The Giants showed some resilience during both the game and the season, but, unfortunately, the outcome was still a loss.
That can happen when Jackson Dart throws an uncommon interception or misses a crucial play due to a concussion evaluation. It was also a struggle when interim head coach Mike Kafka made a puzzling choice, Yongho Koo missed two field goals, and the defense struggled in the red zone.
One small silver lining for the Giants was that relatively few fans witnessed their eighth consecutive loss. There’s that, and the fact that they still hold the No. 1 pick for the 2026 NFL Draft…for now.
With snow piling up on the walls separating the field from the stands, the Giants fell 29-21 to the Commanders in front of a sparsely filled MetLife Stadium.
Looking back, it’s hard to believe the Giants (2-12) were actually favored for this game—it’s been 13 months since Daniel Jones last played, a loss to the Panthers in Germany. Their last win as favorites dates back to Week 2 of the 2023 season when they faced a 21-point deficit against Arizona.
The Commanders (4-10), who have now won four straight against the Giants, easily advanced up and down the field during three of their first four drives, amassing 176 yards and a quick 13-0 advantage.
The Giants’ final 80 seconds were catastrophic when Cam Johnston, recently promoted from the practice squad, returned a punt for a 63-yard touchdown. This was the second time coordinator Michael Ghobrial’s unit allowed such a score in the game.
Dart attempted to rally, throwing an interception that was returned for 55 yards. Just before halftime, the Giants were on the verge of field goal territory, but ended up giving the Commanders a short chip shot, extending their lead to 22-7 while flipping field position.
Despite everything, the Giants had opportunities to even the score.
Late in the third quarter, Dart attempted some deep passes toward the end zone. Darius Slayton came close to snagging one in a notable over-the-shoulder catch attempt, but the ball slipped away as Antonio Hamilton, a former teammate, covered him.
The next play ended with a 2-yard run, resulting in a conservative 51-yard field goal attempt—one that fans criticized, and, predictably, it missed badly, just like Koo’s earlier attempt.
Within a minute, Terry McLaurin turned Dane Belton around on a 51-yard reception, solidifying the Commanders’ control over the game.
Just when things seemed dire for the Giants, Dart connected with Theo Johnson on a 42-yard completion. Sadly, Dart had to leave for another concussion test—his fifth since preseason—and missed two plays. He returned, completed a pass, but it didn’t end well with an incomplete throw.
Incredibly, the Giants kept pushing in the last six minutes, forcing two turnovers. Belton and Abdul-Carter each caused fumbles, resulting in key takeaways.
Dart kept hope alive with a 16-yard touchdown pass to Wan’Dale Robinson on fourth down with just under four minutes to go. Robinson made a remarkable catch, extending his arms to secure the ball.
But after a valiant effort from Carter, who tried to snatch the ball from JaCorey Crosskey-Merritt, Dart’s final fourth-and-8 pass fell incomplete.
Tyrone Tracy Jr. found the end zone twice, once rushing and once receiving.
