Giants-Commanders final score: Tommy DeVito show as Giants win, 31-19

Whenever the New York Giants and Washington Commanders face off, the Giants have a chance to win — no matter how poorly they’ve played otherwise. That carried over to this matchup, as the Giants rode six Washington turnovers and three Tommy DeVito touchdown passes to a 31-19 victory.

The Giants are now 3-8. Washington is 4-7.

Now you know his name

After many referred to DeVito as Danny, the Giants’ rookie made sure that the NFL now knows his name. He slung the ball over the field, including three touchdown tosses and a host of big-time throws. His stat line could have looked even flashier if not for two dropped downfield passes on pinpoint laser-beam throws.

What made his performance that much more impressive was the fact that DeVito was sacked nine times. Though some of those sacks were his fault for holding the ball too long, a bunch were due to the Giants’ poor offensive line. Still, the 6-foot-2, 209-pound quarterback shook off the blows to post one of the most effective performances by a Giants passer this season.

No running game? No problem

With a third-string quarterback under center, the Giants’ plan was clearly going to prominently feature Saquon Barkley. That made running the ball a challenge for most of the first three quarters of the game. With those rushing difficulties, though, the Giants chose to utilize Barkley in the passing game more than they’ve done all season, with strong results. The running back caught four balls for 57 yards and two scores, including a beautiful wheel route in the corner of the end zone for the Giants’ first touchdown.

Starting with the last play of the third quarter, the Giants’ rushing attack found something more with Barkley until their final drive. The running back finished the game with 14 carries for 83 yards.

Top defensive stars

The Giants’ key defensive players got in on the action in this game. Kayvon Thibodeaux had another feast against the Commanders, posting two sacks and a host of pressures (although he was also called for roughing the passer). Dexter Lawrence kept Sam Howell under duress the entire game, picking up a sack and directly causing at least one interception. Bobby Okereke forced two fumbles and had 13 combined tackles, and Micah McFadden recovered a fumble with 8 combined tackles.

It was the recipe the Giants needed for victory.

Stats

• Tommy DeVito: 18-for-26, 246 yards, 3 TD, 9 sacks, 137.7 passer rating; 1 rush, 7 yards
• Saquon Barkley: 14 rushes, 83 yards; 5 targets, 4 receptions, 57 yards, 2 TD
• Darius Slayton: 5 targets, 4 receptions, 82 yards, 1 TD
• Daniel Bellinger: 3 targets, 3 receptions, 38 yards
• Wan’Dale Robinson: 4 targets, 3 receptions, 34 yards

For Washington, Sam Howell went 31-for-45 for 245 yards with a passing score, a rushing touchdown, three interceptions, and a 62.7 passer rating. He spread the ball around to Terry McLaurin (5 catches, 43 yards), Logan Thomas (5 for 58 yards), and Brian Robinson (7 for 58 yards). Jahan Dotson also picked up a touchdown catch. Robinson gained 73 rushing yards on 17 carries.

Injuries

Slayton was ruled out of the game with an arm injury.

Highlights

The Giants’ defense started the game with two quick turnovers: a Nick McCloud interception on a deep ball from Howell, and a fumble recovery by Xavier McKinney after Cor’Dale Flott stripped Thomas.

DeVito started out hot, going 6-for-7 for 86 yards and a touchdown. He made some beautiful throws despite facing constant duress, including a beauty to Barkley for the touchdown.

In the second half, the turnover-fest continued. The Giants recovered two more fumbles.

The fumble recovery by Micah McFadden preceded the Giants’ first strong run of the game. After being limited to zero rushing yards to that point, Saquon Barkley ripped off a 36-yard scamper.

The Giants cashed in on that drive on another touchdown pass from DeVito to Barkley.

On the next possession, the Giants picked off Howell a second time, this time by Darnay Holmes.

With the Commanders attempting to drive down for a winning touchdown in the game’s waning moments, Howell threw a sitting duck to Isaiah Simmons, who returned the interception for a sealing touchdown the other way.

Ejection

Flott was ejected along with Commanders receiver Curtis Samuel after the pair got into a scuffle on Howell’s rushing touchdown. Holmes filled in for Flott.

Giants inactives

• S Bobby McCain
• CB Adoree’ Jackson
• RB Deon Jackson
• OT Evan Neal
• OL Joshua Miles
• DL Jordon Riley
• K Cade York

What’s next?

The Giants (3-8) head home to face the reeling Patriots (2-8) at 1 p.m. ET next Sunday.