New York Giants vs. Washington Redskins
Daniel Jones’s first home start ended with a 24 – 3 point win over the Washington Redskins. The Giants were able to build a 14 point lead by halftime largely on the two touchdown half by Wayne Gallman. The Redskins played a sloppy game that included a change a quarterback, lots of plays called back for penalties, and four turnovers.
New York Giants
Quarterback
- Daniel Jones: 23/31, 225 yards, 1 TD, 2 INT | 5 Carries, 33 Yards
Jones had more of an up and down outing during his second career start. He was consistently throwing into tight coverages and using his legs to move the pocket and gain positive yards. He did have two interceptions on the day during back to back drives in the second quarter. The first came when he stood in the pocket and stepped up into a defender who hit Jones as he let go of the ball. On his second interception, Jones had a clean pocket but just underthrew his receiver. He came back to lead the Giants into field goal range to close out the second quarter. He made several impressive throws in the game and consistently kept the Giants moving while converting on third downs.
Running Backs
- Wayne Gallman: 18 Carries, 63 Yards, 1 TD | 7 Targets, 6 Receptions, 55 Yards, 1 TD, 1 Fumble
- Jon Hilliman: 10 Carries, 33 Yards, 1 Fumble
- Elijhaa Penny: 3 Carries, 12 Yards
With Saquon Barkley out due to injury, Gallman stepped up. He was effective on the ground but was even more impressive catching the ball out of the backfield. Gallman was the first to score any points in the game when he was left uncovered coming out of the backfield for an easy catch and walk-in touchdown. Gallman collected his second touchdown on the very next possession when he lowered his shoulders and plowed into the endzone from a few yards out. Gallman put together an impressive outing but did have a fumble late in the game. Jon Hilliman had some decent runs on the day but had one bad fumble at the goal-line that gave up points.
Wide Receivers / Tight Ends
- Sterling Shepard: 9 Targets, 7 Receptions, 76 Yards | 1 Carry, 23 Yards
- Evan Engram: 7 Targets, 4 Receptions, 54 Yards
- Rhett Ellison: 4 Targets, 3 Receptions, 24 Yards
- Darius Slayton: 2 Targets, 2 Receptions, 13 Yards
- Bennie Fowler: 2 Targets, 1 Reception, 3 Yards
The Giants were led by Sterling Shepard through the air who was once again all over the field. He played from the slot and outside positions and had a great run out of the backfield. Evan Engram was impressive as he was consistently able to create separation from defenders. The Giants were most effective through the air when it was needed. There were several big grabs on third and long plays that either converted or gained enough yards to attempt a fourth and short.
Washington Redskins
Quarterbacks
- Dwayne Haskins: 9/17, 107 Yards, 3 INT | 2 Carries, 23 Yards
- Case Keenum: 6/11, 37 Yards, 1 INT
Both the Redskins quarterbacks had trouble moving the ball against the Giants defense. Case Keenum was largely ineffective and was eventually pulled by Washington. On his opening drive, he tried to force a pass into tight coverage that ended up getting popped up and landing right into the hands of Ryan Connelly. In the second quarter, he made a horrible overthrow on what should have been an easy touchdown.
When Dwayne Haskins entered the game, he was met with initial success. He took the Redskins to the Giants one-yard line with a few quick throws and a nice run until the drive bogged down and ended with a field goal. Haskins went on to make several mistakes as his day went on. He completed a nice pass to Jeremy Sprinkle but went right back to the well on the very next play. Sprinkle was covered by Jabril Peppers on the second pass, but Haskins attempted to force in a fastball. Peppers ended up with an interception returned for a touchdown. Haskins often held onto the ball for too long in the pocket and missed some throws to open receivers.
Running Backs
- Adrian Peterson: 11 Carries, 28 Yards
- Chris Thompson: 4 Carries, 4 Yards | 5 Targets, 4 Receptions, 56 Yards
- Wendell Smallwood: 0 Carries | 1 Target, 1 Reception, 14 Yards
The Redskins running game was held in check by the Giants’ large defensive line. None of Washington’s runners were able to get much going in the game. Chris Thompson was able to make some nice catches to move the Redskins upfield but there was no space to be found on the ground.
Wide Receivers / Tight Ends
- Jeremy Sprinkle: 3 Targets, 1 Reception, 20 Yards
- Paul Richardson: 5 Targets, 3 Receptions, 14 Yards
- Kelvin Harmon: 2 Targets, 2 Receptions, 14 Yards
- Robert Davis: 2 Targets, 1 Reception, 11 Yards
- Trey Quinn: 4 Targets, 2 Receptions, 10 Yards
- Vernon Davis: 4 Targets, 1 Reception, 5 Yards
The Redskins had just as much trouble getting their passing game going. Led by Sprinkle’s one catch for 20 yards, Washington was held in check through the air by a combination of good defense and bad throws. There were issues with timing between the quarterbacks and wide receivers. Haskins and Vernon Davis had one mistimed connection that resulted in a popped-up ball and interception. The Giants played some tight coverage but the Redskins were also unable to take advantage of open receivers.
- Ben Davidowitz