The New York Giants are dominating the Washington Commanders 14-3 at halftime in their critical Week 15 matchup from FedEx Field.
Washington dominated the football in the first quarter, holding the ball for over 11 minutes but ended the quarter with only a 3-0 lead. Head coach Ron Rivera had an opportunity to kick a 51-yard goal on one drive but instead chose to punt due to the wind.
New York’s offense struggled early, too, but it was a play from rookie defensive end Kayvon Thibodeaux that changed everything for the Giants. With the Commanders deep in their own territory, Thibodeaux goes through Washington left tackle Charles Leno to sack quarterback Taylor Heinicke, who fumbles and Thibodeaux picks it up and lands in the end zone to make it 7-3.
Washington’s offense came back on the field and struggled. But, punter Tress Way crushed a punt to the New York three-yard line. How did the Giants respond?
By driving 18 plays for 97 yards and taking up over eight minutes of time before running back Saquon Barkley takes the snap and goes into the end zone to give the Giants a 14-3 lead.
On the drive, Giants coach Brian Daboll was facing a fourth-and-9, but instead of attempting a field or punting, he goes for it, and quarterback Daniel Jones completes an 11-yard pass for a first down.
That play defined the first half for the Commanders.
For Washington to turn this game around, it needs to find an answer for Thibodeaux and get something from its defense. The Commanders applied no pressure to Jones in the first half, who completed 12 of 16 passes for 104 yards.
Heinicke completed seven of 13 passes for 55 yards in the first half. Washington’s running game was working as rookie running back Brian Robinson Jr. carried the ball eight times for 54 yards. Antonio Gibson also contributed 20 rushing yards.
New York will start the second half with the football.