Jayden Daniels engineered a game-winning drive to lift the Washington Commanders to a 24-21 victory over the New York Giants on Thursday night, reshaping the NFC East playoff race.
Jayden Daniels delivered the decisive blow with a 32-yard touchdown pass to Stefon Diggs with 57 seconds remaining on the clock, according to reporting from The Shield Of Sports.
The win moves Washington to 3-5-1 on the season, tightening the division standings against a Giants squad that now sits at 5-3-1 while relinquishing the head-to-head tiebreaker.
Daniels overcomes early miscues
Daniels shouldered the offensive load despite throwing his first two interceptions of the season, caught by Jevon Holland and Ar’Darius Washington.
The signal-caller finished the night completing 23 of 33 passes for 249 yard and three total touchdowns, while adding 28 yards on 10 carries.
The late heroics redeemed an evening that had slipped away in the fourth quarter when New York seized the lead behind a 66-yard deep connection from J.J. McCarthy to Isaiah Likely alongside two rushing scores from rookie Cam Skattebo.
A defensive pass interference penalty eventually pushed Washington into scoring range before Diggs secured the go-ahead reception.
The milestone catch marked the 80th career touchdown for the veteran wide receiver, placing him among a group of 30 players in league history to reach that mark.
McCarthy throws for 293 yards as Washington defense holds firm
For New York, McCarthy tallied 293 passing yards in his first home start as a regular starter, though the effort fell short.
Washington’s defense stood firm in the closing moments, thwarting a quarterback sneak attempt by Winston after a stop initiated by Deatrich Wise on instructions from head coach Dan Quinn.
Cornerback Rasul Douglas sealed the outcome with a late interception, capping a frustrating night for Giants coach John Harbaugh.
Special teams also played a role as New York kicker Dominic Zvada missed a 33-yard field goal attempt, whereas Commanders kicker Drew Stevens converted from 46 yards out.
