Commanders Shut Down Giants to Open Season with Division Win

The Washington Commanders overcame early mistakes and penalties to pull away from the New York Giants 21 to 6 in a Week 1 divisional showdown. While the offense sputtered at times, the Commanders’ defense rose to the occasion and set the tone for Dan Quinn’s debut season in Washington.

Commanders Survive Mistakes and Finish Strong

Washington looked ready to dominate early but repeatedly hurt itself with penalties, committing 12 overall, including seven in the first half. The most costly mistake came late in the second quarter when Jayden Daniels was flagged for intentional grounding at the Giants’ 4-yard line, wiping away a chance for points before halftime.

The Commanders would not score again until Deebo Samuel took a reverse into the end zone in the fourth quarter, finally breaking the game open. Despite the miscues, Washington played turnover-free football and converted three of four red-zone trips into touchdowns. Rookie running back Jacory Croskey-Merritt provided a spark, scoring before halftime and sealing the win with a 42-yard touchdown run late.

It was not perfect, but the Commanders showed they can win ugly while staying balanced offensively.

Giants Offense Goes Nowhere with Wilson

The Giants’ offense never found its rhythm without left tackle Andrew Thomas. Russell Wilson spent most of the game under pressure, as the Washington pass rush overwhelmed tackles Jermaine Eluemunor and James Hudson. Wilson tried to get the ball out quickly, but the approach produced little success until garbage time.

New York crossed midfield only three times, managing two field goals and a turnover on downs. Their best chance came on first-and-goal from Washington’s 1-yard line in the first quarter, but they came away empty, setting the tone for a long afternoon. Rookie Malik Nabers showed flashes, but a sideline disagreement with Brian Daboll highlighted the team’s frustration. Wan’Dale Robinson made some plays, while Theo Johnson’s drops hurt momentum. Rookie quarterback Jaxson Dart never saw the field, as the Giants stuck with Wilson throughout.

It was an effort filled with missed opportunities and no explosive spark, leaving New York stuck in neutral.

Washington’s Defense Answers the Call

The Commanders’ defense delivered a statement performance. They kept the Giants out of the end zone entirely and stood tall on the opening goal-line stand at their own 1-yard line. From there, they forced four straight punts and consistently dictated the game.

Dorance Armstrong and Deatrich Wise applied steady pressure off the edge, while Daron Payne wreaked havoc inside with a sack and two batted passes. The unit stifled the Giants’ run game and punished Wilson with hits throughout the afternoon.

If Washington entered 2025 with questions about its defense, Sunday offered a strong rebuttal.

By the Numbers

• Jayden Daniels completed 16 of 21 passes for 204 yards and a touchdown when facing four or fewer rushers, posting a 121.9 passer rating.

• Daniels struggled against the blitz, going 3 of 9 for 29 yards, the lowest passer rating against the blitz of his career.

• Terry McLaurin is just 87 receiving yards away from passing Hall of Famer Bobby Mitchell for fifth-most in Washington franchise history.

The Bottom Line

Washington was sloppy at times but proved resilient. Jayden Daniels managed the game, the rushing attack came alive when it mattered, and the defense completely controlled the Giants.

For New York, the Russell Wilson era continues to look shaky. Without protection or consistency, the Giants’ offense remains stuck in first gear, and frustration is already mounting after just one week.