GIANTS 20 – COMMANDERS 12

There is nothing like a little controversy to go along the way with a huge victory. The Giants defeated the Washington Commanders in a must-win contest 20-12, upping the Giants overall record to 8-5-1 and maximizing their playoff odds at the same time. However, the game wasn’t without some controversy.

With Washington facing a fourth and goal with 46 seconds to go in the game, quarterback Taylor Heinicke’s pass to Curtis Samuel was broken up by Darnay Holmes. However replay showed what appeared to Homes draped over the back of Samuel. A flag was never called, and the Giants went on to win. Still the way the game ended raised eyebrows.

Still the controversy didn’t spoil what was a big night for Big Blue.

The Giants rallied from an early 3-0 deficit when Kayvon Thibodeaux had arguably the biggest play of the game when he strip sacked Heinicke and fell on the football in the end zone for the touchdown to give the Giants a 7-3 lead.

Later in the second quarter, Daniel Jones orchestrated a masterful 18-play, 97-yard drive that chewed up 8:35 minutes, before Saquon Barkley dashed into the end zone from three-yards out to give Big Blue a 14-3 lead.

Jones was once again efficient, completing 21 of 32 passes for 160 yards, and running for 35-yards on 10 carries. Barkley had a nice bounce-back game with 87-yards on 18 carries. It was also nice to see receivers Isaiah Hodgins (four catches, 37 yards) and Richie James (four catches 42 yards) all make a contribution, especially on the Giants’ 97-yard touchdown drive in the second quarter.

Meanwhile, Thibodeaux’s touchdown was just a sample of a huge night for the rookie from Oregon. Thibodeaux had 12 tackles, nine solo tackles, three tackles for loss, a sack, forced fumble, fumble recovery and touchdown.

• Thoughts on the Giants Getting Away with Pass Interference

  I haven’t seen a replay of the last play, but I’ve seen a lot less called pass interference in this league. Giants CB Darnay Holmes was lucky.

  — Ralph Vacchiano (@RalphVacchiano) December 19, 2022

• Another look

  @NFL you HAVE TO fix the problem with @NFLOfficiating. The officiating this year has been complete trash. So many botched and missed calls. This is 100% Defensive Pass Interference. Easy call. How do your refs not call that? #Giants vs #Commanders pic.twitter.com/5bZNk443BZ

  — Skol Geek (@SkolGeek) December 19, 2022

• Kayvon Thibodeau with the Touchdown to Set Things Off

  Kayvon Thibodeaux with the sack, the forced fumble, and the TD for the Giants. #TogetherBlue pic.twitter.com/dyXwpzss2k

  — Gershon Rabinowitz (@GershOnline) December 19, 2022

• Saquon Praises Thibs

  Saquon Barkley lauds Kayvon Thibodeaux for pumping up the Giants' players pregame:
  
  "I think he showed what he's capable of doing. The future's gonna be really bright for him." pic.twitter.com/atqJ2cMPAB

  — Giants Videos (@SNYGiants) December 19, 2022

• Saquon Barkley Touchdown

  Saquon TOUCHDOWN 😤
  
  📹 @NFL
  pic.twitter.com/1WYg0X0vzX

  — The Sporting News (@sportingnews) December 19, 2022

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