It wasn’t pretty, but in the end, the New York Giants(2-5) ended their four-game losing streak and got their first home win of the season after defeating the Washington Commanders(3-4) 14-7 at MetLife Stadium on Sunday.
New York’s offense has been anemic this season, but they scored their first touchdown in the second quarter on Sunday after Darren Waller’s 12-yard touchdown reception, which was his first touchdown of the season
The touchdown broke two long streaks. The Giants had not scored an offensive touchdown since Matt Breida’s eight-yard run in the third quarter in Week 3 against San Francisco; the Giants went 220 minutes and 42 seconds of game time, 14 quarters, 38 possessions, and 252 plays between offensive touchdowns.
In addition, the Giants had not thrown a touchdown pass since Jones and Isaiah Hodgins combined for an 11-yard score with 4:25 remaining in the victory at Arizona. The measurables between touchdown passes were 260 minutes and seven seconds, 17 quarters, 44 possessions, and 291 plays.
After Saquon Barkley took Tyrod Taylor’s short pass and turned it into a 32-yard touchdown, the Giants led 14-0 at halftime.
One week after they led at the end of the second quarter in Buffalo, 6-0. It was the first time the Giants held their opponent scoreless in the first half of consecutive games since 2005.
Taylor started for the injured Daniel Jones for the second straight game and was solid. He completed 18 of 29 passes for 279 yards, two touchdowns, and no interceptions for a passer rating of 116.9.
Following the win, Giants head coach Brian Daboll was asked if Taylor had done enough to be the team’s starter going forward.
“I would just say Tyrod had a good game this game, and he’s a true pro, and I’m glad we’ve got him,” Daboll said.
Taylor added: “That’s up to coach. Obviously, if DJ (quarterback Daniel Jones) is healthy, he’s a captain on our team, captain of our team, a leader on the offense, and I am here to support in any way that I can.”
This was Taylor’s first win as a starter since 2021, and at this stage of his career, the 13-year veteran is happy for the opportunity to play.
“It’s been fun just to be out there with the guys,” he said. “Obviously, quarterback, there is only one that can play per week. Other positions have rotations, whether a guy needs a blow or not, but just staying true to the preparation. Since I got drafted in 2011, I’ve always prepared myself week in and week out as if I was a starter. Whether that was the case or not, my attitude has never changed. It’s motivated me along the way, whether I was number two or number one, but just thankful for the opportunity. More importantly, thankful for the guys competing and playing the way that they did today and last week as well, too. Overall, it’s just fun to be out there competing.”
It appears if Jones is healthy, he’s still the guy for New York. However, with the success Taylor is having, maybe New York won’t rush Jones back.
The Giants hope to build on this win as they host the Jets next Sunday in the battle of New York City.
Notes:
-The Giants’ defense came up big on Sunday. New York sacked Sam Howell six times, including five in the first half. Dexter Lawrence tied his career high with 2.0 sacks.
-Washington’s 273 total yards were the second fewest allowed by the Giants this season.
-The 14 points were the fewest the Giants have scored in a victory since they defeated Philadelphia, 13-7, on Nov. 28, 2021.
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