The New York Giants They moved a step closer to their first berth since 2016 with a decisive 20-12 victory over the Washington Chiefs on Sunday night.
Giants 8-5-1. Leaders 7-6-1. With the win, the Giants now have an 87 percent chance of reaching the playoffs, each FiveThirtyEight.
The Giants got on the goal line in the last minute to secure the win. After Brian Robinson’s 1-yard touchdown run was nullified by an illegal formation penalty on Washington, two incompletions from the Giants’ 6-yard line sealed the victory.
Two other crucial defensive plays marked victory for the Giants. In the first half, Kayvon Thibodeau was hit with a sack by Washington quarterback Taylor Hynecke, and recovered the fumble himself for a touchdown.
In the fourth quarter, with Washington trailing 17-12 and threatening, Dexter Lawrence and Aziz Ogullari sacked Henke at the Giants’ 9-yard line. Heinicke was initially ruled a contact, but a challenge by Brian Daboll resulted in a turnover and a recovery by Leonard Williams at the Giants’ 14-yard line with 6:06 to play.
After the replay was overturned, Graham Gano made a 50-yard field goal to give the Giants a 20-12 lead with 1:55 to play.
“It was about four or five plays,” said coach Brian Dabul. “Our guys put on those plays.”
Thibodeaux had a dominant night for the Giants. He had a sack/fumble recovery for a touchdown in the first half, the Giants’ first touchdown. Thibodeaux finished with 12 tackles, a sack, a quarterback hit, a forced fumble, a fumble recovery, and a touchdown.
“I think he’s continually improved throughout the year. I’ve said this before: I’m glad we recruited him, and I’m glad he’s part of the team.”
Brian Dabol on Tonight’s Play Cayvonne Tipodocs: pic.twitter.com/3xqzZVrYN3
– Giants Videos (SNYGiants) December 19, 2022
statistics
- Daniel Jones went 21 of 32 for 165 yards. He also ran 10 times for 35 yards.
- Saquon Barkley ran 18 times for 87 yards. He also had five receptions for 33 yards.
- Richie James had four receptions for 42 yards. He also had a 23-yard kickoff return.
Idle giants
OL Shane Lemieux (toe)
CB Adore Jackson (knee)
LB Ty Crowder
CB Rodarius Williams
WR David Sales
J Jack Anderson
QB Davis Web
What’s Next?
The Giants travel to Minneapolis to take on the Minnesota Vikings 11-3 on Christmas Day, Saturday, December 24th. Game time is 1 p.m. The Vikings are coming off the biggest victory in NFL history, a 39-36 victory over Indianapolis Colts On Saturday, which saw a comeback from a 33-0 halftime deficit.
“Coffee ninja. Web fan. Hipster-friendly beer enthusiast. Professional creator.”