Giants Hold Off Commanders Late Rally, Win 20-12
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…
LANDOVER, MARYLAND – DECEMBER 18: Darnay Holmes #30 of the New York Giants breaks up a pass intended for Curtis Samuel #10 of the Washington Commanders during the fourth quarter at FedExField on December 18, 2022 in Landover, Maryland. (Photo by Todd Olszewski/Getty Images)
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.
