4 mistakes that cost the Giants a win over Washington in Week 13

By Zak Musso | Dec 6, 2022

EAST RUTHERFORD, NEW JERSEY - OCTOBER 02: (NEW YORK DAILIES OUT) Head coach Brian Daboll of the New York Giants in action against the Chicago Bears at MetLife Stadium on October 02, 2022 in East Rutherford, New Jersey. The Giants defeated the Bears 20-12. (Photo by Jim McIsaac/Getty Images) /

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EAST RUTHERFORD, NEW JERSEY – DECEMBER 04: Saquon Barkley #26 of the New York Giants take to the field prior to a game against the Washington Commanders at MetLife Stadium on December 04, 2022 in East Rutherford, New Jersey. (Photo by Al Bello/Getty Images) /

2. Richie James and Saquon Barkley’s Collision

This was just unbelievable. On 3rd and 2 from the Washington 43 with 1:49 remaining in overtime, the Giants called an apparent zone read, which Richie James decided to blow up. I don’t know if he was a double agent trying to help the Commanders on this play or what, but this is embarrassingly bad and frankly unacceptable.

Jones is attempting a zone read with Barkley on this play, but James runs right into Barkley. Because of the collision, Jones had no open receivers to throw to and was forced to scramble. He was unable to get the first down and the Giants punted.

This miscommunication cannot happen, and to prevent it from happening again, the Giants should simply not try to get cute and line up a slot receiver in the backfield on the game’s most critical play. This was another decision that OC Mike Kafka would surely love to have back.

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