3 takeaways from Giants vs. Commanders in NFL Week 15
Abdul Carter of the New York Giants reacts after a sack during the second quarter against the Washington Commanders at MetLife Stadium on Sunday. Credit: Jim McIsaac
The Giants’ 29-21 loss to the Commanders on Sunday kept them on pace for the NFL’s worst record at 2-12. Here are three takeaways from their eighth straight loss:
1. Carter’s coming-out party
Abdul Carter entered Sunday with only one tackle for loss and two benchings for being late to team meetings. He tried to put the latter behind him on the game’s first play, tackling running back Jeremy McNichols for a 1-yard loss. He finished with three tackles for loss, including a sack for the second straight game, and forced two fumbles, including one recovery.
It was exactly how he needed to respond after sitting out the first quarter against the Patriots two weeks ago. Coaches praised Carter for watching more film this past week and arriving early, and his work paid off.
Fellow linebacker Brian Burns called it “his coming-out party.” Carter was pleased but was unhappy that it came in a loss. “Just doing my job,” he said. “Playing fast, playing hard. Simple as that.”
It showed the promise many expected for him as the No. 3 overall pick, but one game is just a start. Carter’s great performance can lead to more if he’s consistent with his new habits. He said Sunday that he understands that, much to the delight of his teammates.
“He just got to keep sticking with the process and understand who he and keep that approach to the game,” defensive tackle Dexter Lawrence said.
2. Dart feeling judged by NFL
Jaxson Dart’s latest trip to the blue medical tent for a concussion evaluation left him bothered.
It wasn’t for an unnecessary hit or a major hit. But given Dart’s reputation for taking big hits, the officials may have kept that in mind while sending him off. At least he thinks so.
“You don’t just see people get taken out of the game like that,” Dart said. “So I definitely feel like there’s a sensitivity for some reason.”
The decision might have cost the Giants a touchdown. They were facing second-and-goal from the Commanders’ 2-yard line when Dart entered the tent. The Giants didn’t score on the next three plays, including Dart’s return on fourth down.
Dart might be able to help change that perception. If he continues to slide more, as he did Sunday, perhaps the kid gloves approach might change from the officials. For the most part, he was better protecting himself on designed runs, and that’s a good step going forward.
3. Special teams aren’t so special
The Giants’ special teams let the team down for the second straight week. Younghoe Koo missed field goals of 52 and 51 yards, his first misses as a Giant (kicking the ground instead of the ball against the Patriots didn’t count). The team allowed a touchdown on a punt return for a second straight game.
Safety Jevon Holland was used on punt return duty and didn’t have much impact. Punter Jamie Gillan (knee) and kick returner Gunner Olszewski (concussion protocol) were out, but the Giants didn’t elevate returners Ihmir Smith-Marsette or Xavier Gipson from the practice squad.
For the only Giants unit that hasn’t changed coordinators yet, the troubling play is just another concern for a team that’s finding new ways to lose each week.
Evan Barnes covers the Giants for Newsday. He previously covered the Brooklyn Nets, Memphis football and the Memphis Grizzlies and also covered prep sports in Los Angeles.
