Washington Commanders quarterback Jayden Daniels (5) carries the ball against the New York Giants during the second quarter of an NFL football game, Sunday, Nov. 3, 2024, in East Rutherford, NJ (AP Photo/ John Munson)

East Rutherford, NJ — Jayden Daniels didn’t need to throw a Hail Mary on the final play – or do something spectacular, really, to lead his Washington Commanders past the bumbling New York Giants.

The sensational rookie played with his arms and legs and got a strong supporting effort from his defense as the Commanders once again showed the rest of the NFL that they were for real by beating the Giants 27-22 on Sunday. Washington improved to 7-2 for the first time since 1996.

Daniels hit Terry McLaurin on passes of 1 and 18 yards in the first half, and Austin Ekeler, replacing the injured Brian Robinson, scored on a 1-yard run as the Commanders completed a season sweep of the Giants (2-7). ).

Commanders coach Dan Quinn said his biggest concern against the NFC East rival Giants was whether his team would recover from the emotional win over the Bears, which ended when Noah Brown caught Daniels’ deep throw aimed at him in the end zone with no time remaining.

“It felt like a historic win for us last week at home the way it happened,” Quinn said. “How do you recognize it and yet fill the tanks knowing you’re going back into a divisional game? I thought it showed a lot of maturity on the part of the team and composure to say, “That was cool, now we have to get right back to the next process.” »

Daniels remained in control throughout, finishing 15 of 22 for 209 yards. He iced the game with a 42-yard pass to Olamide Zaccheaus after New York got within five.

“I’m just happy for the fans,” said Daniels, who added that his focus remains one game and one week at a time. “They can be very proud of the product we offer on the field.”

Austin Seibert, who made seven field goals in the Commanders’ 21-18 victory in September, added two more, and linebacker Dante Fowler had a big strip-sack early to set up the first touchdown. The Giants have lost four straight and fell to 0-5 at home.

“Tough game, competitive game,” Giants coach Brian Daboll said. “At the end of the day, we just didn’t play enough to get the result we wanted.”

Daniel Jones threw a 2-yard touchdown pass to tight end Chris Manhertz and powered his way through two tackles on a 2-yard TD run in the fourth quarter for New York. He added a late 35-yard pass to rookie Theo Johnson, but the Giants missed both 2-point conversion attempts. Jude McAtamney kicked a 31-yard field goal in the Irishman’s NFL debut.

The Giants were their own worst enemy. Jones’ fumble on Fowler’s sack was ruled an incomplete pass on the field, but Washington challenged the call and won. The play started at the Washington 29 and ended with Bobby Wagner recovering the fumble at the New York 31.

New York also missed a major tackle on a third-and-18 play late in the second quarter, leading to a first down that allowed McLaurin to score an 18-yard touchdown on the next play. And the Giants had a TD called back by offensive pass interference on fourth-and-1 from the Washington 3 when they trailed 21-7.

Jones finished 20 of 26 for 174 yards. Malik Nabers, Daniels’ teammate at LSU, had nine catches for 59 yards. Nabers had a friendly exchange with Daniels after an incomplete pass in the fourth quarter.

Nabers would not say what they discussed. He was ready to comment on Daniels’ piece.

“Nothing different. Leading his team to victory, he will do it every time he steps on the field,” Nabers said.

Injuries

Washington: Robinson was inactive with a hamstring injury. … DT Philarian Mathis was evaluated for a concussion in the fourth quarter.

Giants: WRs Darius Slayton and Ihmir Smith-Marsette were both evaluated late for concussions.

To be continued

Commanders: Host Pittsburgh next Sunday.

Giants: Travel to Germany, where they will face Carolina next Sunday in Munich.

New York Giants wide receiver Malik Nabers (1) dives for a pass against Washington Commanders cornerback Benjamin St-Juste (25) during the fourth quarter of an NFL football game, Sunday, November 3, 2024 , in East Rutherford, NJ (AP Photo/John Munson)

Washington Commanders quarterback Jayden Daniels (5) passes against the New York Giants during the second quarter of an NFL football game, Sunday, Nov. 3, 2024, in East Rutherford, NJ (AP Photo/John Munson )

Washington Commanders quarterback Jayden Daniels (5) throws a buzzer at the line of scrimmage against the New York Giants during the second quarter of an NFL football game, Sunday, Nov. 3, 2024 , in East Rutherford, New Jersey (AP Photo/Seth Wenig)

Washington Commanders quarterback Jayden Daniels (5) talks with New York Giants wide receiver Malik Nabers (1) after playing against the New York Giants in an NFL football game on Sunday 3 November 2024, in East Rutherford, NJ (AP Photo/Seth Wenig)

Washington Commanders quarterback Jayden Daniels (5) carries the ball against New York Giants linebacker Micah McFadden (41) during the second quarter of an NFL football game, Sunday, Nov. 3, 2024, at East Rutherford, NJ (AP Photo/Seth Wenig)

Washington Commanders running back Austin Ekeler (30) passes New York Giants linebacker Azeez Ojulari (51) to score a touchdown during the second quarter of an NFL football game on Sunday, November 3 2024, in East Rutherford, NJ (AP Photo/Seth Wenig)

New York Giants running back Tyrone Tracy Jr. (29) attempts to break a tackle by Washington Commanders cornerback Noah Igbinoghene (1) during the second quarter of an NFL football game, Sunday, Nov. 3, 2024 , in East Rutherford, NJ (AP Photo/John Munson)

New York Giants quarterback Daniel Jones (8) carries the ball for a touchdown against the Washington Commanders during the fourth quarter of an NFL football game, Sunday, Nov. 3, 2024, at East Rutherford, NJ (AP Photo/John Munson)

New York Giants wide receiver Malik Nabers (1) completes a pass against Washington Commanders cornerback Mike Sainristil (0) during the fourth quarter of an NFL football game, Sunday, Nov. 3, 2024, in East Rutherford, NJ (AP Photo/Seth Wenig)

Washington Commanders tight end Ben Sinnott (82) carries the ball against New York Giants linebacker Micah McFadden (41) during the third quarter of an NFL football game, Sunday, November 3, 2024, in East Rutherford, NJ (AP Photo/John Munson)

New York Giants tight end Chris Manhertz (85) scores a touchdown against Washington Commanders safety Percy Butler (35) during the second quarter of an NFL football game on Sunday, November 3 2024, in East Rutherford, NJ (AP Photo/Seth Wenig)

Washington Commanders defensive end Dorance Armstrong (92) sacks New York Giants quarterback Daniel Jones (8) during the third quarter of an NFL football game, Sunday, Nov. 3, 2024, at East Rutherford, NJ (AP Photo/Seth Wenig)

Washington Commanders running back Austin Ekeler (30) carries the ball against New York Giants cornerback Adoree’ Jackson (21) during the fourth quarter of an NFL football game on Sunday, November 3 2024, in East Rutherford, NJ (AP Photo/Seth Wenig)