The Washington Commanders opened the 2025 season with a 21-6 victory over the New York Giants at FedEx Field on Sunday, combining a balanced offensive attack with a smothering defense to spoil Russell Wilson’s debut in blue.
Second-year quarterback Jayden Daniels guided the offense effectively, completing 19 of 30 passes for 233 yards and a touchdown while rushing for 68 yards.
Washington’s scoring came from Daniels’ seven-yard pass to tight end Zach Ertz, a six-yard run by rookie running back Jacory Croskey-Merritt and a 19-yard touchdown run by wide receiver Deebo Samuel, who joined Washington in the offseason from the San Francisco 49ers.
While the offense was productive, Washington’s defense set the tone for the season.
From the opening kickoff, the front seven controlled the line of scrimmage, shutting down New York’s rushing attack.
Giants running back Tyrone Tracy Jr. managed just 24 yards on 10 carries as the Commanders maintained gap discipline and kept the quarterback under constant pressure.
Daniels credited the defense for keeping the game in check saying, “they made stops when they needed to, especially when we were stalling and being sloppy on the offensive side of the ball, so kudos to them.”
Samuel’s late touchdown highlighted the offensive line’s effectiveness as well.
“First of all, it started up front,” Samuel said. “The offensive line and Dan Luke just got a great pinball, and I just followed the guys all the way to the end zone. ”
“We focused on play style and identity all week. There’s work to do, but finishing with the ball shows toughness and winning,” Commanders Head Coach Dan Quinn said.
The Giants struggled to sustain drives, failing to score a touchdown and settling for two field goals. Quarterback Wilson completed just 17 of 37 passes for 168 yards and was under constant pressure from Washington’s defensive front, preventing the offense from finding any rhythm.
Every time New York attempted to establish the run, Washington’s linebackers and defensive tackles filled gaps and made key tackles near the line of scrimmage.
Defensive tackle Daron Payne recorded a sack and disrupted multiple passing lanes, while linebackers Bobby Wagner and Frankie Luvu consistently met ball carriers in the backfield.
Washington’s defense also excelled in situational football. On third downs, they forced the Giants into multiple punts, holding them to just two field goals all game.
Red zone opportunities for New York were limited, as Washington’s secondary and linebackers maintained disciplined coverage to prevent any easy completions. The team’s ability to bend without breaking was evident throughout the afternoon.
Quinn also reiterated the importance of building momentum early.
“Our guys showed toughness and physicality today,” he said. “That’s the standard we’re setting. We’ll review the film, clean up the mistakes, and get ready for Green Bay next week.”
The Commanders (1-0) will aim to build on their dominance as they head north for Week 2, a Thursday Night Football matchup at Lambeau Field on Sept. 11, against the Green Bay Packers (1-0).
Copy edited by Daryl R. Thomas Jr.
