The Washington Commanders blew a significant opportunity to control their destiny concerning the NFC playoffs Sunday with a 20-12 loss to the New York Giants on Sunday Night Football.
Yes, Washington remains in the No. 7 playoff spot after the loss but faces the 49ers next week on the road on a short week.
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A look at the scoreboard would give you the idea that Washington won the game. However, turnovers, costly penalties and horrendous officiating, among other things, cost Washington a chance to move to 8-5-1 on the season with three games remaining.
While much of the focus will be the officiating, the Commanders had an extra week to prepare and came away with 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.
New York Giants place kicker Graham Gano (9) kick and extra point against the Washington Commanders. 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 |
Taylor Heinicke #4 of the Washington Commanders is tackled by Julian Love #20 of the New York Giants and Kayvon Thibodeaux #5 of the New York Giants. (Photo by Rob Carr/Getty Images)
The officials were bad. Really bad. But this loss isn’t on the officials. Washington dominated the ball for over 11 minutes in the first quarter. The Commanders had three possessions in New York territory. They scored three points. 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? Regardless, too many missed opportunities.
There was also the pass protection. Can someone block rookie defensive end Kayvon Thibodeaux? The first-round pick had a night, registering 12 tackles, including a strip-sack for a touchdown. He was unblocked on three Curtis Samuel runs, which was a schematic issue.
And quarterback Taylor Heinicke had two fumbles which 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.
Darnay Holmes #30 of the New York Giants breaks up a pass intended for Curtis Samuel #10 of the 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. There were other moments when you thought it was over, but the Commanders kept fighting back. This play ended the game — and any chance of overtime.
- RB Brian Robinson Jr: 12 carries, 89 yards, 1 reception for 18 yards
- WR Jahan Dotson: 4 receptions for 106 yards, touchdown
- WR Terry McLaurin: 6 receptions for 70 yards
- DB Bobby McCain: 11 tackles
Taylor Heinicke #4 of the Washington Commanders looks to pass the ball during the first quarter against the New York Giants. (Photo by Todd Olszewski/Getty Images)
- The Commanders outgained the Giants, 387-288, and that was with New York having a slight advantage in time of possession.
- Washington’s defense allowed less than 300 yards, but if you watched the game, it wasn’t an impressive effort. Those three consecutive Saquon Barkley runs in the fourth quarter for over 10 yards each time on the same play told the story of the game. Had the Commanders stopped the Giants there and not allowed them a field goal, we could be talking about a different outcome. Don’t be fooled that the defense didn’t contribute to this loss.
- In the five games against the NFC East this season, Washington’s pass protection has been exposed. Heinicke was under duress all night and his two fumbles were costly. The second fumble was clearly Heinicke’s fault. The first one was on left tackle Charles Leno Jr.
- Tress Way