two plays later to give the Giants a 14-0 lead.
The Giants held the Commanders to zero third-down conversions on their first 11 attempts. Overall, Washington converted just one of 15 third downs.
WHAT WE LEARNED ABOUT SPECIAL TEAMS
Linebacker Cam Brown delivered a big hit on returner Jamison Crowder on the first punt of the game.
Graham Gano missed his first field goal attempt from 42 yards midway through the first quarter. It went wide right.
Rookie running back Eric Gray, the team's primary punt and kickoff returner, suffered a calf injury in the first quarter. Sterling Shepard initially took over his duties on punts, but the veteran wide receiver muffed one early in the second half, turning the ball over to the Commanders deep in Giants territory. They turned it into a touchdown to make it a one-possession game.
Leonard Williams blocked a key 27-yard field goal attempt by Joey Slye with 13:23 left in the game. Washington was trying to cut the deficit to four points at the time.
IN-GAME INJURY REPORT
WAS: DB Jartavius Martin (evaluated for concussion, cleared to return), LB Cody Barton (ankle), OL Saahdiq Charles (calf)
NYG: RB Eric Gray (calf), RB Gary Brightwell (hamstring)
INACTIVES
WAS: CB Christian Holmes (hamstring), DE K.J. Henry, T Trenton Scott, G Chris Paul (back), TE Curtis Hodges, WR Mitchell Tinsley, DE Efe Obada
NYG: QB Daniel Jones (neck), CB Adoree' Jackson (neck), C John Michael Schmitz (shoulder), T Evan Neal (ankle), T Matt Peart (shoulder), T Andrew Thomas (hamstring), DT Jordon Riley
Giants App
Download the Giants' official app for iPhone, iPad and Android devices
