Washington Commanders quarterback Sam Howell would like to forget his first-half performance against the New York Giants. Despite facing the NFL’s second-worst run defense and defense with the lowest sacks, Howell and the Commanders’ offense couldn’t get out of their own way.
Howell completed just five of 14 passes. He got sacked five times. Then, Howell gifted Giants rookie cornerback Deonte Banks with his first career interception.
Howell tossed a balloon in the MetLife Stadium air as Commanders wide receiver Jahan Dotson had cleared the Giants’ Cover 3 defense. The ball sailed short right into the hands of Banks for the pick.
The Giants’ offense wasted no time taking advantage of the turnover. New York marched 52 yards on two plays, culminating with a 32-yard touchdown reception by running back Saquon Barkley.
Banks was the fourth cornerback taken in the first round of this year’s NFL Draft out of the University of Maryland. The Baltimore native got selected eight slots after Commanders rookie cornerback Emmanuel Forbes, who recently got benched after struggles.
Banks entered this week with five forced incomplete passes, per Pro Football Focus. He was only second to Devon Witherspoon, the first CB taken in the draft.
Meanwhile, for Sam Howell and the Commanders, it’s another slow start for the offense. Hopefully, the second half is the total opposite.
