NFL
Giants and Commanders Tie 27-27 in Sloppy Overtime Classic, Winston's Comeback Wasted
Nobody won and everybody lost. The Giants and Commanders played to a 27-27 tie on a rainy Sunday in Landover, the season's first tie, in a game both teams will spend the week trying to forget. Jameis Winston threw for 326 yards and 3 touchdowns, erasing a 14-point fourth-quarter deficit to force overtime. Then both teams took turns refusing to win it.
Winston's day was a rollercoaster worthy of his entire career. He was 33 of 54 for 326 yards and 3 scores, with two fourth-quarter touchdown passes: a 17-yarder to Isaiah Likely on fourth-and-8 with 7:20 left, then a leaping 17-yard strike to Malik Nabers with 1:43 to go. Likely finished with 11 catches for 94 yards and 2 touchdowns. Nabers had 11 for 121 and the tying score. The Giants never led all afternoon and still nearly stole it.
Overtime was a blooper reel. The Giants drove inside the Commanders 25, but Cam Skattebo fumbled and Washington recovered at its own 23 with 1:55 left. Jayden Daniels, back from the dislocated elbow and playing in a brace, completed three passes and broke a 16-yard run to reach field-goal range. Then on second down at the New York 24 with 12 seconds left and no timeouts, Daniels ran up the middle and time expired before Washington could stop the clock. Coach Dan Quinn ripped off his headset in disgust.
Daniels was excellent in his return: 17 of 25 for 199 yards passing, plus 103 rushing yards and 2 touchdowns, including a 38-yard scoring scamper. But the ending will haunt Washington. The Giants (3-1-1) stay atop the NFC East without ever leading. The Commanders (1-3-1) somehow feel worse about a tie than most losses.
Special teams deserve their own paragraph of shame. Giants kicker Dominic Zvada made just 2 of 5 field goals, missing three times including a hooked 46-yarder in overtime that would have won it.
What it means
The Giants remain the NFC East leaders at 3-1-1, which tells you everything about how weird this division is. Winston gives them a puncher's chance every week, but the kicking game is a crisis. Washington gets Daniels back healthy and productive, which is the real prize, but the clock management at the end of overtime was inexcusable. A tie is better than a loss in the standings. It feels worse than one everywhere else.
Key Facts
- Final: Giants 27, Commanders 27 (OT). Season's first tie.
- Jameis Winston: 33 of 54, 326 yards, 3 TDs. Two 4th-quarter TD passes.
- Jayden Daniels: 17 of 25, 199 yards passing; 103 rushing yards, 2 TDs. Returned from dislocated elbow.
- Isaiah Likely: 11 catches, 94 yards, 2 TDs.
- Malik Nabers: 11 catches, 121 yards, 1 TD (game-tying).
- OT disasters: Skattebo fumbled at the Washington 23; Daniels ran out the clock at the NY 24.
- Kicking: Zvada 2 of 5 on FGs, missed a 46-yarder in OT.
- Records: Giants 3-1-1, Commanders 1-3-1.
VIA Reuters and Field Level Media.