The Washington Commanders started their 2025 NFL season with a statement win, beating the New York Giants 21-6 on September 7. The game revealed everything football fans love to debate: fresh stars making big plays, old veterans struggling to fit in, defensive grit, and offensive breakdowns. Washington left the field with confidence and a few warnings to fix, while New York walked off searching for answers. This matchup was not just another Week 1 clash; it was a preview of what both teams might look like in the season ahead.
Washington builds momentum with new stars
Washington wasted no time showing that their offseason changes paid off. Tight end Zach Ertz opened the scoring with a touchdown catch from Jayden Daniels, setting the tone for a day when the Commanders controlled the tempo. Rookie running back Jacory “Bill” Croskey-Merritt was electric, rushing for 82 yards and finding the end zone. His power runs kept New York’s defense on the back foot and gave Daniels valuable support. Then came the moment that fans will remember: Deebo Samuel, wearing Washington colors for the first time, broke through for a 19-yard rushing touchdown. He finished with 77 receiving yards, proving that he will be a centerpiece of this offense.
Washington’s defense was equally important. The line, boosted by offseason additions like Deatrich Wise Jr. and Javon Kinlaw, punished the Giants at the line of scrimmage. The Commanders forced Russell Wilson into uncomfortable throws and shut down multiple red-zone chances. Twice, New York had the ball inside the five-yard line and came away empty. That type of defensive stand not only wins games but also builds belief inside a locker room.
Yet it wasn’t all perfect. The Commanders drew 12 penalties for nearly 90 yards, a lack of discipline that head coach Dan Quinn admitted was frustrating. Offensive drives stalled because of dropped passes and sloppy execution. Daniels himself said the team was too loose at times, and while the scoreboard looked comfortable, the details showed room for improvement.
Giants stumble into more questions.
For the Giants, this opener was more of a nightmare than a chance to build hope. Russell Wilson’s first game in blue and white ended with boos from the crowd and speculation about his future. He completed only 17 of 37 passes for 168 yards and no touchdowns. It was a flat debut for a quarterback brought in to steady the offense. Behind him, the line collapsed without left tackle Andrew Thomas, giving up sacks and constant pressure.
The Giants once again failed to score a touchdown in their opening game. That makes three years in a row they have started the season without finding the end zone, something not seen since the 1940s. Even when they reached scoring territory, they faltered. On one drive, they had the ball at Washington’s 3-yard line and were unable to punch it in. Those missed chances added up to 11 points left on the field in the first half alone.
Head coach Brian Daboll stood by Wilson publicly, but reports suggest that rookie quarterback Jaxson Dart could be waiting for his chance. The offense looked disorganized, and frustration spilled onto the sideline. Malik Nabers, the young wide receiver, showed visible anger as opportunities slipped away.
Still, there were glimmers of positivity. Rookie linebacker Abdul Carter blocked a punt and added a half-sack, showing the kind of energy the Giants need. Defensively, they tightened up inside the red zone, forcing Washington to settle for tough yards rather than easy points. But giving up more than 400 total yards, including over 200 on the ground, made the defense look thin against a balanced Commanders attack.
What this game means moving forward
For Washington, the win is more than just a good start. It was their third straight victory over the Giants, a streak they haven’t managed in over two decades. That kind of consistency against a division rival gives momentum in the NFC East. The Commanders also proved that their roster moves in the offseason, bringing in Samuel, drafting Croskey-Merritt, and strengthening the line, were not just for headlines. These players delivered on the field.
The challenge now is refinement. Cutting penalties, improving rhythm on offense, and keeping Daniels calm in more challenging games will be the real test. Washington’s schedule gets harder quickly, with a Thursday night showdown against the Packers looming. They cannot afford to make the same mistakes against more vigorous opponents.
For the Giants, the road is already steep. They now head into a rivalry game against the Dallas Cowboys, a matchup that will demand sharper play on both sides of the ball. If the offense fails again, pressure on Wilson will only intensify, and the calls for Dart to step in may grow louder. Daboll must decide whether patience or change will serve the team better. With a division that rarely gives second chances, early losses can quickly turn into a lost season.
Conclusion
The Commanders and Giants offered two very different stories in their Week 1 meeting. Washington showed flashes of a dangerous team, powered by new stars and a defense that thrives under pressure. But even in victory, they must address discipline and execution to become genuine contenders. The Giants, meanwhile, stumbled through another opener without a touchdown, raising more doubts than answers. Wilson’s struggles, the offensive line’s collapse, and coaching decisions all invite criticism, even as rookies like Carter gave fans a reason to hope.
In the end, this game was more than a scoreline. It was a reminder of how quickly fortunes can change in the NFL. Washington walked away believing in its rebuild, while New York left searching for identity. As Week 2 approaches, one team aims to build on success, and the other desperately tries to avoid sinking deeper into problems. Don’t miss out on watching week one of the 2025–2026 NFL season live online to know what’s coming up.
