After 2 late collapses, Giants don’t let this game slip away
The New York Giants do know how to hold onto a lead.
New York didn’t let Washington steal a victory late, finishing off a 32-21 decision Thursday night on Odell Beckham Jr.’s 30-yard touchdown catch and Rueben Randle’s 41-yarder.
The Giants fell apart in the fourth quarter of losses to Dallas and Atlanta. This time, New York (1-2) dominated most of the action against injury-plagued Washington (1-2), which lost cornerback DeAngelo Hall to a right leg injury that looked serious.
“We won,” Giants coach Tom Coughlin said. “Smile.”
The Giants scored in nearly every way possible, beginning with Rashad Jennings blocking Tress Way’s punt for a safety on Washington’s opening series. Andre Williams scored on a 1-yard run, Josh Brown kicked three field goals, and Beckham toasted Bashaud Breeland to settle matters. Randle had a 41-yard TD catch in the closing minutes, after which Washington’s Rashad Ross returned the kickoff 101 yards for the final score.
New York also led at halftime and through three quarters of its losses to the Cowboys and Falcons.
“Players need the reinforcement that comes with closing out the game with a win,” Coughlin said.
Prince Amukamara and Uani Unga had interceptions of Kirk Cousins, who struggled once more against New York. Last season, he threw four picks in a loss to New York.
Washington, which has lost five straight to the Giants, got field goals of 44 and 37 yards from Dustin Hopkins, but any thoughts of a comeback ended when Matt Jones fumbled on his way into the end zone with 9½ minutes remaining. A late 4-yard TD pass to Chris Thompson and 2-point conversion brought the deficit to 11, then Randle made his scoring catch.
Giants quarterback Eli Manning completed 23 of 31 passes for 279 yards. Beckham had seven receptions for 79 yards, and Randle had seven for 116.
Washington’s Kirk Cousins was 30-of-49 for 316 yards, with one TD and two interceptions. Briefly: Jimmy Clausen hasn’t officially been announced as starter in place of injured Jay Cutler as Bears quarterback, but coach John Fox is expected to make the move Friday as Clausen has taken all the starter’s snaps this week preparing for Seattle. ... Dolphins running back Lamar Miller (right ankle) and tight end Jordan Cameron (groin) have returned to practice on a limited basis, but defensive tackle Earl Mitchell has been added to the injury report after hurting his back. Also, left tackle Branden Albert (right hamstring) remains sidelined. Limited for the second day in a row were safety Reshad Jones (hamstring), tight end Dion Sims (concussion) and center Mike Pouncey (elbow).