The Washington Commanders and New York Giants are tied 13-13 at halftime of their all-important Week 13 NFC showdown.
The Commanders jumped on the Giants first as Washington defensive tackle Jonathan Allen forced a Daniel Jones fumble on the first possession. The Commanders then drove the ball down the field, but came up just short, instead settling for a field goal.
On Washington’s second drive, quarterback Taylor Heinicke led an eight-play, 62-yard drive that ended with him avoiding the pass rush and finding wide receiver Terry McLaurin for a 19-yard touchdown to give the Commanders a 10-0 lead.
New York’s offense began to get going in the second quarter thanks in part to Jones and his legs. Washington held the Giants to a field goal, cutting the lead to 10-3. After a defensive stop, Jones found Darius Slayton for a 55-yard play, setting up the Giants in Washington territory.
A few plays later, running back Saquon Barkley goes untouched into the end zone to tie the game.
The two teams exchanged field goals to end the half.
Heinicke completed 11 of 16 passes for 110 yards and a touchdown. Meanwhile, Jones completed 10 of 11 passes for 97 yards. However, Jones rushed for 56 yards on seven attempts, while Barkley carried the ball 11 times for 60 yards.
Washington was concerned about New York’s running game due to Jones. Atlanta quarterback Marcus Mariota had success running the ball against the Commanders last week, and the Giants have followed that blueprint.
Washington rushed for 60 yards in the first half, led by Brian Robinson Jr. and his 39 yards.
The Commanders will open the second half with the football.
