Romeo Williams is a power running back, and power runs are his specialty. It's evident that the running back position is being devalued, but it's not that there is a lack of running backs. There is a shortage of good running backs.
The money that used to go to running backs was given to cornerbacks and quarterbacks because the lifespan of a running back is too short compared to other positions. Some good running backs can attack like Barkley, the day's opponent, but none go to the Super Bowl.
Williams made a two-yard run, chiseling the Giants' line. These kinds of runs are exhausting; not only do they have to fight against the offensive line, but they also have to stop an athlete at full speed with the sole intention of moving everything in his path.
The Commanders decided to run on the Giants, and this time, it was Shoya who ran for 9 yards, and then Williams allowed a gain of 4 yards. The league is pushing for the pass, but for now, Washington isn't caring.
Robinson received the ball from Shoya and headed to the right for a 10-yard run. The Commanders' offense was forewarned at the Giants' 25-yard line. But the defense didn't let themselves be stepped on any longer, and Thibodeaux made another tackle for loss.
Finally, New York's defenders could stop the Commanders' offense. Undrafted rookie receiver Bernard Finley opened up a gap and completed a short catch, but the ball wasn't fully controlled and came off his fingers.
Then, two penalties would kill Shoya's efforts and set the team back from a 3rd & 12 to a 3rd & 22. Shoya passes short middle to R.J. Cesar to Giants 23 for 14 yards. Louie O'Galvin's 41-yard field goal is good.
The Washington Commanders opened the scoring "0:3!"
The New York Giants kept the ball until the second quarter but didn't show anything new. Instead, it was Washington's defense that showed itself, not allowing the Giants to gain ground and couldn't help but punt the ball.
So far, so good. The Commanders dictate the pace, and after a well-cleared punt from the Giants, Washington is pushed back into their 18-yard line. A 2-yard run gives Washington some breathing room.
But an offensive holding set Washington back in their 8-yard line... And that's the beginning of the catastrophe.
"TOUCHDOWN GIANTSSSSSSSS!" "THE FUMBLE RETURN FOR TOUCHDOWN!"
Thibodeaux is making the Commanders miserable tonight; he causes a fumble and then covers it and flips it for a touchdown! It was a huge play from the Giants' defense that woke up the whole team.
The defense was stepped on, but they never broke, and their efforts paid off. Instead, Thibodeaux beat the Commanders' line all alone, and worthy of a man on a mission, he does his job alone.
But that's not all...
"TOUCHDOOOOOWN GIANTS!! SAQUON BARKLEY FOR THE TOUCHDOWN! »
Shoya shook his head, knowing that the situation was not good, very bad. Daniel Jones and Saquon Barkley set off. At the end of the half, the Giants led 14:3!
Every mistake is costly; it's time to pay the price.
The second quarter was an offensive disaster, and frankly, Shoya did what he could. From the offensive line to the receivers, no one is in rhythm, and the score results from technical errors. With a 7/12 shooting range and 55 passing yards, it's safe to say he's fighting to keep the strings going.
He had a good game because today, it's more the running that is used, and there are two drops from the receivers, which has the gift of annoying coach Rogers. He's an old-fashioned coach, rough, and doesn't hesitate to yell at his players.
It doesn't reflect too much because he wasn't the head coach, but now his voice is fully felt. This kind of management is no longer what is done now; the head coaches are more in the management of the mood of the group.
That's not what Shoya can control. The tactics are correct, and the passes are pretty precise, but at the last moment, during the previous move, something stalls, which was fatal without a doubt. The Giants' defensive touchdown boosted the entire team.
The worst part is that besides the touchdown, the Commanders' defense was very good. They were back to the situation before Shoya was given a start by ex-coach Johnson, with an offense slipping and the defense struggling to stop the bleeding.
The game resumed, and the Giants were absent offensively and again gave the ball back to Washington. It's simple. Aside from the touchdown drive, the Giants never held possession of the ball for more than four minutes. In contrast, the Commanders had possession for a long time but went nowhere.
Shoya had to take control of the game; two passes to Tooney for 18 and 13 yards advanced the Commanders from their 9-yard line to the 27-yard line. These two passes gave Shoya's squad a breath of fresh air.
The third running back who was activated today, Derek Brown, made a beautiful 15-yard run while dodging two Giants defenders, but a penalty on the next play set Washington back 5 yards.
An offensive line idiot made an illegal move and destroyed the pace and momentum Shoya struggled to get. 1st & 15 in the 50-yard line, Shoya examines the Giants' defense as they do everything they can to hide the coverage.
For one of the few times in that game, he could observe what was happening in his pocket and comfortably finished the pass. Tooney caught the ball and went up to New York's 30-yard line.
And now that the line gives him enough time not to throw into the storm, he feels calmer in his throws and is more accurate. This time, Mustafa came out on top with a reception on a short pass to the left for 11 yards.
The Commanders were under 20 yards for the first time in the game and were on a roll. Shoya passes deep middle to Copperfield for the 19-yard touchdown!
"TOUCHDOOOOOOOOOOOOWN WASHINGTON!!"
"Shoya Barthelemy has finally found herself with her receivers! While everyone was worried about the Commanders' non-game, they responded with a touchdown! »
"Mustafa Copperfield scored the touchdown!"
At this point, Mustafa threw the ball in the air and roared wildly. All the emotions erupted, and the rest of the attacking players joined him. They are all under pressure and need to calm down this arrogant defense watching them from the side of the pitch.
The Commanders' defensemen were dissatisfied with their performance and made it known at halftime.