AT FIRST GLANCE
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Finished. After two heartbreaking losses to start the season, the New York Giants jumped out to an early lead on Thursday night and kept it for a 32-21 victory over the Washington Redskins. It was their fifth consecutive win over the NFC East rival.
WHAT'S NEXT
With an extended rest, the Giants (1-2) travel to Buffalo in Week 4 to face head coach Rex Ryan and the Bills. Kickoff is set for 1 p.m. ET at Ralph Wilson Stadium.
WHAT WE LEARNED ABOUT THE OFFENSE
The Giants made it a point on the short week of preparation to get the ball to Rueben Randle, who had just four receptions for 28 yards in the first two games. And they did just that. Randle had seven catches for 116 yards and a touchdown, while fellow receiver Odell Beckham Jr. hauled in seven for 79 yards, including a 30-yard score that put the Giants ahead by 19 points in the fourth quarter. Eli Manning finished 23 of 32 for 279 yards and his 262nd and 263rd career touchdowns that moved him into 12th place in NFL history.
Meanwhile, the offensive line played without rookie left tackle Ereck Flowers (ankle), who originally took over for Will Beatty (pectoral) this summer. Justin Pugh slid over from left guard, and John Jerry took Pugh's guard spot. Playing with the lead for the majority of the game, the Giants rushed for 84 yards on 31 attempts.
WHAT WE LEARNED ABOUT THE DEFENSE
Against the No. 1 rushing offense, the Giants swarmed to the ball and held Washington to 88 yards on the ground, including just 19 for Pro Bowl running back Alfred Morris. Jon Beason (knee) made his 2015 debut at middle linebacker and alternated snaps with Uani 'Unga, who led the Giants in tackles while Beason was out. Unable to do so the previous week, the Giants forced the Redskins to turn the ball over three times: two interceptions and a fumble recovery.
Cornerback Prince Amukamara helped the Giants jump out to an early lead with a first-quarter interception -- his first of the year -- deep in Washington territory that led to a Giants touchdown. 'Unga later grabbed the second interception of Kirk Cousins on a tipped pass by linebacker Devon Kennard, who had five tackles (one for loss) and one quarterback hit. Defensive end Kerry Wynn also had a big game with eight tackles and a quarterback hit.
WHAT WE LEARNED ABOUT THE SPECIAL TEAMS
Running back Rashad Jennings began the game by blocking a Tress Way punt that rolled out of bounds in the end zone for a safety. Josh Brown remained perfect on the season by making all three of his field goal attempts on Thursday, including a long of 48 yards.
Brad Wing landed two punts inside the 20-yard line, including one downed at the 1-yard line by long snapper Zak DeOssie. However, the Giants allowed a 101-yard kickoff return for the touchdown late in the fourth quarter.
Five standout performers in the Giants Thursday night matchup vs. Washington
DE KERRY WYNN Wynn had a big game against the NFL's No. 1 rushing attack with eight tackles and a quarterback hit.
CB PRINCE AMUKAMARA Amukamara helped the Giants jump out to an early lead with a first-quarter interception -- his first of the year -- deep in Washington territory that led to a Giants touchdown. The fifth-year cornerback finished with eight tackles, three passes defensed, and an interception.
WR RUEBEN RANDLE The Giants made it a point on the short week of preparation to get the ball to Rueben Randle, who had just four receptions for 28 yards in the first two games. And they did just that. Randle had seven catches for 116 yards, including a 41-yard touchdown that all but sealed the game in the fourth quarter.
LB DEVON KENNARD In addition to tipping a pass that led to Uani 'Unga;s interception, Kennard recorded five tackles (one for loss) and a quarterback hit.
WR ODELL BECKHAM JR. Beckham caught seven passes for 79 yards, including a 30-yard touchdown that put the Giants ahead by 19 points in the fourth quarter.
INACTIVES
NYG: CB Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie, DE Owa Odighizuwa, LT Ereck Flowers, DT Markus Kuhn, WR Victor Cruz, TE Jerome Cunningham, DE Robert Ayers Jr.
WAS: QB Robert Griffin III, WR DeSean Jackson, CB Justin Rogers, LB Perry Riley Jr., G Spencer Long, DE Frank Kearse, G Arie Kouandjio.
LINEUP CHANGES
NYG: Rueben Randle for Cruz at WR; Justin Pugh for Flowers at LT; John Jerry for Pugh at LG; Jayron Hosley for Rodgers-Cromartie at CB; Cullen Jenkins for Kuhn at LDT; Kerry Wynn for Jenkins at LDE; George Selvie for Ayers at RDE
WAS: Ryan Grant for Jackson at WR; Will Compton for Riley Jr. at LB. **
GIANTS CAPTAINS**
DT Cullen Jenkins along with season captains QB Eli Manning, LB Jon Beason, and LS Zak DeOssie.
INJURY REPORT
NYG: RB Orleans Darkwa (knee), CB Prince Amukamara (ankle, returned).
WAS: G Shawn Lauvao (ankle), CB DeAngelo Hall (toe), OT Morgan Moses (elbow), OL Josh LeRibeus (calf).
