Field Level Media
Nov 8, 2020
Logan Ryan intercepted Alex Smith with 1:15 remaining as the New York Giants nearly squandered another lead but held on for a 23-20 victory over host Washington Football Team on Sunday.
The Giants (2-7) beat Washington (2-6) for the fifth straight time and appeared moments away from blowing a 17-point lead.
On second-and-6 at Washington's 32-yard line, Smith dropped back and threw a ball intended for Terry McLaurin over the middle of the field but Ryan stepped in front of the receiver and made the interception to secure the win.
Daniel Jones did not throw an interception for the second time this season. He completed 23-of-34 passes for 212 yards and threw a 16-yard touchdown to tight end Evan Engram.
Graham Gano kicked three field goals on a day in which the Giants forced five turnovers and gained 166 rushing yards.
Washington, which lost to the Giants by one point in Week 6, lost quarterback Kyle Allen to a serious ankle injury with 1:04 remaining in the first quarter.
NFL Network reported that Allen was diagnosed with a dislocation and a small fracture. Allen is slated to undergo an MRI exam on Monday, according to another report.
Smith, who returned from his own serious leg injury last month after being injured during a game in November 2018, was 24-for-32 for 325 yards and a 68-yard TD to McLaurin. Smith also was intercepted three times, unable to direct his 24th career game-winning drive.
McLaurin finished with seven receptions for 115 yards and the score.
The Giants capitalized on two Washington turnovers to take a 10-0 lead in the first 10-plus minutes, and led 20-3 at the half.
Julius Peppers recovered a fumble by Washington receiver Antonio Gibson at New York's 19-yard line with 11:49 left and, after Austin Mack's 50-yard reception on the next play, Gano made his 16th straight field goal with 9:35 remaining to cap a seven-play drive.
The Giants went up 10-0 shortly after Madre Harper recovered a fumble by punt returner Isaiah Wright. Wayne Gallman breezed into the end zone four plays later with 4:15 left.
Washington quickly moved down the field to start the second half and got within 20-10 on Antonio Gibson's 1-yard plunge, but the Giants went up 23-10 on Gano's third field goal.
After getting a 44-yard field goal by Dustin Hopkins in the opening seconds of the fourth, Washington got within 23-20 after McLaurin took Smith's pass 68 yards for a score, eluding tackles by Ryan and Isaac Yiadom with 10:24 remaining.
--Field Level Media