LANDOVER, Md. — A chaotic overtime sequence ended without a winner on Sunday as the Washington Commanders failed to stop the clock in field goal range, resulting in a 27-27 tie against the New York Giants at Northwest Stadium.
With no timeouts remaining and the ball at the New York 24-yard line in the final seconds of the extra period, Washington quarterback Jayden Daniels scrambled rather than throwing the ball away or setting up a spike. Daniels was tackled for no gain, and time ran out before the Commanders could deploy their field-goal unit, leaving players and spectators stunned.
“We have to stop the clock,” Daniels said after the game, as reported by SB Nation. “It starts with everybody from top to bottom, but ultimately, it’s on me.”
Back-to-back miscues decide the finish
The bizarre conclusion came immediately after New York gave away its own chance to claim victory. Following the overtime two-minute warning, Giants head coach John Harbaugh called a handoff to running back Cam Skattebo at the Washington 24-yard line instead of running down the clock to attempt a kick. Skattebo fumbled, and the Commanders recovered to set up an improbable final drive.
Daniels, returning after missing two weeks with a dislocated left elbow, moved Washington downfield by completing two passes for 29 yards and scrambling for 16. However, the drive stalled completely on the final snap when Washington elected to run a play with 12 seconds remaining rather than stopping the clock.
Commanders head coach Dan Quinn accepted blame for the mismanaged finish. Quinn said the team was attempting to gain extra yardage before kicking, but acknowledged that clocking the ball earlier was the proper decision. “Leaving tonight with a tie feels like a loss,” Quinn said, according to SB Nation.
Harbaugh expressed mixed emotions over escaping with a draw after the late giveaway. “It’s a tie. It’s a heck of a lot better than a loss, but it’s not as good as a win,” Harbaugh said, according to SB Nation. Skattebo voiced relief that his turnover did not result in a defeat, pledging that such a mistake would not happen again.
Winston sparks fourth-quarter rally
Washington led by 14 points in the fourth quarter before Giants quarterback Jameis Winston spearheaded a dramatic comeback. Winston threw three touchdown passes over the final 15:44 of regulation, connecting twice with tight end Isaiah Likely before finding Malik Nabers for a game-tying 17-yard score with 1:43 remaining.
Winston finished the day 33-of-54 passing for 326 yards, three touchdowns and one lost fumble, which occurred when K’Lavon Chaisson sacked him in the second quarter. The Giants also briefly inserted J.J. McCarthy in the first half for two carries and an aborted screen pass.
Daniels produced a potent dual-threat display prior to the final misstep, rushing for 103 yards and scoring on touchdown runs of 38 and 26 yards. Jacory Croskey-Merritt opened the scoring for Washington early in the first quarter on a 33-yard touchdown sprint, while Drew Stevens converted three field goals.
Kicking struggles plagued New York throughout the afternoon. Rookie kicker Dominic Zvada missed three field goals, pulling attempts wide from 50 and 57 yards in regulation before missing a 46-yard attempt to open overtime.
The Giants also suffered injuries during the contest, losing tackle Jermaine Eluemunor to a calf injury, safety Tyler Nubin to a neck ailment and cornerback Colton Hood to a concussion, the NY Daily News reported.
What comes next
The draw leaves New York atop the NFC East at 3-1-1, while Washington sits at 1-3-1. The Giants return home to host the New Orleans Saints next Sunday, while the Commanders travel to face the San Francisco 49ers on Monday night.
