The short week left the Giants no chance to dwell on their Week 1 loss. After losing another on Thursday night, they have nothing but time.
Two games in five days left the Giants at 0-2. They can't start digging out of that hole until a week from Sunday when they return to action at home on Sept. 26 against the Atlanta Falcons. Until then, they have more than a week to get up from a gut-punch loss to the division rival Washington Football Team.
"To be honest with you, I don't really focus on the emotion of frustration, disappointment or anything like that," coach Joe Judge said Friday on a conference call. "That's not really something that's going to help you be productive going forward. I say it all the time, I think it's important we talk about the process. To me, again, the truth is the truth. Regardless of the outcome, you've got to come in and really view it objectively of understanding what do we have to correct and what do we do well enough to go ahead and build on. At this time of year in September, it's a large part of finding out who you are as a team, it's a large part of finding out what you're going to do schematically really with the people you have going forward."
Judge didn't pin the 30-29 loss on any one player or situation in his postgame press conference, but a team is the sum of its parts, just like a game is an aggregate of its plays. Wide receiver Darius Slayton and defensive lineman Dexter Lawrence took responsibility for the hand they played in the outcome while speaking with reporters the day after the game.
"It's a play that I 100 percent expect to make," said Slayton, who dropped an open touchdown pass from Daniel Jones and the opportunity to give the Giants a two-possession lead late in the game. "I tried to run it down. I should have ran it down. I've ran down a lot of balls in my life. At the end of the day, it's a four-quarter game, and the game was far from over at that point. Had to move on quick, and today is a new day, next week is a new week. Move on quick and make it back in the future."
"That's on me," said Lawrence, who drew an offside penalty to give Washington kicker Dustin Hopkins a second life to make the game-winning field goal. "I've got to be more disciplined in that time at the end of the game like that in a critical situation. That's why I'm on the field. It was unfortunate to have it happen then, and he missed it, but I've just got to do better."
Lawrence was asked repeatedly if he thought he was offside.
"I'm supposed to move when the ball moves," he said. "Obviously, I gave it to the ref to make a decision to think that I moved before the ball moved. My job is to get off and attack whoever is in front of me."
He added, "I hold myself to a high standard. I don't play for myself, I play for my brothers on the field with me. For things like that, it is part of the game, but at the same time, for me, I can't make that mistake. I don't want to let my brothers down. I don't want to let my family down. It's just an unfortunate turn of events. The frustration is there on myself, not because of the call or anything like that. It's just more that I've got to be better in that situation."
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)
*Despite losing for the first time in five starts against Washington, Jones once again performed well in the rivalry game. He completed 22 of 32 passes for 249 yards and a 33-yard touchdown to Darius Slayton. He also broke his own franchise record for most rushing yards in a game by a quarterback with 95. He now owns three of the top five spots. Slayton, who was part of the same 2019 draft class with Jones, knows he is capable of those performances.
"I think he played a great game," Slayton said. "I think he made all the throws he needed to make to win the game. Like you already said, I could have helped him out making a play for him. Probably gives us a good chance to win the game. That's who we believe he is. We believe that he is that guy that's going to go out there, make the throws, make the plays to win the games, and that's what he showed last night."
*Speaking to reporters 12 hours after the final whistle, Judge did not have much new information yet on offensive lineman Nick Gates, who suffered a lower left leg fracture in the first quarter and was carted off the field. One of seven team captains, Gates was transported to Inova Fairfax Hospital, where he remained overnight and underwent surgery Friday morning. Gates had moved to left guard on Thursday night, and Billy Price started at center.
"We haven't talked to the trainers yet because a lot of players haven't come through yet for their normal treatment and checkup," Judge said. "In terms of the offensive line as a whole, I was very encouraged by a lot of things. I thought mixing some different people in there – obviously, Billy in there for the first time, getting Ben [Bredeson] back in as a left guard, thought Nate [Solder] and Andrew [Thomas] did a solid job on the edges right there. I think that unit's really moving in the direction we want it to and although we're far from a finished product and far from perfect right now, I'm very encouraged by how these guys continue to work and support each other and take coaching and go out there on a weekly basis. I think they've obviously seen two very, very talented fronts so far to start the season. I don't know if any of them get any more talented than what we saw last night. The ability to go out there and operate together and allow Daniel to get the ball out on time and move the ball down the field."
*Running back Saquon Barkley increased his workload against Washington despite the condensed week. He had 13 carries for 57 yards (long of 41 yards) in addition to two catches for 12 yards. Barkley touched the ball 11 times on Sunday in his first game since suffering a serious knee injury nearly a year ago.
"I was really pleased with Saquon last night as far as how he went out there," Judge said. "Again, I haven't seen him today. I'm sure every player has nicks and bruises after games, but I thought his football conditioning really looked good. That's something we've had to really try and push and build him into. He's done a really good job for us working to do that. When you jump over from rehab into practice, that's a different animal, it just truly is. We try to do everything we can to simulate for our players of replicating a practice when they're not with us as a team, but there's just a natural change when you get the pads on and you get moving around with the team. He's worked real hard at that.
"I was pleased at how he moved around last night. He did some good things for us in the game. He played tough for us. He ran the ball hard. He had the explosive run for us and did some nice things in the passing game. Obviously, he's going to be a key part of our offense and our team. He's a key leader on our team. We'll keep finding ways to be creative and get it to him. Again, look, this guy getting out there, getting his feet wet the first couple of weeks and getting moving with it, I'm really encouraged with where he's at right now."
Limited Tickets Available for Eli Manning Ceremony
Limited tickets are available for Eli Manning's jersey retirement and Ring of Honor induction game
