The New York Giants let a golden opportunity slip away Thursday night, falling 24-21 to the Washington Commanders at MetLife Stadium and surrendering sole control of the NFC East.
New York held a 21-17 lead with under one minute remaining after Isaiah Likely turned a short throw from J.J. McCarthy into a 66-yard touchdown. Cam Skattebo had already powered the offense with two rushing scores, including a 13-yard touchdown that put the Giants ahead in the third quarter.
Instead of closing out the division rival, the Giants allowed Jayden Daniels to find Stefon Diggs for a 32-yard touchdown with 57 seconds left. McCarthy’s final deep shot was intercepted, sealing the defeat.
Skattebo finished with 78 rushing yards and both of New York’s ground scores,
while Likely caught nine passes for 127 yards. McCarthy completed 23 of 36 attempts for 293 yards and a touchdown before the late interception.
The loss drops the Giants to 5-3-1 and hands the Commanders a critical divisional win, turning what should have been a statement victory into a costly setback with the division lead firmly in their hands.
Final Score: Commanders 24, Giants 21
Keys to the Game
- Self-inflicted wounds: The Giants did themselves no favors on Sunday, with a couple of drops, missed tackles, an illegal kick, an ugly fourth-quarter punt, passive play-calling, and a game-ending interception.
- Bad officiating: Abdul Carter was held on nearly every play, but no flags were thrown. Officials called Deonte Banks for a bogus defensive pass interference, and they stopped the clock when Jayden Daniels clearly went laterally out of bounds late in the fourth quarter.
- Passive play-calling: The Giants had several fourth-quarter chances to go for four downs but opted not to. They also got away from man coverage and heavy blitzes, fearing Daniels' ability to run, and it cost them.
- Third-down defense: The Commanders had the worst third-down offense in the NFL entering the game, but converted on seven of 14 attempts.
It was over when...
Quarterback J.J. McCarthy launched a prayer to wide receiver Malik Nabers with second remaining in the fourth quarter. Cornerback Rasul Douglas intercepted the pass.
Players of the Game
- TE Isaiah Likely: Despite a costly drop, Likely hauled in nine receptions for 127 yards and one touchdown -- a score that should have been the game-winner.
- RB Cam Skattebo: Looking to rebound from his Week 5 snafu, Skattebo for 122 yards and two touchdowns in 21 touches.
- LB Arvell Reese: Reese once again led the Giants in tackles, recording 13 on the game (four solo).
Injuries
Linebacker Kayvon Thibodeaux was evaluated and cleared for a concussion between the first and second quarters. Then, midway through the fourth quarter, Thibs went down hurt but walked off under his own power.
Center Bryan Hudson was evaluated for a concussion toward the end of the third quarter but was cleared.
What's next?
Giants head coach John Harbaugh will meet with reporters on Friday afternoon via Zoom to wrap up the week and set the stage for Week 11. Select players may be made available after Harbaugh.
New York will return to practice on Monday (walkthrough), November 16, ahead of a Week 11 game against the Jacksonville Jaguars at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey. Kickoff is scheduled for 4:25 p.m. ET.
This article originally appeared on Giants Wire: New York Giants choke in primetime, fall to Washington Commanders, 24-21
