New York Giants quarterback Daniel Jones loves to play against the Washington Commanders. In five career starts against Washington, Jones owns a 4-1 record, and his numbers are much higher vs. Washington than they are against any other team.
Meanwhile, Jones’ record against every other team is 15-28.
What is it about Jones against Washington?
One reason for Jones’ success against the Commanders is his legs. Jones has rushed for 218 yards against Washington. But he’s also thrived as a passer, completing 68% of his passes against Washington for 1,150 yards, with nine touchdowns and three interceptions. He owns a passer rating of 100.4 vs. Washington, much higher than his career rating.
Washington’s only win against Jones came on Thursday Night Football in Week 2 last season, when Taylor Heinicke outdueled him for a last-second victory.
Jones is having his best NFL season in 2022, and it’s no coincidence the Giants are contending, considering how well he’s playing. Having a healthy Saquon Barkley also helps.
Commanders defensive tackle and team captain Jonathan Allen spoke about the keys to stopping the Giants.
“Daniel Jones is a guy who will hurt you with his legs — if you let him,” Allen said during his weekly appearance on the “Sports Junkies” on 106.7 The Fan.
“And on top of that, if you get too enamored with his legs, he can take the top off and hit you over the top deep. And on top of that, they got Saquon Barkley. So, for me, immediately as a defensive lineman, we gotta be able to stop this run with a lightbox. Give our guys on the backend help, let us do what we do up front and dominate the line of scrimmage, and I think we have a good opportunity to do that. They’re a really good football team.”
The Giants enter Sunday’s game from The Meadowlands a half-game ahead of the Commanders in the NFC East and in the NFL playoff hunt. Washington then gets a bye in Week 14 before again hosting the Giants in Week 15.