Giants beat Commanders in prime time to end winless streak

LANDOVER, Md. (AP) — Prime time finally likes the New York Giants, and now they’re a huge step closer to making the playoffs.

Kayvon Thibodeaux thrived on the national stage just like he promised, Daniel Jones shined under the lights to end his career-long skid in night games and New York held on to beat the Washington Commanders 20-12 on Sunday after a goal line stand that ended with a questionable non-call.

Jones, 0-9 in his first nine prime-time games for the Giants (8-5-1) who had lost 11 in a row in these situations, threaded throws through tight windows in beating the Commanders (7-6-1) with his arm rather than running all over Washington as he did in many of their previous meetings. He was 21 of 32 for 160 yards and engineered an 18-play touchdown drive in the second quarter that started at the 3 and lasted 8:35.

Washington’s loss, just its second in nine games, puts the Commanders in a tougher spot yet keeps them in a playoff position, half a game up on the Seahawks and Lions.  Terry McLaurin made six catches for 70 yards, eclipsing the 1,000-yard mark for a third consecutive season and becoming Washington’s first player to do that since Henry Ellard from 1994-96. McLaurin was flagged for illegal formation on Washington’s final drive that pushed the ball back from the 1 to the 6-yard line, one of a few penalties the Commanders were not happy about.

“We had an opportunity to win,” Rivera said. “I thought we did everything we were supposed to do from getting the ball down to the 1-yard line to getting lined up, to checking to make sure we’re lined up properly and then having it taken away from us. That’s why it’s hard to comprehend right now.”

PHOTO INFO: New York Giants cornerback Darnay Holmes (30) defends against Washington Commanders wide receiver Curtis Samuel (10) on fourth down to seal a 20-12 victory, Sunday, Dec. 18, 2022, in Landover, Md. (AP Photo/Nick Wass)

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