Giants Take 14-0 Halftime Lead Over Commanders

The New York Giants pass-rush suffocated the Washington Commanders with five sacks in the first half.

Author:
Hunter De Siver
Publish date:
Oct 22, 2023 2:43 PM EDT

In this story:

East Rutherford, NJ: The New York Giants lead the Washington Commanders 14-0 at halftime. Sunday's inter-NFC East matchup featured two teams who have struggled to move the ball offensively over the first few weeks of the season, as they've had to rely on their defenses to get stops.

The first half was no different for one team.

Both teams punted after three plays on their first offensive possessions, but New York's ended with an exclamation point, as defensive tackle Dexter Lawrence and Micah McFadden sacked Washington Commanders quarterback Sam Howell on third down.

The Giants' offense caught their defense's momentum after a stellar 33-yard throw from quarterback Tyrod Taylor to rookie wide receiver Jalin Hyatt. Running back Saquon Barkley took the torch next by bursting through the gaps for a combined 21 yards on two rushes. However, the flame would quickly go out, as a couple of incompletions led to a missed 42-yard field goal by Graham Gano.

Washington's lone big play of the first quarter came on an 18-yard completion to receiver Curtis Samuel. Nevertheless, Giants defensive tackle Leonard Williams recorded a third-down sack a few plays later.

New York Giants head coach Brian Daboll and offensive coordinator Mike Kafka, left, on the field for warmups before a preseason game at MetLife Stadium on August 21, 2022, in East Rutherford.

Williams' sack sparked the Giants' offense on their next drive, as long gains by pass-catchers Wan'Dale Robinson, Darius Slayton, and Darren Waller quickly got New York near the red zone. Taylor ran for a 20-yard scramble and connected with Waller for a 15-yard touchdown a couple of plays later. This was the Giants' first touchdown in 220-plus minutes, their first at home this season, and Waller's first as a Giant!

After a long kickoff return by Washington, it seemed like they were destined for a productive possession. However, Giants safety Jason Pinnock stormed in for a third-down sack.

Taylor and company couldn't take advantage on offense as they punted as well, but on Washington's next possession, rookie cornerback Deonte Banks hauled in his first career interception.

Banks' interception now sparked the offense, as one 16-yard reception by Waller set up a 32-yard touchdown catch-and-run by Barkley on the next play.

After back-to-back punts, Lawrence powered through for another third-down sack on Washington's next offensive drive. Edge rusher Kayvon Thibodeaux added to the sack collection late in the second quarter, this time coming on second down. Three of the Giants' five sacks in the first half came on third down.

Stat leaders at the half:

Passing yards: Tyrod Taylor (209)
Rushing yards: Saquon Barkley (40)
Receiving yards: Darren Waller (77)
Tackles: Bobby Okereke (7)

Blue Notes

Running back Gary Brightwell suffered a hamstring injury and is out.
Running back Eric Gray suffered an apparent calf injury (questionable to return)
Players not in uniform for the Giants include quarterback Daniel Jones, cornerback Adoree’ Jackson, center John Michael Schmitz, defensive tackle Jordon Riley, and offensive tackles Evan Neal, Matt Peart, and Andrew Thomas.
The Commanders inactive list includes defensive end Efe Obada, receiver Mitchell Tinsley, tight end Curtis Hodges, guard Chris Paul, tackle Trent Scott, defensive end KJ Henry, and cornerback Christian Holmes.