The New York Giants (0-1) lead the Washington Commanders (0-1) 12-9 at halftime in a battle of longtime NFC East rivals.
The Commanders opened the game with a kickoff return for a touchdown by running back Austin Ekeler, but it was nullified when linebacker Nick Bellore was called for holding.
Commanders quarterback Jayden Daniels took the field and led his team on a 16-play, 64-yard drive that took up over nine minutes before settling for an Austin Seibert field goal.
A penalty allowed the Giants to start their first drive around midfield. Quarterback Daniel Jones led a fairly quick seven-play, 53-yard drive that running back Devin Singletary finished with a seven-yard touchdown run. Washington’s defense resembled the 2023 version.
Daniels continued to keep drives alive with his legs but took a nasty shot to his ribs after one 13-yard run and left for one play before returning. All three of Washington’s drives ended with a score, but unfortunately, they were field goals.
Daniels completed 11 of 13 passes for 87 yards and also carried the ball seven times for 30 yards. Running back Brian Robinson Jr. led Washington with 10 carries for 63 yards, while Ekeler had 41 total yards in the first half.
The Commanders’ defense allowed the Giants to easily move down the field with less than two minutes remaining in the half when Jones found rookie wide Malik Nabers for a touchdown to give New York the lead.
The Giants will receive the ball first in the second half.