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

End of half defense remains significant concern

There wasn’t much Giants defensive back Julian Love could do, once Washington quarterback Kyle Allen lofted a perfectly-placed high-point ball to tight end Logan Thomas, who toe tapped in the corner of the end zone for a touchdown over Love.

However, the trend of the Giants’ defense giving up big plays — and scores in the waning moments of halves continued.

Including Allen’s touchdown, the Giants’ defense has allowed scoring drives of 70 yards or longer in five of the first six weeks, including Washington’s methodical 70-yard march down the field to pull within 13-10.

With an offense that struggles to score as much as the Giants do, surpassing 20 points just once, the margin for error for the defense is razor thin. However, not being able to get a fourth down stop or eventually get off the field without allowing points at the end of the first half proved costly against Washington.

Sunday, the Giants’ problems weren’t limited to the first half.

Washington put together a 10-play, 75-yard drive that chewed up 2:23 that was capped by an Allen touchdown with :36 remaining. Fortunately for the Giants, Allen’s pass on a two-point conversion attempt fell to the turf, but Graham and the defense need to figure out the final moments of halves.