New York Giants Best Season Sack Total as Washington Commanders' OL Struggles Continue
The New York Giants entered Sunday's game against the Washington Commanders with just five total sacks on the season.
By halftime, the Giants doubled that number, boasting a 14-0 lead while taking down Commanders quarterback Sam Howell five times.
New York (2-5) added one more sack in the second half, walking out of MetLife Stadium with a 14-7 victory over Washington (3-4) to take its first win since Week 2.
For the Commanders, it's another week of struggles protecting Howell, who's now been sacked 40 times this season.
He's on pace to be sacked 97 times.
The current NFL record for most sacks allowed in a year is 76, currently held by signal caller David Carr and the 2002 Houston Texans.
At this rate, Howell and the Commanders will break that mark with three games still to be played - and several more opportunities for sacks to be made.
Last season, over half the league (17 teams) allowed fewer than 40 total sacks. Washington isn't even at this year's halfway point.
Cause for concern? Absolutely - and for right tackle Andrew Wylie, a number of other emotions.
"Very, very, very frustrating seeing 14's jersey at the end of every game," Wylie said postgame. "It's on us five up front, plain and simple, and is something that we need to correct."
Washington Commanders quarterback Sam Howell is chased by New York Giants defensive tackle Dexter Lawrence on Oct. 22, 2023.
Chris Pedota, NorthJersey.com / USA TODAY NETWORK
Washington appears to have made solid corrections in the second half, as Howell completed 17 of 28 attempts for 198 yards and was sacked only once over the final 30 minutes.
Wylie agreed with the assessment that the Commanders took a step forward in keeping Howell clean during the second half and detailed some of the adjustments that led to improved results.
"We added some tight ends, max (protection'd) it up, blocking with seven people," Wylie said. "A lot of turn protections too, so we'll be clear one side no matter what. Then we had some plays we were moving the pocket around, changing up the throwing locations.
"I feel like the game plan we came out with in the second half was a good one."
Still, the stains on Howell's jersey were an unpleasant site for Wylie and the rest of Washington's offensive line.
It's possible that even in a dark day for the Commanders, bright spots were found up front - and really, for the sake of Howell's health and development, there may be no other options.
Washington's offensive line will look to build on its second half next Sunday against the Philadelphia Eagles, with kickoff set for 1 p.m. inside FedEx Field.
