The Giants.com crew reacts to Sunday's 14-7 victory over the Washington Commanders:
John Schmeelk: There is a small group of defensive players capable of wrecking a game in the National Football League, and Dexter Lawrence is one of them. The defensive lineman took out the wrecking ball against the Commanders and could not be blocked for most of the game. He was credited with two sacks, but he could have had more if he got the quarterback to the ground quicker on a couple of plays where he got his hands on the passer. Lawrence was credited with four official quarterback hits, and Pro Football Focus' early tracking had him with eight total pressures (third-most in Week 7) and a 21.1 percent pressure rate (sixth-best in Week 7).
Constant interior pressure from Lawrence and a number of free-runners designed by Wink Martindale's blitz packages helped hold Washington to just 46 yards of total offense in the first half. Lawrence, Leonard Williams, A'Shawn Robinson and Rakeem Nunez-Roches were strong at the point of attack, holding the Commanders to only 76 rushing yards.
The multiple big plays from the offense helped the cause (three plays of 30+ yards and four more of 20+), but it was the dominant defensive effort by the Giants' front that led them to victory.
Dan Salomone: No one would have called you crazy if before the season you said that tight end Darren Waller would score the Giants' first touchdown of 2023 at MetLife Stadium. It was just unexpected that everyone had to wait until Week 7. Granted, the Giants had played just two home games before Sunday's win, but they were both losses to the Cowboys and Seahawks by a combined score of 64-3. Waller, one of the biggest acquisitions of the offseason, broke the drought with a 15-yard touchdown from Tyrod Taylor in the second quarter as part of a much-needed, 14-point shutout in the first half. The former Raider ended with seven receptions on eight targets for 98 yards, his most since Week 11 of the 2021 season.
"I knew it had been a while (since we scored)," Waller said after the game, "and having the sour taste in the mouth after last week, it's like you're just itching for another chance to get an opportunity. I don't know, I feel like I provided a spark for the team."
And that's precisely why the Giants traded for him.
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)
Lance Medow: As I've mentioned several times in previous weeks, if the offense was going to take a step forward, it would have to be a product of explosive plays. That was evident in Sunday's win over the Commanders. Tyrod Taylor and company recorded seven plays for 20+ yards with six coming through the air. The latter involved some deep throws to Jalin Hyatt and yardage after the catch thanks to Wan'Dale Robinson and Saquon Barkley. That diversity is what helped New York end its lengthy touchdown drought and find the end zone twice in the first half, the first time that's happened this season.
The first scoring drive involved eight plays for 88 yards with three for 20+ yards, and the second only required two plays for 48 yards. That's why those chunk plays are so critical. They shorten possessions and lower the chances of anything going wrong with a negative play that could affect your rhythm. Although the Giants took a sack and had a holding penalty on their first touchdown drive, a big reason they managed to overcome those setbacks was the splash play. While 14 points still isn't enough to feel comfortable – they let a few scoring opportunities slip away because of a missed field goal and fumble in the red zone – the offense did enough to complement a strong defensive performance. And that doesn't happen without some explosion.
Matt Citak: Dan already talked about the impact made by Darren Waller, the team's offensive offseason splash, so I'm going to highlight the strong performance from the big offseason acquisition on the defensive side of the ball – inside linebacker Bobby Okereke. The 27-year-old was once again a steady anchor in the middle and contributed both in the run and pass defense. Okereke led the team in tackles (11) for the fourth consecutive week while adding a pass breakup, his sixth of the season. According to Next Gen Stats, Okereke recorded 15 QB rushes against the Commanders and picked up a pressure on four of them, with his 26.7 percent quarterback pressure rate actually leading the team. The veteran linebacker made his presence felt in the run game with eight tackles on 19 total run defense snaps. No other Giant had more than four run tackles.
Okereke has been as consistent as they come in recent weeks. The fifth-year inside linebacker has registered double-digit tackles in each of the last four games with 42 tackles total during that span, and has picked up at least one pass breakup in each of those games. His six passes defensed on the season has already matched his previous career-high set in 2020 across 14 games. Okereke has matched another previous career-best with his two forced fumbles this season and has had a role in several other turnovers forced by the defense. He also leads the defense with 48 run tackles and nine run stuffs, while his 20.0 percent quarterback pressure rate is the second-highest. The defense has looked notably improved over the last few weeks, and it's no coincidence that has come with an increased production from the veteran linebacker.
Giants.com highlights some standouts from the team's Week 7 win over the Commanders.
DL Dexter Lawrence picked up two sacks and four quarterback hits to go with six total tackles.
QB Tyrod Taylor completed 18 of 29 passes for 279 yards, two touchdowns and no interceptions, which earned him a passer rating of 116.9. He also added 25 yards on the ground.
DL Leonard Williams made a big impact in Sunday's win. Williams registered a sack and two quarterback hits while adding a blocked field goal on special teams.
TE Darren Waller had his best game as a Giant, finishing with a team-high seven receptions for 98 yards and his first touchdown of the season.
CB Deonte Banks recorded his first career interception on Commanders QB Sam Howell. Banks also finished second on the team with seven total tackles (five solo).
RB Saquon Barkley continued his strong play against the Commanders, finishing the game with 77 yards on the ground and three receptions for an additional 41 yards and a touchdown.
OLB Kayvon Thibodeaux finished with 1.5 sacks and two quarterback hits.
WR Jalin Hyatt made two explosive plays for the offense with receptions of 42 and 33 yards.
S Jason Pinnock finished with six total tackles (four solo) and a sack.
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