After last weeks heartbreaking loss, Coach Burn went back to basics in practice. Jones worked on his accuracy and placement and has been determined to not throw away a close game again this season. The cinderella story that is the Commanders is up next for the Giants. They have been a team that has shocked the league with the teams that they have beat. They started the season 2-0, then lost three straight, and won in a blowout fashion last week versus the Falcons. The Giants have seen their go to approach when it comes to offense and they like to run the ball, run jet sweeps and run RPO’s looking for the wide receiver.
The game plan on offense was a run first, quick passing game versus their star studded defensive line. The Commanders have possibly the best defensive line in the game with three superstar players. They can rush the pass and disrepute the run. They can match any offensive line, but the worry this week is going against a depleted Giants offensive line, mixed with Daniel Jones tendency to throw the ball inaccurately.
Before the game, Washington’s superstar wide receiver Scary Terry got hurt with turf toe and had to sit out this game. This would impact the Commander offense tremendously. The Giants got out to a quick start with a three and out on defense leading to a quick streaking touchdown by rookie sensation Hyatt. Jones hit him in stride for the game’s first touchdown.
The Giants would force another punt and take over on their side of the field. Barkley and the run game couldn’t get anything going which meant that Jones had to pass the ball. The Commanders did well, and forced a long third and twenty for the Giants. Jones immediately recognized the coverage and checked to a streak to Slayton which resulted in Slayton picking up 30 yards and converting the first down. After converting a third and thirteen run, which the Commanders were not expecting, Coach Burn threw them another wrench, calling a reverse to Campbell for a touchdown. Coach Burn knew he had to mix up some different runs in order to be successful and it worked to perfection.
On the next Commander possession, Simmons would finally make a play for the Giants, intercepting Howell for a pick 6 to go up 21-0. Jones would lead the Giants down the field for a field goal on the Giants third possession, going up 24-0 with 3.28 left in the half. Howell would finally drive down the field and get to the Giants 1 yard line. The Giants defense would stuff the Commanders 4 straight times, giving their offense the ball at the one yard line. Halftime would come with the Giants giving up a safety on a Wandale Robinson run that was stuffed 3 yards into the endzone. THe official score would be 24-2.
The Giants were ecstatic that they finally had a lead going into the half and were hellbent on protecting that lead. The game plan would be to run the ball and play great defense. They would do just that, stopping any momentum that Washington had as they won the game 31-10.
Key Injuries:
N/A
Key Statistics:
QB Daniel Jones: 17/25 216 Yards 1 Touchdown
Jones played flawlessly the entire game. He followed the game plan exactly how it was drawn up and didn’t get flustered when he was called on to make a deep throw. It’s amazing what the Giants can do when he is hitting throws. Let’s hope this Jones stays for good and propels the Giants to go on a run to the playoffs.
HB Saquon Barkley: 9 Rushes 43 Yards, 4 Receptions 35 Yards
Barkley didn’t have the day you would expect a superstar player of his caliber would, but he didn’t need to. By him being in the backfield, splitting carries with Breida, it opened up other players to make plays.
WR Jalin Hyatt 5 Receptions 63 Yards 1 Touchdown
Hyatt continues to be something special for this team. His deep threat presence opens up different lanes for the offense and even when he is being double teamed he gets open. With teams now focusing on him, Waller, Campbell, and Slayton will soon be able to join the party on offense.
The Giants Defense finally scored more than one interception in a game and it led to a victory. The defense is key to winning games, and when they can shut out opponents, it will take extreme amounts of press off of Jones. This is Giants football and we hope to see this continue going forward. THe Giants face off against the Jets and Aaron Rodgers next week.
