11 instant reactions from Commanders' pathetic tie against the Giants

Jayden Daniels' fears were alleviated

All eyes were on Jayden Daniels to see how he would perform during his first game back under center. It wasn't a complete performance, but the quarterback's ability on the ground was right where it needed to be.

Daniels had to be more selective just two games removed from a dislocated elbow. However, when the Washington Commanders' franchise player got the chance to get out on the move, he took full advantage.

He's still fast. He's still elusive. And he's still one of the league's best dual-threat quarterbacks when firing on all cylinders.

This is a threat the New York Giants didn't seem really prepared for. Whether they thought Daniels couldn't do it while playing hurt is debatable, but he quickly silenced his doubters.

Jacory Croskey-Merritt's signs of life

Jacory Croskey-Merritt has endured a rough start to his second season. He's been careless with the football at times, and the running back didn't exploit gaps with the same purpose in his first four games of the campaign.

That all changed against the Giants.

Croskey-Merritt had a good record against the G-Men last season, and he continued this trend at Northwest Stadium. The 2025 seventh-round pick set the tone with a long touchdown run early. He hit the edges well and was elusive in open space. More importantly for the Commanders, he visibly grew in confidence and was playing with a smile on his face.

This was a positive step for Croskey-Merritt, who showed what he can do when the run-blocking is up to par.

Another quality display from Sonny Styles

Sonny Styles is really coming into his own. The first-round rookie linebacker was everywhere against the Giants, delivering the tone-setting impact the Commanders envisioned when they selected him No. 7 overall in the 2026 NFL Draft.

Styles got double-digit tackles for the first time in his career. He plugged gaps well and was in the backfield constantly. The Ohio State product is also an asset in coverage, making him a well-rounded enforcer at the defensive second level.

He can do almost anything on the field. Styles has hit the ground running and is an early contender for AP Defensive Rookie of the Year. The Commanders made the right choice in bringing him on board.

Commanders' inexcusable end cost them big

The end of the game was complete malpractice. With the Commanders in field goal range, Jayden Daniels led the clock down before running the football. The problem? Washington had no timeouts, and they couldn't get the snap off in time.

Just pathetic all around. Whether it's on the player or the coaching staff is up for debate, but it was a complete mess, in keeping with how Washington's season has gone so far.

Now, the Commanders are 1-3-1 instead of 2-3. Abject clock management and poor decisions are only going to pile on more pressure.

This game got away from the Commanders, but they still had a shot.

They blew it, and the repercussions could be severe.

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