New York Giants vs Washington Commanders Match Player Stats

The New York Giants vs Washington Commanders Match Player Stats from Week 1 of the 2025 NFL season tell a clear story of two teams moving in very different directions on opening day. Washington earned a convincing 21 to 6 victory at home, combining efficient quarterback play, a powerful rushing attack, and timely defensive pressure. The Giants showed some individual positives, but their offensive struggles prevented them from turning drives into touchdowns.

Washington finished with a 21 to 6 win over New York on September 7, 2025. The result moved the Commanders to a 1 and 0 record, while the Giants began their season at 0 and 1.

The score alone does not explain everything that happened. A closer look at the individual numbers reveals why Washington controlled the game. Jayden Daniels delivered a productive passing performance, Jacory Croskey-Merritt provided explosive rushing, and Deebo Samuel Sr. contributed in multiple ways. For the Giants, Russell Wilson led the team in both passing and rushing, while Malik Nabers and Wan’Dale Robinson were the most productive receiving options.

This breakdown examines the major player performances, the statistical differences between the teams, and the numbers that best explain the final result.

Game Overview

Category	Result
Game	Washington Commanders vs. New York Giants
Date	September 7, 2025
Competition	NFL Week 1
Final Score	Washington Commanders 21, New York Giants 6
Winner	Washington Commanders
Giants Record After Game	0 and 1
Commanders Record After Game	1 and 0
Venue Status	Washington home game

Washington built its victory through balance. The Commanders passed effectively, ran the ball with authority, and produced enough defensive pressure to keep the Giants out of the end zone.

The Giants, by comparison, had difficulty establishing consistency. Their 74 rushing yards were far below Washington’s 220, and their offense finished without a touchdown. Russell Wilson accounted for much of New York’s offensive production, but the Giants could not consistently create the explosive or finishing plays needed to change the game.

Score by Quarter

The scoring pattern also shows how Washington maintained control.

Quarter	New York Giants	Washington Commanders
First Quarter	0	7
Second Quarter	3	7
Third Quarter	3	0
Fourth Quarter	0	7
Final Score	6	21

Washington scored first and carried a 14 to 3 advantage into halftime. The Giants managed a field goal in the third quarter to reduce the gap, but they never found the end zone.

The Commanders then added another touchdown in the fourth quarter to complete the 21 to 6 victory.

From a game-analysis perspective, this is important because the Giants were not completely removed from the contest early. Their defense continued competing, and the score was still within reach entering the second half. The larger issue was that New York’s offense could not produce enough points to create real pressure on Washington.

New York Giants vs Washington Commanders Match Player Stats: Key Performances

The most important individual performances came from players who influenced multiple phases of the game.

For Washington, Jayden Daniels controlled the passing attack while also contributing 68 rushing yards. Jacory Croskey-Merritt delivered the biggest rushing performance of the game, including a 42-yard run. Deebo Samuel Sr. led the Commanders in receiving yards and also scored a rushing touchdown.

For New York, Russell Wilson was responsible for leading both the passing and rushing production. Malik Nabers produced the Giants’ highest receiving total, while Wan’Dale Robinson led the team with six receptions. On defense, Bobby Okereke posted an outstanding 16 tackles.

The following sections provide a detailed statistical breakdown.

Quarterback Stats

Russell Wilson: New York Giants

Russell Wilson completed 17 of 37 passes for 168 yards.

His complete passing line was:

• 17 completions on 37 attempts
• 168 passing yards
• 4.5 yards per attempt
• 0 passing touchdowns
• 0 interceptions
• 2 sacks taken for 11 yards
• 20.5 QBR
• 59.3 passer rating

Wilson’s performance showed the central problem with the Giants’ offense. He avoided throwing an interception, which is valuable, but the passing game did not create enough production or scoring opportunities.

Completing 17 passes on 37 attempts also highlights an issue with efficiency. The Giants needed more successful plays on early downs and more consistent gains through the air.

Wilson did contribute as a runner, leading New York with 44 rushing yards. That athletic production helped the offense at times, but a quarterback leading the team in rushing is not always a positive sign when the overall running game is struggling.

Jayden Daniels: Washington Commanders

Jayden Daniels completed 19 of 30 passes for 233 yards and one touchdown.

His passing statistics were:

• 19 completions on 30 attempts
• 233 passing yards
• 7.8 yards per attempt
• 1 touchdown
• 0 interceptions
• 3 sacks taken for 21 yards
• 50.5 QBR
• 98.3 passer rating

Daniels was significantly more efficient in terms of production per attempt. His 7.8 yards per attempt helped Washington move the ball more consistently and created better scoring opportunities.

He also avoided turnovers.

The ability to protect the football while producing 233 passing yards gave Washington an important advantage. Daniels did not need to force risky throws because the Commanders had another major strength: their rushing attack.

Quarterback Comparison

Statistic	Russell Wilson	Jayden Daniels
Completions	17	19
Attempts	37	30
Passing Yards	168	233
Yards Per Attempt	4.5	7.8
Passing TD	0	1
Interceptions	0	0
Sacks Taken	2	3
QBR	20.5	50.5
Passer Rating	59.3	98.3

The difference in yards per attempt stands out. Washington created more value from fewer passing attempts. That kind of efficiency is often a major factor in controlling field position and sustaining drives.

Rushing Stats

Washington’s rushing performance was one of the biggest deciding factors in the game.

The Commanders ran the ball 32 times for 220 yards, averaging 6.9 yards per carry. They also scored two rushing touchdowns.

The Giants had 23 rushing attempts for 74 yards, averaging 3.2 yards per attempt, with no rushing touchdowns.

That difference was enormous.

Jacory Croskey-Merritt Leads Washington

Jacory Croskey-Merritt produced:

• 10 carries
• 82 rushing yards
• 8.2 yards per carry
• 1 touchdown
• Long run of 42 yards

His 42-yard run represented the type of explosive play that changed the rhythm of the game. A rushing attack becomes especially difficult to defend when a back can consistently gain positive yardage while also threatening long runs.

Croskey-Merritt averaged more than eight yards per carry, making him the most productive pure rusher in the game.

Jayden Daniels Adds 68 Rushing Yards

Daniels also carried the ball 11 times for 68 yards, averaging 6.2 yards per attempt.

His rushing production forced the Giants to account for the quarterback as a legitimate running threat. That can create difficult decisions for defenders because they must choose between protecting against the running back, covering receivers, and containing the quarterback.

Other Washington Rushers

Washington received contributions from several other players:

Player	Carries	Yards	Average	TD
Jacory Croskey-Merritt	10	82	8.2	1
Jayden Daniels	11	68	6.2	0
Austin Ekeler	6	26	4.3	0
Jeremy McNichols	4	25	6.3	0
Deebo Samuel Sr.	1	19	19.0	1

The 19-yard rushing touchdown by Deebo Samuel Sr. added another dimension to the Commanders’ offense. His versatility made Washington harder to predict because he could contribute as both a receiver and a ball carrier.

Giants Rushing Struggles

Russell Wilson led New York with:

• 8 carries
• 44 yards
• 5.5 yards per carry
• Long run of 15 yards

Tyrone Tracy Jr. added 24 yards on 10 carries, averaging 2.4 yards per attempt.

Devin Singletary had nine yards on three carries, while Cam Skattebo finished with minus three yards on two carries.

The Giants’ team rushing line was:

• 23 carries
• 74 yards
• 3.2 yards per carry
• 0 touchdowns

The lack of consistent production from the running backs placed additional pressure on Wilson and the passing game. When an offense cannot establish a reliable ground attack, defenses can become more aggressive against the pass.

Why Washington’s 220 Rushing Yards Mattered

Washington gained nearly three times as many rushing yards as New York.

That difference affected more than the stat sheet.

A successful running game can help an offense:

• Control the pace of the game
• Create manageable down-and-distance situations
• Keep the quarterback out of obvious passing situations
• Wear down the defense
• Support play-action opportunities
• Maintain possession while protecting a lead

Washington’s 220 yards on the ground gave the team flexibility throughout the game.

The Giants did have some defensive success, including three sacks, but they could not consistently stop Washington’s rushing attack. The Commanders were able to maintain offensive balance and avoid becoming one-dimensional.

Receiving Stats

Malik Nabers Leads the Giants

Malik Nabers was New York’s leading receiver with:

• 5 receptions
• 71 receiving yards
• 14.2 yards per reception
• 0 touchdowns
• Long reception of 25 yards
• 12 targets

Nabers generated the Giants’ largest receiving total and averaged more than 14 yards per catch. However, the 12 targets compared with five receptions also show that the passing game struggled to achieve consistent efficiency.

Wan’Dale Robinson Provides Reliable Production

Wan’Dale Robinson recorded:

• 6 receptions
• 55 yards
• 9.2 yards per reception
• 0 touchdowns
• 8 targets

Robinson led the Giants in receptions and provided a reliable short-to-intermediate option.

Together, Nabers and Robinson accounted for 11 of the Giants’ 17 receptions. That demonstrates how heavily New York relied on its top receiving options.

Other Giants Receivers

Player	Receptions	Yards	TD
Malik Nabers	5	71	0
Wan’Dale Robinson	6	55	0
Daniel Bellinger	1	14	0
Cam Skattebo	2	12	0
Tyrone Tracy Jr.	2	11	0
Theo Johnson	1	5	0
Darius Slayton	0	0	0

The Giants finished with 168 receiving yards, matching Wilson’s passing total.

Deebo Samuel Sr. Leads Washington

Deebo Samuel Sr. led the Commanders with:

• 7 receptions
• 77 receiving yards
• 11.0 yards per reception
• 0 receiving touchdowns
• Long reception of 21 yards
• 10 targets

Samuel’s importance went beyond his receiving production. He also carried the ball once for 19 yards and a touchdown.

That combination made him one of the game’s most influential players.

Zach Ertz Scores Through the Air

Zach Ertz provided Washington’s receiving touchdown.

His numbers were:

• 3 receptions
• 26 yards
• 1 touchdown
• Long reception of 11 yards

His touchdown was especially valuable because it represented the only passing touchdown of the game.

Other Washington Receiving Performances

Player	Receptions	Yards	TD
Deebo Samuel Sr.	7	77	0
Chris Moore	1	34	0
Austin Ekeler	3	31	0
Noah Brown	2	27	0
Terry McLaurin	2	27	0
Zach Ertz	3	26	1
Jaylin Lane	1	11	0

Washington finished with 19 receptions for 233 yards and one touchdown.

The receiving numbers reflect the overall efficiency advantage held by the Commanders. Multiple players contributed, preventing the Giants from focusing entirely on one receiving threat.

Defensive Stats

Defense played an important role in keeping the Giants out of the end zone.

Bobby Okereke Leads the Giants

Bobby Okereke produced an outstanding individual performance with:

• 16 total tackles
• 7 solo tackles

Sixteen total tackles represent a massive workload. His performance shows how frequently he was involved around the ball.

However, high tackle numbers can also tell a broader story. A linebacker may accumulate many tackles when the opposing offense repeatedly reaches the second level. Given Washington’s 220 rushing yards, Okereke had plenty of opportunities to make stops.

Brian Burns Records Two Sacks

Brian Burns was the Giants’ sack leader with:

• 2 sacks
• 2 tackles for loss
• 2 quarterback hits

The Giants recorded three team sacks, so Burns accounted for most of their sack production.

His performance showed that New York’s defense could still create pressure despite Washington’s success on the ground.

Giants Team Defense

New York finished with:

• 71 total tackles
• 32 solo tackles
• 3 sacks
• 3 tackles for loss
• 3 pass defenses
• 5 quarterback hits
• 0 defensive touchdowns

The defense was on the field often and made several important plays. The main challenge was stopping Washington’s diverse rushing attack.

Bobby Wagner Leads Washington

Bobby Wagner led the Commanders with:

• 10 total tackles
• 5 solo tackles
• 1 tackle for loss

Wagner’s experience and positioning helped Washington maintain defensive discipline.

Commanders Create Consistent Pressure

Daron Payne and Dorance Armstrong recorded one sack each.

Washington’s team defense finished with:

• 60 total tackles
• 34 solo tackles
• 2 sacks
• 7 tackles for loss
• 7 pass defenses
• 8 quarterback hits
• 0 defensive touchdowns

The seven tackles for loss and eight quarterback hits are particularly important. Those numbers show that Washington repeatedly disrupted New York’s offensive rhythm.

A defense does not always need a large number of sacks to affect a quarterback. Pressures, tackles for loss, and contested throws can make an offense inefficient even without producing turnovers.

Turnovers and Ball Security

Neither team recorded an interception.

Russell Wilson had one fumble, but it was not lost and was recovered.

Washington had no fumbles.

Ball security was therefore not the main reason for the final result.

This makes the statistical contrast even more interesting. Washington won by 15 points without relying on a turnover advantage. The Commanders largely won through stronger offensive efficiency, explosive rushing, and better overall execution.

For readers studying NFL statistics, this is a useful reminder that turnovers are important, but they are not the only measure of dominance. A team can win comfortably by consistently gaining more yards, controlling the line of scrimmage, and converting opportunities into points.

Special Teams Stats

Special teams also provided several notable individual performances.

Giants Kicking

Graham Gano made both of his field goal attempts.

His statistics were:

• 2 of 2 field goals
• 100 percent accuracy
• Long field goal of 55 yards
• 0 of 0 extra points
• 6 total points

Gano scored all six of New York’s points.

The fact that the Giants had no extra-point attempts is another direct indicator that the offense did not score a touchdown.

Commanders Kicking

Matt Gay did not attempt a field goal but converted all three extra-point attempts.

His statistics were:

• 0 of 0 field goals
• 3 of 3 extra points
• 3 total points

Punting Comparison

Jamie Gillan punted six times for New York:

• 287 total yards
• 47.8-yard average
• 2 touchbacks
• 0 punts inside the 20
• Long of 65 yards

Tress Way punted five times for Washington:

• 245 total yards
• 49.0-yard average
• 1 touchback
• 2 punts inside the 20
• Long of 64 yards

Way’s two punts inside the 20 were particularly useful from a field-position perspective.

Return Game

Wan’Dale Robinson led the Giants’ kick returns with:

• 2 returns
• 41 yards
• 20.5-yard average

Gunner Olszewski returned three punts for 24 yards.

For Washington, Luke McCaffrey had one kick return for 36 yards, while Deebo Samuel Sr. returned two kicks for 50 yards.

Washington finished with three kick returns for 86 yards, averaging 28.7 yards per return.

Team Statistical Comparison

The most important numbers from the game can be summarized by comparing the offensive production.

Category	Giants	Commanders
Final Points	6	21
Passing Yards	168	233
Team Rushing Yards	74	220
Rushing Average	3.2	6.9
Passing Touchdowns	0	1
Rushing Touchdowns	0	2
Team Sacks	3	2
Team Tackles for Loss	3	7
Team QB Hits	5	8
Interceptions	0	0

The largest difference was the running game.

Washington gained 146 more rushing yards than New York. That advantage created the foundation for the victory.

The Commanders also held an advantage in passing yards and yards per passing attempt. Their offense was more balanced, while the Giants struggled to produce consistent gains through either the running or passing game.

The Biggest Statistical Turning Points

Several statistical factors explain why the game finished 21 to 6.

1. Washington’s Dominant Rushing Attack

The Commanders produced 220 rushing yards at 6.9 yards per carry.

Jacory Croskey-Merritt, Jayden Daniels, Austin Ekeler, Jeremy McNichols, and Deebo Samuel Sr. all contributed.

When multiple players can produce positive rushing plays, a defense faces a much more difficult challenge.

2. Jayden Daniels Was More Efficient

Daniels completed more passes on fewer attempts and threw for 65 more yards than Wilson.

His 7.8 yards per attempt compared favorably with Wilson’s 4.5.

That gap demonstrates the difference in offensive efficiency.

3. The Giants Could Not Score a Touchdown

New York’s six points all came from Graham Gano field goals.

The Giants moved the ball enough to create some opportunities, but they did not finish drives with touchdowns.

In football, red-zone and scoring efficiency often matter more than individual yardage totals.

4. Washington Generated More Disruptive Defensive Plays

The Commanders recorded:

• 7 tackles for loss
• 7 pass defenses
• 8 quarterback hits

Those numbers helped prevent the Giants from finding an offensive rhythm.

5. Deebo Samuel Sr. Added Versatility

Samuel led Washington with 77 receiving yards and scored a 19-yard rushing touchdown.

His ability to contribute in different offensive roles gave the Commanders another matchup advantage.

What the Giants Can Learn From This Game

The Giants’ biggest challenge was offensive consistency.

Their next level of improvement would need to begin with three areas.

Establishing a More Reliable Running Game

The Giants managed only 74 rushing yards on 23 carries.

The running backs combined for limited production, while Wilson led the team in rushing yards.

A stronger running attack could reduce pressure on the quarterback and make the passing game less predictable.

Improving Passing Efficiency

Wilson attempted 37 passes but produced 168 yards.

New York needs more successful plays that create meaningful yardage and better down-and-distance situations.

Short gains can be useful, but an offense also needs enough explosive or intermediate plays to stretch the defense.

Finishing Drives

The Giants reached the scoreboard twice, but both scoring drives ended with field goals.

The difference between three points and seven points becomes significant quickly, especially against a balanced opponent.

The basic lesson from this game is that moving the ball is only part of the job. Strong NFL offenses also convert opportunities into touchdowns.

What Washington Can Take From the Victory

Washington’s opening performance provided several encouraging signs.

Offensive Balance

The Commanders passed for 233 yards and rushed for 220.

That type of balance is difficult for opposing defenses to handle because they cannot simply commit all their attention to one phase of the offense.

Multiple Playmakers

Daniels, Croskey-Merritt, Samuel, Ertz, Ekeler, and others contributed.

A team becomes harder to defend when the quarterback does not need to depend on only one player.

Strong Defensive Disruption

Washington’s defense recorded seven tackles for loss and eight quarterback hits.

Even without forcing interceptions, that disruption helped limit New York’s offensive production.

Disciplined Ball Security

The Commanders finished without a fumble and did not throw an interception.

Winning the turnover battle is helpful, but simply avoiding costly mistakes can also be enough when the rest of the team performs efficiently.

Expert Perspective: What the Numbers Reveal Beyond the Final Score

Looking closely at box scores is one of the best ways to understand a game beyond the final score.

The 21 to 6 result suggests a comfortable Washington victory, but the individual numbers explain how it happened.

The Giants’ defense made some impact plays. Brian Burns recorded two sacks, and Bobby Okereke finished with 16 tackles. However, Washington’s 220 rushing yards meant the Commanders repeatedly found success at the line of scrimmage and beyond it.

New York’s passing leaders also had productive moments. Malik Nabers reached 71 yards, while Wan’Dale Robinson caught six passes. Yet the Giants did not have a receiving touchdown or a consistent deep threat that could dramatically change the field position.

From an analytical perspective, the game reinforces an important principle: football is often decided by efficiency rather than activity.

The Giants attempted more passes than Washington but gained fewer passing yards. They produced defensive sacks but still allowed 220 rushing yards. Their quarterback led the team in rushing, but the team rushing total remained low.

Washington, meanwhile, created production from multiple sources and did not depend on one spectacular performance.

For readers who want to understand official NFL statistics and the broader context behind player and team records, the NFL provides authoritative information about the league and its statistical coverage.

Complete Offensive Leaders

New York Giants

Passing leader: Russell Wilson
17 of 37 passing, 168 yards, 0 touchdowns, 0 interceptions

Rushing leader: Russell Wilson
8 carries, 44 yards

Receiving leader: Malik Nabers
5 receptions, 71 yards

Washington Commanders

Passing leader: Jayden Daniels
19 of 30 passing, 233 yards, 1 touchdown, 0 interceptions

Rushing leader: Jacory Croskey-Merritt
10 carries, 82 yards, 1 touchdown

Receiving leader: Deebo Samuel Sr.
7 receptions, 77 yards

Complete Defensive Leaders

New York Giants

Tackles leader: Bobby Okereke
16 total tackles, 7 solo tackles

Sack leader: Brian Burns
2 sacks, 2 tackles for loss, 2 quarterback hits

Washington Commanders

Tackles leader: Bobby Wagner
10 total tackles, 5 solo tackles, 1 tackle for loss

Sack leaders: Daron Payne and Dorance Armstrong
1 sack each

Most Important Players of the Game

Jayden Daniels

Daniels was the most important quarterback performer in the game. His 233 passing yards, one touchdown, and 68 rushing yards gave Washington a balanced offensive leader.

Jacory Croskey-Merritt

His 82 rushing yards and touchdown were critical to Washington’s dominant ground game. The 42-yard long run also provided an explosive element that New York could not consistently contain.

Deebo Samuel Sr.

Samuel led the Commanders in receiving yards and scored a rushing touchdown. His ability to contribute in different roles made him one of the most complete offensive performers.

Bobby Okereke

Despite the loss, Okereke delivered one of the strongest individual defensive performances. Sixteen total tackles showed his importance to the Giants’ defensive effort.

Brian Burns

Burns recorded two of New York’s three sacks and consistently provided pass-rushing production.

Why This Matchup Was Decided at the Line of Scrimmage

One of the strongest conclusions from this game is that the battle at the line of scrimmage played a major role.

Washington’s rushing total of 220 yards was not the result of one isolated big play. Multiple players contributed, and the team maintained an average of 6.9 yards per rushing attempt.

The Giants did not have the same success.

Their 74 rushing yards meant that Washington could place more attention on the passing game. New York then faced a difficult situation because its quarterback had to throw 37 passes while the offense still produced only 168 passing yards.

Washington’s defensive front also created seven tackles for loss and eight quarterback hits.

When an offense struggles to run efficiently and also faces regular disruption in the passing game, sustaining drives becomes extremely difficult.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who won the New York Giants vs Washington Commanders game in Week 1 of 2025?

The Washington Commanders defeated the New York Giants 21 to 6 on September 7, 2025.

Who was the leading passer in the game?

Jayden Daniels led all quarterbacks with 233 passing yards and one touchdown for Washington. Russell Wilson passed for 168 yards for the Giants.

Who led the game in rushing yards?

Jacory Croskey-Merritt led the game with 82 rushing yards on 10 carries and scored one touchdown.

Who was the Giants’ leading receiver?

Malik Nabers led the Giants with five receptions for 71 yards.

Who was Washington’s leading receiver?

Deebo Samuel Sr. led the Commanders with seven receptions for 77 yards.

Who led the Giants in tackles?

Bobby Okereke led the Giants with 16 total tackles, including seven solo tackles.

Conclusion

The 2025 Week 1 meeting between the Giants and Commanders was decided by Washington’s greater offensive balance and dominant rushing performance.

Jayden Daniels provided efficient quarterback play with 233 passing yards and 68 rushing yards. Jacory Croskey-Merritt led the ground attack with 82 yards and a touchdown, while Deebo Samuel Sr. led Washington in receiving and added a rushing touchdown.

For the Giants, Russell Wilson led the team in both passing and rushing, Malik Nabers produced 71 receiving yards, and Bobby Okereke delivered a remarkable 16-tackle defensive performance. However, New York could not overcome its offensive inefficiency or its inability to score a touchdown.

The 21 to 6 final score ultimately reflected the most important statistical difference in the game: Washington was more balanced, more efficient, and far more productive on the ground.

For anyone reviewing the New York Giants vs Washington Commanders Match Player Stats, the 220 to 74 rushing-yard advantage is the clearest single number explaining Washington’s victory.