The Washington Commanders are within the win column in 2024, beating the New York Giants 21-18 on Sunday. That offers rookie QB Jayden Daniels a victory in his residence debut.
The way in which the Commanders received was a bit on the unconventional aspect.
Because of an damage on the opening kickoff to Giants kicker Graham Gano, Washington’s opponent was restricted in how they may rating. Punter Jamie Gillan tried an additional level on the Giants’ first landing however missed badly, and from that time on, they deserted the kicking sport altogether. That resulted in two failed two-point conversion makes an attempt on their later touchdowns, and a pricey turnover on downs contained in the purple zone late within the sport.
The Commanders, in the meantime, received their factors solely from the leg of Austin Seibert, who was added to the roster simply this previous week after Cade York was lower following an 0-of-2 efficiency within the season opener. On all seven of their drives, Washington marched into Giants territory however stalled out, forcing Seibert to salvage three factors. He was an ideal 7-of-7 on the day (a franchise record), with the ultimate one coming as time expired to win the sport.
Washington’s speeding assault was a serious difference-maker, with Brian Robinson Jr. accounting for 133 yards on the bottom whereas Daniels added 44 and Austin Ekeler had 38. Daniels survived a quick injury scare and appeared extra aggressive as a passer, making an attempt 29 throws in comparison with 24 final week. He was an environment friendly 23-of-29 for 226 yards by means of the air and received loads of the group’s weapons concerned.
Finally although, the sport got here right down to a basic math equation: seven is an even bigger quantity than three. Typically, that logic is an outline of why touchdowns are extra priceless than discipline targets, however on Sunday it was referring to scoring alternatives. The Commanders scored seven instances, every for 3 factors, whereas the Giants scored 3 times, every for six factors.
With a rebuilding roster, the Commanders could must take their wins any means they will get them in 2024. Sunday’s victory occurred to be in a means that had by no means been completed earlier than.