Takeaways from Thursday night’s 24-21 Giants loss to the Commanders.
1. The Giants were not aggressive enough on offense down the stretch in the fourth quarter. Their defense got the ball back twice with interceptions, once with 5:27 remaining and the second time with 2:15 remaining. With those gift possessions, the Giants ran it six times and went three-and-out both times, unable to take time off the clock and protect a 21-17 lead by keeping their defense off the field. On the first series, two runs by Cam Skattebo went for 9 yards, and the crusher came when Jameis Winston was stopped short (after a replay reversal) on a third-and-1 quarterback sneak. That cannot happen. On the final series, the offense was too intent on getting the ball down the field. Did they forget all they needed was a field goal to send the game into overtime?
2. Now it is getting worrisome. Rookies can be excused for some things, but Dominic Zvada has to hit the 33-yard field goal attempt that he pushed wide left. “It’s just inexcusable,’’ Zvada said. “It’s a PAT. I make those.’’ It was the sixth missed field goal in nine games for Zvada, and only Harrison Butker of the Chiefs (seven misses) has been more wasteful with his kicks. Zvada’s three misses in Washington forced the Giants to settle for a tie, and his two misses in Houston forced the Giants into overtime. Showing confidence in the 23-year-old is understandable, but patience has to be wearing thin.
3. Jayden Daniels owns the Giants. It is as simple as that. He is now 5-0-1 in his career against them and is such a cool customer that having to play him twice a season is turning into a nightmare for the Giants. Yes, he did throw his first two interceptions of the season, but otherwise he was darn good. He did not kill the Giants with his legs (11 rushes for 28 yards), but he is so elusive that he is difficult to catch in the backfield. He was sacked just once on 33 pass attempts. The Giants gave him too many chances, and Daniels made them pay with that 32-yard strike to Stefon Diggs for the winning points.
