With their game-winning Hail Mary behind them, the Washington Commanders visit the New York Giants on Sunday at East Rutherford, N.J., in an NFC East rematch from Week 2.
The Commanders (6-2) are rolling, one half-game ahead of the second-place Philadelphia Eagles. Quarterback Jayden Daniels is being talked about as the Offensive Rookie of the Year, and perhaps more.
Washington is looking to start the season 7-2 for the first time since 1996.
Meanwhile, the Giants (2-6) are struggling. Several of those losses were close, including a 21-18 defeat at Washington. That day Giants kicker Graham Gano injured his hamstring on the opening kickoff, leaving the team without a kicker the rest of the game.
“It’s going to be a tough battle. That’s what it was Week 2 and that’s what we’re preparing for again,” Commanders coach Dan Quinn said. “That’s kind of part of the fun of what division games are. They’re tough, you have to have a five-quarter mindset to take it as far as you have to take it to go get the win.”
On Monday night, the Giants stayed close to Pittsburgh before losing 26-18, their third straight defeat. Now they’ve had a short week to prepare for the high-scoring Commanders offense.
Giants coach Brian Daboll said earlier in the week that Daniel Jones would remain the starter behind center. The sixth-year quarterback was 24-of-38 passing for 264 yards with no touchdowns, an interception on the final drive and a lost fumble in the fourth quarter against Pittsburgh.
He has thrown six touchdown passes and five interceptions in eight starts this season.
“We look at the things that we did well, which he was certainly part of them, go through some of the things that we can fix, and then move on to the next week,” Daboll said. “That’s what you need to do.”
The Giants are 31st in the NFL with an average of 14.6 points per game and will be facing an improved Commanders defense that held the Chicago Bears to 15 points last Sunday. Despite being torched early in the season by Tampa Bay and Cincinnati, Washington’s defense is allowing 326.4 yards and 20.9 points per game.
New York’s leading rusher Tyrone Tracy Jr. cleared concussion protocol on Friday and is set to play against Washington. The rookie carried the ball 20 times for 145 yards (7.3 yards per carry) — all season highs — and a touchdown against the Steelers before leaving in the fourth quarter.
Offensive tackle Josh Ezeudu had his knee drained and did not practice Wednesday, but he, too, was cleared to play after practicing as a full participant Friday.
The Giants will turn to rookie kicker Jude McAtamney after their replacement for Gano, kicker Greg Joseph, was ruled out with an abdomen injury. No. 1 punter Jamie Gillan (hamstring) also remains out.
Daniels, meanwhile, is coming off his first 300-yard game as a pro after completing 21 of 38 passes for 326 yards and the 52-yard, last-play touchdown pass to beat the Bears. Terry McLaurin had five catches for 125 yards against in the win. On the season, he has 40 receptions for 579 yards and four touchdowns.
Daniels was limited in practice Wednesday and Thursday due to the rib injury he suffered against the Panthers, but he will play.
However, left tackle Cornelius Lucas (ankle) was ruled out and running back Brian Robinson Jr. (hamstring) is questionable.
The Giants defense will also present challenges. They have allowed 331.1 yards per game and 21.9 points per contest.
“It’s going to be a different game,” said Daniels. “It’s going to be different from Week 2 to now. Obviously, they’ve grown as a defense and a team, we’ve grown as an offense and a team.”
Giants cornerback Deonte Banks, benched during Monday night’s game, will start.
“I’d say I’m focused on moving forward here with (Banks), and I think he’ll approach this week with the right mindset,” Daboll said.
