Stefon Diggs escaped two tackles before falling backward into the end zone to score the go-ahead touchdown with just under a minute left, lifting the Washington Commanders to a 24-21 victory over the New York Giants on Thursday night.
The touchdown ended a tense back-and-forth game at FedExField, where Cam Skattebo had earlier rushed for two touchdowns to keep the Giants narrowly ahead. Washington quarterback Jayden Daniels, who entered the contest without an interception all season, threw two picks on consecutive drives in the fourth quarter while trying to engineer a comeback. Still, Daniels connected with veteran receiver Diggs for a 32-yard pass on a three-play, 49-second drive that sealed the win.
Daniels finished with 249 passing yards and three touchdowns, with Antonio Williams and Ben Sinnott also scoring for Washington. Williams’ 31-yard touchdown catch came midway through the second half after the Giants had reclaimed the lead. Sinnott’s score arrived late in the second quarter to briefly give the Commanders a 10-7 advantage.
Giants quarterback JJ McCarthy threw for 293 yards and a touchdown to tight end Isaiah Likely, who broke free for a 66-yard touchdown run after the catch. Backup quarterback Jameis Winston also saw action, making several quarterback sneaks on short-yardage plays. Skattebo, who missed last week with a hamstring injury, ran strongly in his return, including a touchdown celebrated with a backflip after receiving a lateral pass and breaking through multiple tackles.
The Giants led 21-17 late in the game but were undone by a poor punt that gave the Commanders good field position in the closing minutes. From there, Daniels found Diggs, who dodged two defenders before crossing the goal line. Diggs said after the game that Daniels never lost his composure despite the interceptions. "Poised. He didn’t flinch. He looked the exact same. He knew he was gonna have a chance to win," Diggs said.
The Giants had a chance to force overtime with less than 30 seconds remaining, but McCarthy’s deep pass was intercepted by Washington’s Rasul Douglas. The loss prevented New York from pulling clear in the NFC East, keeping them top of the division at 5-3-1. The Dallas Cowboys follow closely at 4-5, with Washington moving to 3-5-1.
The game started under difficult conditions after torrential rain and lightning during warm-ups eased slightly before kickoff. The first quarter remained scoreless, with New York kicker Dominic Zavada missing a 33-yard field goal attempt. Washington’s Drew Stevens then converted a 46-yard field goal to open the scoring.
After Washington’s brief lead from Daniels to Sinnott, Skattebo responded with another rushing touchdown in the third quarter, darting outside for a 13-yard run after a lateral. The Giants’ offense continued to push forward, with McCarthy connecting with Likely on the big 66-yard score shortly after.
Washington’s rally included a wide right pass from Daniels to Williams, who ran down the sideline for a touchdown. But the Commanders’ momentum was interrupted by two critical interceptions in the fourth quarter, the first on a pass toward Chig Okonkwo that was picked off at the pylon by Jevon Holland. The second came minutes later, intercepted by Ar’Darius Washington.
Despite the turnovers, the Commanders capitalized on a poor Giants punt late in the game to set up the winning drive. Diggs’ touchdown catch proved decisive in a game that saw fluctuating leads and strong individual performances from both sides.
Washington’s win keeps them within striking distance in the NFC East, while the Giants’ hopes of extending their division lead took a hit. The game ended with Washington holding a slim advantage, denying New York a chance to at least secure a tie in the division.
According to Yahoo Sports.
