LANDOVER, Md. — The Washington Commanders opened the 2025 season with a convincing 21–6 win over the New York Giants on Sunday, combining an efficient outing from rookie quarterback Jayden Daniels with a defense that never let Russell Wilson get comfortable in his Giants debut.
Daniels threw for 233 yards and a touchdown, added 68 yards on the ground, and kept the offense moving without a turnover. He connected with Zach Ertz for a 7-yard score on Washington’s opening drive, then watched rookie running back Jacory Croskey-Merritt finish off an 89-yard march with a touchdown run late in the first half.
The Commanders led 14–3 at halftime and never looked back. In the fourth quarter, Deebo Samuel sealed the result with a 19-yard touchdown run, capping a debut that also included seven catches for 77 yards.
Washington’s defense handled the rest. The Commanders limited New York to 231 total yards and no touchdowns. Wilson, under steady pressure, completed just 17 of 37 passes for 168 yards. The Giants settled for a pair of field goals and failed to score a touchdown for the third straight season opener.
Daron Payne led a disruptive effort up front with a sack and several batted passes. Injuries added to New York’s struggles as linebacker Micah McFadden left in the first half and left tackle Andrew Thomas was unavailable.
The win gives Washington an early edge in the NFC East, while the Giants head home searching for answers on offense after a rocky start to the Wilson era.
