Washington Commanders fumbled a potential win in overtime against Giants

A missed chance to win

The Washington Commanders were in position to attempt a game-winning overtime kick to beat the New York Giants. But all they ended up kicking was themselves after botching the final play in overtime, preventing a potential field goal attempt. Quarterback Jayden Daniels was tackled for no gain with eight seconds left in overtime and, with no timeouts, the Commanders could not stop the clock. So rather than a potential Drew Stevens 42-yard field goal, they were left trying to explain what appeared to be inexplicable in a 27-27 tie with the New York Giants.

Receiver Terry McLaurin said the result felt like a loss. Guard Sam Cosmi kicked a pylon in the end zone as he approached the tunnel after the final whistle. Washington is now 1-3-1 heading into a Week 6 Monday night game at the San Francisco 49ers.

Confusion on the final play

After a Rachaad White two-yard run to the Giants' 24, Washington snapped the ball with 12 seconds remaining. Daniels dropped back as three tight ends and receiver Trey Burks ran routes. Daniels then turned upfield and rather than throw the ball away to stop the clock, he tucked the ball and was tackled for no gain with eight seconds to play. They could not spike the ball in time to get Stevens onto the field.

Giants defensive lineman Shelby Harris said they ran the play and it seemed like a bunch of confusion on the part of Washington. Coach Dan Quinn said the play was an outside throw to tight end Ben Sinnott or Daniels should clock the ball. McLaurin noted that they practice centering the ball in the middle of the field to set up the kick, but they did not execute or communicate it right as an offense.

Taking responsibility

Quarterback Jayden Daniels spoke about the chaotic final seconds that prevented his team from attempting a game-winning field goal. Daniels said that they have to stop the clock and know the situation, and ultimately it is on him. Terry McLaurin called the ending unacceptable, and minority owner Magic Johnson wrote on X that he was in total disbelief about the poor clock management in the overtime game.