The New York Giants suffered a heartbreaking 24-21 home loss to the Washington Commanders on Thursday Night Football. The contest ended with 34 seconds remaining when J.J. McCarthy threw an interception on third-and-10, following two fourth-quarter interceptions by the New York defense off Jayden Daniels while holding the lead.
Offense and Skill Positions
The offense failed to capitalize on late takeaways, going three-and-out on consecutive possessions before Stefon Diggs caught a 32-yard touchdown pass following a collision between Tae Banks and Dru Phillips. J.J. McCarthy completed 23 of 36 passes for 293 yards with a touchdown and an interception, while adding 34 rushing yards and a sack, earning a B grade. Cam Skattebo led the backfield with 18 carries for 78 yards and two touchdowns alongside three catches for 44 yards, securing a B+ grade ahead of Devin Singletary’s single carry. Malik Nabers caught five passes for 44 yards and lost a red-zone fumble, contributing to a B- receiver grade that included Malachi Fields’ three catches for 62 yards and Darnell Mooney’s two catches for eight yards. Isaiah Likely stood out among tight ends by catching nine targets for 127 yards and a touchdown, including a 66-yard score.
Defense and Special Teams
The defensive line bottled up the Washington ground game, with D.J. Reader making great plays and Shelby Harris recording a crucial stop and a sack for an A- grade. Abdul Carter drew attention with a holding call, a tackle for loss, and a quarterback hit, while Kayvon Thibodeaux totaled eight tackles. Linebackers Arvell Reese and Micah McFadden combined for 23 tackles, earning an A grade for their energetic play. In the secondary, safeties Jevon Holland and Ar’Darius Washington secured fourth-quarter interceptions, though the unit surrendered two touchdowns in man coverage. Special teams earned a D- grade, highlighted by a costly 12-yard punt from Jordan Stout in the fourth quarter and a missed 33-yard field goal by Dominic Zvada.
The defeat allowed the Commanders to remain relevant in the division race while securing the tiebreaker over the Giants.
