Commandos are defeated by Giants: All we know
The Washington Commanders lost a huge opportunity to control their destiny in the NFC playoffs on Sunday, losing 20-12 to New York Giants.
Washington is still the No. 7 playoff spot following the loss, but faces the 49ers next weekend on the road.
Washington won the match if you take a look at the scoreboard. Washington was unable to make it to 8-5-1 in the final three games of the season due to costly penalties, turnovers and terrible officiating.
Although the officiating will dominate the proceedings, the Commanders had a week to prepare for the game and were able to score 12 points against a suspect defense. In addition, Washington’s defense failed to pressure New York quarterback Daniel Jones and struggled to get stops at critical junctures in the game, leading to the loss.
Here’s everything we know from Sunday night.
Final score: Giants 20, Commanders 12.
Graham Gano, New York Giants’ place kicker (9 kicks and an additional point against Washington Commanders), is the kicker. Mandatory Credit: Brad Mills – USA TODAY Sports
|
Team |
1Q |
2Q |
3Q |
4Q |
Final |
|
New York Giants |
0 |
14 |
3 |
3 |
20 |
|
Washington Commanders |
3 |
0 |
6 |
3 |
12 |
Why Commanders lost
Taylor Heinicke #4 is taken on by Julian Love #20 and Kayvon Thibodeaux #5 respectively. (Photo by Rob Carr/Getty Images
They were terrible. They were really bad. But this loss isn’t on the officials. Washington was the dominant team for 11 minutes in the opening quarter. The Commanders held three possessions within New York territory. They scored three goals. Ron Rivera’s decision to punt from the 34-yard line was a curious one. Was the wind so bad you wouldn’t attempt a 51-yard field goal with a strong-legged kicker? Too many missed opportunities.
Pass protection was also available. Kayvon Thibodeaux, a rookie defensive end, can be stopped. The first-round selection had an impressive night. He recorded 12 tackles, one of which was a strip-sack that resulted in a touchdown. He was unblocked on three Curtis Samuel runs. This was a schematic problem.
Two fumbles by quarterback Taylor Heinicke led to 10 points. Sure the first one was not his fault, but you can’t fumble. The second fumble cost the Commanders three points as it occurred deep in Giants’ territory.
It was over when ….
Darnay Holmes #30 from the New York Giants rips up a pass meant for Curtis Samuel #10, Washington Commanders. (Photo by Todd Olszewski/Getty Images
New York cornerback went over the back of Washington wide receiver Curtis Samuel on the Commanders’ final offensive play and was not called for defensive pass interference. You thought the game was over at times, but the Commanders fought back. This play ended the game — and any chance of overtime.
Commanders’ top performers
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RB Brian Robinson Jr: 12 carries, 89 yards, 1 reception for 18 yards
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WR Jahan Dotson: Four receptions for 106 yards and touchdown
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WR Terry McLaurin – 6 receptions for 70 yards
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DB Bobby McCain: 11 tackles
Notes and news
Taylor Heinicke #4, Washington Commanders, looks to pass the ball against the New York Giants during the first quarter. (Photo by Todd Olszewski/Getty Images).
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387-288. The Commanders beat the Giants. New York had a slight advantage in possession time.
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Washington’s defense allowed less than 300 yards, but if you watched the game, it wasn’t an impressive effort. The game was narrated by the three Saquon Barkley runs that ran in the fourth quarter, each running for more than 10 yards on the same play. We could have had a different outcome if the Commanders had stopped the Giants there. Don’t be fooled that the defense didn’t contribute to this loss.
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In the five games against the NFC East this season, Washington’s pass protection has been exposed. Heinicke was forced to do so all night, and his two costly fumbles were a result. The second fumble was clearly Heinicke’s fault. Charles Leno Jr. was the first to fall.
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Tress Way crushed two punts inside of NY’s three-yard line. The Commanders were able to get off the field on one drive. The Giants took a lead of 14-3 on the first drive, but drove for more than eight minutes on the 18-play, 99-yard drive. It was New York’s best drive since 2014. One-third of New York’s total yards came on this drive alone.
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It was terrible. You can view Jahan Dotson’s pass interference during the two point conversion in two different ways. It’s clear why he was called. I don’t have a problem with the call. Ron Rivera chased the points too early in the third period. Kick an extra point.
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Both teams went three of twenty on third downs. However, New York’s two conversions were huge and ended with points. There’s also that fourth-and-9 conversion on that 97-yard drive.
Next
Ryan Kerrigan tackles Raheem Moret, running back #31 for the San Francisco 49ers. (Photo by Norm Hill/Getty Images).
The San Francisco 49ers may be down to their third quarterback — a rookie seventh-round pick — but they are playing as well as anyone in the NFL. Next week could be very difficult if Washington is able to score 12 points against Giants’ defense.