East Rutherford, N.J. — Relief washed over the visitors’ locker room Sunday afternoon as the Washington Commanders finally put an end to a miserable stretch. Behind a handful of timely big plays and a resilient defensive effort, Washington snapped an eight-game losing streak with a 29–21 victory over the New York Giants at MetLife Stadium.
For quarterback Marcus Mariota, the win was less about style points and more about sanity.
“There’s nothing like being in a winning locker room,” Mariota said. “Going that long without a win takes a toll. This one felt good.”
The Commanders (4–10) hadn’t tasted victory since early October, but they responded one week after being shut out 31–0 at Minnesota by jumping on special teams and capitalizing on explosive plays. Rookie Jaylin Lane ignited the spark with a 63-yard punt return touchdown, while fellow rookie Jacory Croskey-Merritt added a rushing score to steady the offense.
Lane’s return proved pivotal in a game otherwise short on momentum.
“Punt returns are the longest plays in football,” Lane said after receiving the game ball from coach Dan Quinn. “That one was all about effort and trusting the guys around me.”
Mariota delivered the knockout blow early in the fourth quarter, connecting with Terry McLaurin on a 51-yard catch-and-run touchdown that gave Washington breathing room. McLaurin finished with six receptions for 125 yards.
“It feels amazing to win,” McLaurin said. “This season’s been long, but when you finally get one, you really appreciate it.”
Mariota was efficient rather than prolific, completing 10 of 19 passes for 211 yards. Croskey-Merritt chipped in 96 rushing yards, while the defense did just enough to protect the lead in cold, blustery conditions.
On the other sideline, frustration deepened for the Giants (2–12), who dropped their eighth consecutive game and continued a free fall that has increasingly shifted focus toward draft positioning and organizational questions.
Rookie quarterback Jaxson Dart threw for 246 yards and two touchdowns but also tossed a costly interception. He briefly exited in the fourth quarter for a concussion evaluation after taking a hard hit on a designed run, missing only two snaps before returning.
“I didn’t think it was a big hit,” Dart said. “But we’re in a tough stretch right now. I know this won’t define the future.”
Dart found Tyrone Tracy and Wan’Dale Robinson for scoring strikes, but the Giants struggled to sustain drives late. Their defense couldn’t slow Washington’s timely surges, including a sack by Von Miller, who moved into 12th place on the NFL’s all-time sacks list.
The Giants were again without edge rusher Kayvon Thibodeaux, sidelined for a fourth straight game with a shoulder injury, while Washington navigated multiple in-game injury scares of its own.
Despite the circumstances, Mariota praised his team’s resolve.
“With the weather, the injuries, the season we’ve had — there were a lot of reasons not to show up,” he said. “Our guys fought anyway.”
Up Next:
Washington Commanders: Host the defending Super Bowl champion Philadelphia Eagles on Saturday.
New York Giants: Return home to face the Minnesota Vikings next Sunday.
