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3 reasons to feel good about Washington’s season-closing win over Giants

By Jerry Trotta

EAST RUTHERFORD, NEW JERSEY - JANUARY 09: Antonio Gibson #24 of the Washington Football Team celebrates with teammates after scoring a touchdown in the fourth quarter of the game against the New York Giants at MetLife Stadium on January 09, 2022 in East Rutherford, New Jersey. (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images)
EAST RUTHERFORD, NEW JERSEY - JANUARY 09: Antonio Gibson #24 of the Washington Football Team celebrates with teammates after scoring a touchdown in the fourth quarter of the game against the New York Giants at MetLife Stadium on January 09, 2022 in East Rutherford, New Jersey. (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images) /
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Washington Football Team wide receiver Terry McLaurin (17) makes a catch over New York Giants cornerback James Bradberry (24) in the first half at MetLife Stadium on Sunday, Jan. 9, 2022.Nyg Vs Was
Washington Football Team wide receiver Terry McLaurin (17) makes a catch over New York Giants cornerback James Bradberry (24) in the first half at MetLife Stadium on Sunday, Jan. 9, 2022.Nyg Vs Was /

2. Terry McLaurin and Antonio Gibson make history

Terry McLaurin entered Sunday’s finale against the Giants needing 40 yards to become the first Washington receiver to post back-to-back 1,000-yard seasons since Henry Ellard did so from 1994 to 1996.

With Taylor Heinicke clearly trying to get McLaurin involved early, he reached the milestone on the very first drive of the game. He finished the game with four catches for 93 yards and a huge tackle that broke up an interception.

McLaurin just continues to defy the odds. In a year Washington rolled out four different  quarterbacks (Heinicke Ryan Fitzpatrick, Kyle Allen, Garrett Gilbert) this season, McLaurin continued to personify a superstar.

We’d give a toe to see him paired with an elite QB.

Not to be outdone by his star teammate, Antonio Gibson took over the game in the second half with Washington looking to milk the clock. In a nutshell, he was the team’s most impactful offensive performer.

When the dust settled, Gibson ran for a career-high 146 yards and a touchdown; the game-sealer with just over six minutes left in the fourth quarter that allowed Washington to open up a 19-7 advantage.

In the process of his career day, Gibson also became the first WFT running back since Adrian Peterson in 2018 to post a 1,000-yard season.

Gibson’s endured his fair share of criticism for his fumbling issues, but allow us to put some perspective on his season. Not only was this his first year with a full offseason to adjust to the RB position, but he battled a stress fracture in his shin and still managed over 1,000 yards rushing and 10 total touchdowns.

All before his 24th birthday. Put some respect on his name.

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