Marcus Mariota walked out of the Washington Commanders’ locker room Sunday with a feeling that had been absent for more than two months.
Washington ended an eight-game losing streak by beating the New York Giants 29-21, picking up its first victory since Oct. 5 and handing New York its eighth straight loss.
The Commanders improved to 4-10, responding a week after being shut out in Minnesota with timely big plays and just enough offense. The Giants fell to 2-12, remaining winless since Oct. 9 and inching closer to the top of the 2025 draft order.
With Jayden Daniels sidelined after aggravating an elbow injury, Mariota stepped in and delivered the game’s defining moment early in the fourth quarter, hitting Terry McLaurin on a 51-yard catch-and-run touchdown that helped seal the outcome. Mariota finished 10 of 19 for 211 yards with a fumble, while Jacory Croskey-Merritt led the ground game with 96 rushing yards and a touchdown.
Washington also leaned on special teams. Rookie Jaylin Lane electrified the sideline with a 63-yard punt return touchdown, a spark that helped shift momentum after a sluggish start.
The Commanders’ defense did its part, limiting New York in key moments and generating pressure throughout. Von Miller sacked rookie quarterback Jaxson Dart, giving him 136½ career sacks and moving him past Jared Allen for 12th on the NFL’s all-time list.
Dart completed 20 of 36 passes for 246 yards with touchdowns to Tyrone Tracy and Wan’Dale Robinson, but a costly interception stalled a potential comeback. The Giants repeatedly showed flashes but couldn’t string together enough plays to snap their skid.
Midway through the fourth quarter, Dart was escorted to the sideline and into the blue medical tent for a concussion evaluation after taking a hard hit on a designed run. He missed two plays before being cleared and returning to the game.
Cold, windy and snowy conditions added to the challenge, but Washington found enough resilience to finally break through after weeks of frustration.
Injuries
Commanders: WR Noah Brown was ruled out at halftime with a ribs injury after initially being listed with a back issue. LT Laremy Tunsil returned after a back injury but later exited with an oblique injury. DT Eddie Goldman was evaluated for a concussion.
Giants: EDGE Kayvon Thibodeaux missed his fourth straight game with a shoulder injury.
Up Next
*Commanders: Host the reigning Super Bowl champion Philadelphia Eagles on Saturday.
Giants: Host the Minnesota Vikings next Sunday.*
