The New York Giants have had the Washington Commanders’ number for several years. While both teams have taken turns in the NFC East basement in recent years, the Giants always seem to give Washington trouble, regardless of team records.
Heading into Sunday’s rematch from Week 2, the Commanders were 6-2, and the Giants were 2-6. Still, oddsmakers saw a close game. In the first meeting seven weeks ago, Washington barely won, 21-18, thanks to a last-second field goal.
So, what would happen in the rematch?
It was close, as expected, but the Commanders led from beginning to end before securing their first sweep of the Giants since the 2021 season with a 27-22 win.
Rookie quarterback Jayden Daniels continued his masterful rookie season by throwing two touchdown passes to Terry McLaurin. McLaurin is a player who has been around for most of those ugly losses to New York. McLaurin had a simple explanation as to why things are now different.
“They had our number the last few years and that’s been a reason why we haven’t had to the success that we wanted to have,” McLaurin said. “But this year, is a completely new team, with a completely new vibe and feel and it just, nothing points to that more than our ability to finish when we had to finish against a team that wasn’t gonna go away.”
Terry McLaurin on sweeping the Giants:
“They had our number the last few years, and that’s been a reason why we haven’t had the success we wanted to have.
“But this year is a completely new team.” pic.twitter.com/aUogwHKtwT
— Sam Fortier (@Sam4TR) November 3, 2024
McLaurin explained how special winning on the road is, especially winning division games on the road. Regarding his assessment of the 2024 Commanders, he’s correct. A new GM and front office, a new coaching staff, a star rookie quarterback, and over half of the 53-man roster are comprised of new players.