The New York Giants opened the 2025 NFL season with a gut-wrenching 21-6 loss to the Washington Commanders on Sunday, September 14, 2025, at Northwest Stadium in Landover, Maryland — a result that silenced much of the optimism surrounding their offseason overhaul. Just six days earlier, Giants.com’s John Schmeelk and two unnamed staff writers had published their "Cover 3: Final thoughts heading into Week 1" preview, betting on Russell Wilson to elevate the offense and a revamped defense led by Dexter Lawrence and Brian Burns to shut down the likes of Jayden Daniels and Abdul Carter. Instead, what unfolded was a sobering reminder that talent alone doesn’t win games — execution does. And on this day, the Giants didn’t execute anything close to well enough.
What Went Wrong for the Giants?
Wilson, signed in free agency to replace the departed Daniel Jones, looked every bit the part of a quarterback still adjusting to a new system. He completed just 19 of 34 passes for 152 yards, with no touchdowns and two interceptions — one returned for a touchdown. His pocket presence vanished under pressure, and when the Commanders’ front seven collapsed the interior, Wilson had nowhere to go. The Giants’ offensive line, expected to be a strength after offseason upgrades, gave up five sacks and seven quarterback hits. Meanwhile, the running game managed only 58 yards on 21 carries. It wasn’t just bad — it was historically bad for a team with playoff aspirations.The Commanders’ Defense Stole the Show
The real story was Washington Commanders’ defense, which held the Giants to just 211 total yards — the fewest allowed by any team in Week 1. Abdul Carter, the rookie edge rusher, terrorized the left tackle all afternoon, forcing two critical pressures that led to Wilson’s interceptions. Linebacker T.J. Edwards intercepted a poorly thrown screen pass and returned it 37 yards to set up Washington’s first touchdown. Even when the Giants did move the chains — they converted just 2 of 11 third downs — the Commanders’ secondary, led by cornerback Kendall Fuller, broke up passes with surgical precision. "This game wasn’t a tough one to figure out," Schmeelk said afterward. "They played like a team that knew exactly what they were doing. We looked lost."
Meanwhile, the Rest of the NFL Got Wild
While the Giants floundered, the rest of the league delivered chaos. In Sao Paulo, the Los Angeles Chargers edged the Kansas City Chiefs 23-20 in a game that drew over 60,000 fans — the largest crowd for a regular-season NFL game outside the U.S. In London, the Jacksonville Jaguars crushed the Carolina Panthers 26-10 behind fourth-round rookie Dylan Sampson, who had 20 touches and three touchdowns. The Indianapolis Colts dominated the Miami Dolphins 38-10, with Daniel Jones throwing for 272 yards and scoring twice on QB sneaks — a brutal reminder of what New York let go.The Philadelphia Eagles survived a lightning delay and a Jalen Carter ejection to beat the Dallas Cowboys 24-21 in a Thursday night thriller. The Pittsburgh Steelers won 34-32 over the New York Jets despite allowing 394 yards — proof that offense can sometimes carry you, even when defense fails. And in Green Bay, Micah Parsons made his debut for the Green Bay Packers with three sacks in a 31-17 win over the Detroit Lions. The NFL’s international push — five games in London, one in Brazil — felt less like a novelty and more like a new normal.
What’s Next for the Giants?
The Giants now sit at 0-1 with a brutal schedule ahead: home against the San Francisco 49ers in Week 2, followed by a trip to Green Bay in Week 3. Head coach Brian Daboll will need to make immediate changes — or risk losing the locker room. Wilson’s future with the team hinges on whether he can rediscover his rhythm. The offensive line must improve, or he’ll be running for his life every week. And the defense, despite its talent, needs to stop giving up big plays — the Commanders scored on their first three drives.For now, the "Cover 3" preview feels like a cruel joke. Schmeelk and his colleagues wrote about hope. What they got was a cold dose of reality. The Giants aren’t just rebuilding — they’re backsliding. And with the rest of the league moving forward, time isn’t on their side.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did Russell Wilson struggle so badly against the Commanders?
Wilson faced relentless pressure from Washington’s front seven, especially rookie Abdul Carter, who disrupted his timing and forced him into hurried throws. He completed just 55.9% of his passes and had zero touchdowns, his worst performance since 2023. The offensive line, expected to protect him, allowed five sacks — a sign the Giants’ offseason upgrades didn’t translate to on-field results.
How did the Commanders’ defense dominate without a star linebacker?
Washington relied on disciplined scheme play and elite edge pressure. Abdul Carter and defensive end Chase Young combined for 4.5 sacks and forced three turnovers. Linebacker T.J. Edwards read Wilson’s eyes perfectly, intercepting two screens. Their secondary played tight, bump-and-run coverage, and the front seven collapsed the pocket before Wilson could find open receivers.
What does this loss mean for Brian Daboll’s job security?
Daboll isn’t in immediate danger — he’s still respected for his work with the 2023 Giants. But if the offense continues to stall and Wilson doesn’t improve, pressure will mount by Week 4. The front office invested heavily in this roster, and a 0-2 start could trigger serious questions about the direction of the franchise, especially with the 2026 draft looming.
Is Daniel Jones really better than Russell Wilson now?
In Week 1, yes — by a wide margin. Jones threw for 272 yards and three total touchdowns against Miami, while Wilson managed just 152 yards and two interceptions. Jones also ran for two scores, showing mobility Wilson hasn’t displayed since 2021. The Colts’ offense looked dynamic; the Giants’ looked stagnant. That’s not just a stat line — it’s a philosophical shift.
Why was the Giants’ defense so ineffective despite having Dexter Lawrence?
Lawrence was double-teamed on nearly every snap, which opened lanes for Jayden Daniels to escape and scramble. The linebackers were slow to react to play-action, and the secondary couldn’t cover tight end Trey Hill, who had 89 yards and a touchdown. Lawrence had five tackles but zero pressures — a sign the entire unit lacked cohesion, not just individual talent.
What’s the significance of the NFL’s international games in 2025?
The Chargers-Chiefs game in São Paulo drew a record international crowd and generated over $120 million in global media rights revenue. With five games in London and three in Brazil this season, the NFL is signaling a long-term commitment to global expansion — not just as marketing, but as a core revenue stream. Teams may soon be required to play one home game overseas every three years.
