NFL Week 11 Game Recap: New York Giants 31, Washington Commanders 19

The Washington Commanders and quarterback Sam Howell, in particular, appeared to be turning a corner and eliminating some of the negatives on offense that had killed them in key moments to start the year.

But pressure-to-sack issues reared their ugly head more in this game than in recent weeks, and although not all four sacks were on Howell, his three interceptions and his playmakers’ three lost fumbles were absolute back-breakers.

The New York Giants‘ defense and quarterback Tommy DeVito deserve credit for largely playing smart football, with DeVito not throwing the ball into harm's way. His nine sacks taken, including five in the first quarter, certainly made this a tougher result than it needed to be, however. Ultimately, the Giants won an NFC East battle and improved to 3-8.

Offensive spotlight: Giants running back Saquon Barkley got off to a slow start on the ground, but a few explosive rushes — including a game-high 36-yarder — led him to an 83-yard day on just 14 attempts. Barkley made his mark as a receiver, securing a great grab in the right corner of the endzone on a wheel route for his first of two receiving touchdowns. He carried this offense on many series throughout the game. Wide receiver Darius Slayton also took advantage of a busted coverage and streaked down the left sideline for a score, making a great hesitation move on cornerback Kendall Fuller en route to paydirt.

Commanders running back Brian Robinson Jr. continues to be a total workhorse on the ground and through the air, with 17 carries for 73 yards to go along with seven receptions for 58 yards. Quarterback Sam Howell completed passes to 11 different offensive playmakers, but not one player reached 60 yards. Wide receivers Terry McLaurin and Jahan Dotson continue to be taken out of games by opposing defenses.

Defensive spotlight: Giants edge defender Kayvon Thibodeaux has had an up-and-down season, but this was another strong outing for him. He finished with two sacks, two more tackles for loss and a bunch of other impact plays on Sam Howell — whether it was deflecting passes or moving the quarterback off his spot. Thibodeaux now has 11 sacks through 11 games. Linebacker Isaiah Simmons iced the game with a 54-yard pick-six, with Darnay Holmes and Nick McCloud also catching passes from Sam Howell.

The Commanders had seven defenders log a sack and a tackle for loss: Jonathan Allen, David Mayo, Daron Payne, Jamin Davis, Casey Toohill, KJ Henry, and Benjamin St-Juste.

Rookie spotlight: Giants rookie cornerbacks Deonte Banks and Tre Hawkins both made plays throughout this game, with Hawkins logging four solo tackles and Banks recording three. Banks allowed just two receptions for 15 yards, though one catch was a late score for Jahan Dotson.

Commanders rookie running back Chris Rodriguez Jr. took over the No. 2 role with Antonio Gibson out due to an injury, racking up 43 rushing yards on six carries with a long of 16. He added a five-yard reception, as well. Rodriguez was one of three Commanders to lose a fumble in this game, which won't help him earn more touches going forward.

Box Score

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Receiving