NY Giants vs. Washington Takeaways: Defense makes big play, escapes 20-19 win

Oct 18, 2020; East Rutherford, New Jersey, USA; Washington Football Team wide receiver Terry McLaurin (17) carries the ball as New York Giants linebacker Kyler Fackrell (51) pursues during the first half at MetLife Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Vincent Carchietta-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 18, 2020; East Rutherford, New Jersey, USA; Washington Football Team wide receiver Terry McLaurin (17) carries the ball as New York Giants linebacker Kyler Fackrell (51) pursues during the first half at MetLife Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Vincent Carchietta-USA TODAY Sports
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NY Giants LB Kyler Fackrell made a big play to deliver Joe Judge’s first victory, as the defense hung on 20-19 against the Washington Football Team SUnday.

NY Giants linebacker Kyler Fackrell came up with a huge, and timely turnover Sunday, and delivered head coach Joe Judge his first career victory in Sunday’s 20-19 win over the Washington Football Team.

After the Giants’ pass rush was virtually non-existent all day, Fackrell blew through the line of scrimmage, leveling a heavy hit on Washington quarterback Kyle Allen on 3rd down and 9 from the Giants’ 45-yard line forcing a fumble before rookie linebacker Tae Crowder picked up the bouncing ball and returned it for a touchdown.

Fackrell’s sack and forced fumble came one week after he intercepted Dallas Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott and returned it for a touchdown. 

However, the Giants’ joy was immediately replaced by trepidation over the game’s waning moments.

After the Giants’ offense with six-and-out without any points, Washington quarterback Kyle Allen orchestrated a 75-yard drive and victimized Logan Ryan for a 22-yard touchdown to Cam Sims in the back of the end zone.

Washington head coach Ron Rivera went for two, and Allen’s two-point conversion pass fell harmlessly to the turf.

The NY Giants got away with one, and escaped with a win.

The NFC East is seemingly a division that none of the four teams have much interest in winning, with the Philadelphia Eagles falling to the Baltimore Ravens, and the Dallas Cowboys yet to play on Monday night against the Arizona Cardinals. But, following Sunday’s win over Washington, at least for a week, Judge’s Giants are in the mix.

Suddenly, Thursday night’s game against the Eagles in Philadelphia carries postseason implications. Who would have figured.

Scroll through for four takeaways from Sunday’s win over Washington: 

Schedule