Washington Commanders at New York Giants
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Did the Washington Commanders Actually Save Their Season?
After tying the New York Giants in Week 5, the Washington Commanders ensured Thursday’s rematch ended differently.
The Commanders played aggressively, rallied to win late in the fourth quarter and improved to 3-5-1.
The victory was absolutely necessary to ensure the Giants didn’t run away with the NFC East. Now, the Commanders remain within striking distance of the division leader. However, Washington still trails by two games and its upcoming schedule likely portends more week-to-week inconsistency.
The Cincinnati Bengals bring the league’s best passing attack to town next weekend to face Washington’s bottom-five pass defense. The Commanders should then be favored against the Arizona Cardinals and Tennessee Titans over the following two weeks. After that, they close the regular season with a difficult five-game stretch against the Houston Texans, Atlanta Falcons, Minnesota Vikings, Jacksonville Jaguars and Dallas Cowboys.
Yes, the Commanders kept their season alive. But a slow demise is likely forthcoming.
Washington Commanders’ New Big-Play Threats in Passing Game
Ultimately, quarterback Jayden Daniels found Stefon Diggs for the game-winning 32-yard touchdown pass with under a minute remaining in regulation. However, the Commanders wouldn’t have been in that position without tight end Ben Sinnott and rookie wide receiver Antonio Williams providing big plays earlier.
Entering Thursday’s contest, Sinnott had caught one pass for six yards. The 2024 second-round draft pick hadn’t caught more than three passes or provided over 36 receiving yards in any contest during his first two-plus seasons. He set career highs Thursday with four catches for 42 yards, including a touchdown grab.
Meanwhile, Williams continued to show his burst and ability to create after the catch on a 31-yard touchdown reception.
Terry McLaurin and Dyami Brown may be on injured reserve, but the Commanders have two young players filling the void.
Can New York Giants RB Cam Skattebo Do Enough to Answer Critics?
The New York Giants were active in the running back market prior to Tuesday’s trade deadline. Ultimately, the organization didn’t land Jonathan Taylor or any other option.
Cam Skattebo was forced to answer the bell on Thursday. He did so with 122 yards from scrimmage and a pair of touchdowns. Plus, he consistently stuck his nose in pass protection to help quarterback J.J. McCarthy.
Skattebo has now posted two straight appearances with 120 or more scrimmage yards. The second-year back will never be as explosive or dynamic as Taylor. However, he can be an adequate-to-quality starter if he’s fully committed to serving as the hammer within the Giants offense.
Isaiah Likely Shows No. 1-Target Potential
Malik Nabers is the Giants’ top wide receiver, but tight end Isaiah Likely made the big play Thursday to give New York a fourth-quarter lead.
McCarthy targeted Likely on 11 different occasions. The tight end responded with a career-best 127 receiving yards, including the all-important 66-yard touchdown connection.
When John Harbaugh served as the Baltimore Ravens’ head coach, Mark Andrews was Lamar Jackson’s favorite target. Likely could certainly be that for McCarthy and possibly Jaxson Dart upon his return.
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