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In a thrilling Thursday night matchup at East Rutherford, N.J., the Washington Commanders pulled off a 24-21 comeback victory against the New York Giants, thanks to a 32-yard touchdown pass from Jayden Daniels to Stefon Diggs with just 57 seconds remaining. The Commanders improved to 3-5-1 on the season with the much-needed win.
Rasul Douglas secured the outcome by intercepting a J.J. McCarthy pass at the Washington 11-yard line with 25 seconds left, ending the Giants' last chance. Daniels finished the game completing 23 of 33 passes for 249 yards, three touchdowns, and his first two interceptions of the year. He had thrown 207 consecutive passes without a pick before the two late turnovers.
Diggs was a key target, hauling in six receptions for 83 yards, while Ben Sinnott and Antonio Williams also caught touchdown passes for Washington. The Commanders have now gone 5-0-1 in their last six meetings with the Giants.
For New York, Cam Skattebo rushed for 78 yards and two touchdowns, and McCarthy completed 23 of 36 passes for 293 yards with one touchdown and one interception. Isaiah Likely had a standout performance with nine catches for 127 yards and a score.
The Giants had taken a 21-17 lead on a 66-yard touchdown pass from McCarthy to Likely with 8:13 remaining. McCarthy found Likely at midfield, and the tight end sidestepped a defender and raced down the sideline for the go-ahead score. However, Daniels was intercepted on the ensuing drive when Jevon Holland picked him off at the New York 2-yard line with 5:27 left. On Washington's next possession, Daniels was picked again, this time by ArDarius Washington at the Commanders' 46 with 2:15 remaining.
But Daniels got one more chance and made it count, finding Diggs for the game-winning score. Diggs caught the pass at the New York 25, broke a tackle by Dru Phillips, and sprinted to the end zone.
The Giants had led 14-10 after Skattebo's 13-yard touchdown run early in the third quarter, but Washington regained the lead on Daniels' 31-yard touchdown pass to Williams with 6:56 left in the third.
After a scoreless first quarter, Washington's Drew Stevens kicked a 46-yard field goal 53 seconds into the second period. New York then put together a 16-play, 72-yard drive, capped by Skattebo's 1-yard run with 2:35 left in the half. The Commanders responded with a nine-play, 67-yard drive, ending with Daniels' 1-yard touchdown pass to Sinnott with five seconds left before halftime, giving Washington a 10-7 lead.
Key Analysis
Daniels' ability to bounce back from his first two interceptions of the season was crucial for the Commanders, who kept their playoff hopes alive with the victory. The Giants, despite a strong performance from McCarthy and Likely, were unable to hold onto their late lead and fell to 5-3-1. The game showcased the resilience of Washington and the playmaking ability of Daniels, who continues to impress in his rookie campaign.
Originally reported by huffpost.