Washington Commanders Suffer Deflating Tie vs. New York Giants

In arguably a must-win early season divisional game, the Washington Commanders gave up 14 fourth quarter points before tying the New York Giants at 27.

This marked Washington's first tie since tying the Giants in 2022, in addition to the first at home since also tying the Giants in 1997.

In his first game back from injury, quarterback Jayden Daniels finished with 199 yards on 17-of-25 passing, while adding 103 yards on nine carries on the ground. He also became the first quarterback with multiple 25 yard rushing touchdowns in the same game since Mike Vick in 2002.

The Commanders wasted no time after running back Bill Croskey-Merritt capped off a four play, 69 yard opening drive with a 33 yard rushing touchdown, the team's second of the season. Yet the Commanders' lead stayed at six after rookie Drew Stevens missed his third extra point of the season, though he would make up for it after a pair of field goals in the second quarter -- first a 28 yard make, then a 40 yard make -- pushed the Commanders lead to 12-3 ahead of halftime.

Yet Washington's defense was the standout after holding the Giants to just 82 yards of total offense and 2.5 yards per play through the first half, while also forcing the sixth takeaway of the season. Defensive tackle Tim Settle picked up the fumble forced by edge rusher K'Lavon Chaisson, setting the offense up outside of the redzone before Stevens drilled one of his two first half field goals.

The Giants were able to kick off the second half by making it a one possession game courtesy of a 56 yard field goal, but the Commanders answered right back after a 38 yard touchdown run by Jayden Daniels not only marked his first rushing touchdown of the season, but pushed the lead to 19-6 midway through the third quarter.

Washington nearly ended the Giants' ensuing drive after cornerback Amik Robertson came down with the goal line interception, only to be negated by a defensive pass interference against Robertson. The Giants converted three plays later after quarterback Jameis Winston found tight end Isaiah Likely for a three yard touchdown.

It wasn't all good on Sunday after the defense began to show signs of concerns once the fourth quarter kicked off with the Giants scoring a pair of touchdowns to tie the game with under 100 seconds left in regulation. It also marked the third touchdown allowed in as many drives, a concerning end for a defense that started hot.

Washington caught a break after the Giants' 46 yard field goal attempt in the opening possession of overtime sailed wide left, but Washington couldn't capitalize.

Instead, driving outside of the redzone inside the final minute of overtime, Jayden Daniels kept it for a short run with the clock expiring, cementing the tie.

Washington will travel to face the San Francisco 49ers on Monday Night Football in week six before shifting to the bye week.