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Daniel Jones, Giants Beat Redskins as Dwayne Haskins Replaces Case Keenum
September 29, 2019
Daniel Jones earned his second win as the New York Giants' starting quarterback, helping the team defeat the Washington Redskins 24-3 on Sunday at MetLife Stadium.
Last week, Jones took the offense on a 75-yard scoring drive in the final minutes to secure a win over the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Similar heroics weren't required this time around.
Washington slumped to 0-4 with the loss, the first time since 2001 the team dropped its first four games to open a season. The Redskins finished 8-8 that year, but a similar resurgence is unlikely to happen in 2019 barring a change in coaching or personnel.
Head coach Jay Gruden turned the offense over to rookie quarterback Dwayne Haskins in the second quarter, a move that proved counterproductive after Haskins threw three interceptions.
Notable Stats
- Daniel Jones, QB, Giants: 23-of-31, 225 yards, one touchdown, two interceptions; five carries, 33 yards
- Wayne Gallman, RB, Giants: 18 carries, 63 yards, one touchdown; six receptions, 55 yards, one touchdown
- Sterling Shepard, WR, Giants: seven receptions, 76 yards
- Evan Engram, TE, Giants: four receptions, 54 yards
- Dwayne Haskins, QB, Redskins: 9-of-17, 107 yards, three interceptions; two carries, 23 yards
- Case Keenum, QB, Redskins: 6-of-11, 37 yards, one interception
- Adrian Peterson, RB, Redskins: 11 carries, 28 yards
- Chris Thompson, RB, Redskins: four carries, four yards; four receptions, 56 yards
Daniel Jones Falls Back to Earth
Jones' second start represented a slight step backward. He threw interceptions on back-to-back possessions in the second quarter and averaged 7.3 yards per pass attempt, down from 9.3 last week.
In general, this is probably closer to the version of Jones fans can expect to see over the remainder of the season. He rebounded well from the two interceptions and generally didn't play poorly. But it wasn't the kind of showing that sent the internet into a frenzy in Week 3.
Jones did put his mobility on display once again, turning what appeared to be a sure sack on 3rd-and-13 in the third quarter into a first down.
Saquon Barkley missed the game with a high ankle sprain, which elevated Wayne Gallman to starting running back. Gallman basically gave the Giants everything they were missing from Barkley.
NFL Network's Kimberly Jones reported Barkley is hopeful of getting back before the four-to-six-week window the team projected for his return.
At the very least, the Giants will need Gallman to remain the No. 1 option the ground for the next few games. His performance against Washington is encouraging as to his suitability in the role.
Quarterback Change Doesn't Paper over Cracks in Washington
Whereas the Giants offense has looked better after replacing Eli Manning with Daniel Jones, a switch to Haskins did little for Washington.
Gruden finally saw enough after a Keenum interception and three straight punts to open the game. Washington got a field goal on Haskins' first drive, but it was all downhill from there. The low point came when Jabrill Peppers intercepted a Haskins pass and returned it 32 yards for a score with 1:19 left in the third quarter.
In general, the former Ohio State star looked like the raw prospect many expected Jones to be right out of the gate.
Now, Washington faces a clear dilemma.
Ideally, Haskins will remain the starter so he can gain experience and become more comfortable in the NFL. Based on Sunday, he may not be prepared to handle starting duties, however.
The Arizona Cardinals did Josh Rosen no favors when they rushed him into the first string last year, and the same might happen to Haskins if Washington opts to keep him under center. Not to mention, the Redskins could have a different coaching staff in charge next season.
One could argue Keenum is the better option right now for Haskins' long-term outlook.
What's Next?
The Giants stay at home for Week 5 as they welcome the Minnesota Vikings next Sunday. The Redskins return to the nation's capital for a date with the reigning champion New England Patriots.