Giants Defense Plows Over Washington in Ugly Win

 On an afternoon where they wore the uniforms synonymous with the great Giants teams of the 1980s and early 90’s, Big Blue’s defense had to leave the likes of Lawrence Taylor and Carl Banks smiling with their effort.

For the first time this season, the Giants came to play old school Giants football on Sunday.

Sam Howell had no shot. Getty Images.

 

Their defense got after Washington quarterback Sam Howell, stuffed the Commander ground attack, blocked a field goal, and otherwise pulverized the Washington Commanders in a 14-7 win, Sunday.

Howell, who came into the game as the most sacked quarterback in the NFL, was sacked six times and threw one interception. He came close to throwing a pick six when outside linebacker Kavon Thiboudeaux had the ball in his grasp with daylight in front of him before dropping the football.

The dropped pick-six was the only fopaux for Thibs who had four tackles, 1.5 sacks and two quarterback hits on Sunday.

Meanwhile, Tyrod Taylor and the Giants offense were again unspectacular, but they didn’t have to be flashy. The veteran quarterback got the job done. He threw for 279 yards and two touchdowns. His first score coming on a 15-yard cut-in to Darren Waller in the second quarter that gave Big Blue a 7-0 lead.

 Later, Taylor stepped up in the pocket and hit Saquon Barkley in the flat for a 32-yard catch and run as the Giants opened up a 14-0 advantage.

The questions are already starting: will the Giants stick with Tyrod Taylor? There are $160 million reasons why they will not. Sure Taylor has been solid, but Daniel Jones - if healthy - is getting paid the big bucks to be the "franchise quarterback." 

 

Head coach Brian Daboll downplayed any quarterback controversy, as he should. Jones is still coming off a neck injury, and a lot of his poor play wasn't all his fault. The Giants offensive line has been awful. Heck, Taylor was sacked four times on Sunday, and the Giants didn't move the football at all in the second half against Washington. 

The next week will be fascinating. The Giants face the Jets next week with Big Blue as the designated home team. 

The Jets (3-3) are still riding high off their win against the Eagles, and will come into the match-up with the better team and better overall defense. The Giants have to love the way their defense has played the past two weeks against Buffalo and Washington.  

This figures to be an incredible match-up. Throw the records away, and get ready for a smash mouth game on Sunday.