Washington Commanders rookie running back Brian Robinson Jr. did all he could in the first half of Sunday night’s showdown against the New York Giants. Robinson rushed for 54 yards on eight carries. His backup, Antonio Gibson, added 20 yards on four carries. Yet, the Commanders managed just three points by halftime and trailed 14-3.
Instead, the Commanders squandered long drives with penalties, a struggling passing attack, and some unfortunate plays.
The Commanders punted on their opening drive from the Giants’ 34-yard line. The thought process — at least by NBC’s SNF broadcast was the wind at Washington’s FedEx Field.
Then up 3-0 early in the second quarter, Giants’ Kayvon Thibodeaux highlighted an impressive first half with a strip-sack that he recovered and returned for a touchdown.
The Giants’ offense continued the momentum set by Thibodeaux with a 97-yard drive that ended in a Saquon Barkley touchdown. The Giants converted on a 4th-and-9 during that drive.
Washington’s quarterback Taylor Heinicke struggled, completing 7-of-13 passes for 55 yards. The Commanders’ list of mishaps included three runs by wide receiver Curtis Samuel for minus two yards. All three plays were stopped by Thibodeaux, who finished the first half with seven tackles, including three for losses to go with his score.
Down 14-3, the Commanders are looking for a lift after wasting a great first half by Brian Robinson Jr.
