"Don't make it two [losses], simple as that. There's no need for rah rah. We got the players and we got each other, and that's all we need." - defensive lineman Dexter Lawrence on mindset after the game
FIRST ROUND FIRSTS
Outside linebacker Abdul Carter, the third overall pick in the 2025 NFL Draft, recorded a half-sack in his NFL debut. He also partially blocked tipped a 31-yard punt by two-time Pro Bowler Tress Way. Fellow rookie Jaxson Dart, the 25th overall selection, served as Wilson's primary backup. Veteran Jameis Wilson was designated as the emergency third quarterback for Sunday.
INJURY REPORT
Linebacker Micah McFadden (leg/foot) was carted off midway through the first quarter while surrounded by teammates. He was replaced by Darius Muasau, who started seven of 15 games as a rookie last season.
Left tackle Andrew Thomas (rehabbing back from a 2024 season-ending foot injury) was ruled out after being listed as doubtful heading into Sunday's game. James Hudson III, a veteran signed over the offseason, played in his place as he had done all offseason.
NYG: OT Andrew Thomas (foot), S Beau Brade, OL Evan Neal, TE Thomas Fidone II, DL Darius Alexander, QB Jameis Winston (emergency 3rd QB)
WAS: RB Chris Rodriguez, ILB Ale Kaho, MLB Kain Medrano, OT Trenton Scott, OT George Fant, DE Javontae Jean-Baptiste, QB Josh Johnson (emergency 3rd QB)
WHAT THE LOSS MEANS FOR THE GIANTS
The Giants, who started 0-1 for the third consecutive season, will look to avoid the 0-2 hole. And so will the Cowboys. The Giants head to Dallas in Week 2 for the second leg of back-to-back road games in the NFC East to open the season. The Cowboys dropped their opener to the defending Super Bowl champion Eagles on Thursday night.
"Well, it's a new season, but it does hurt," Daboll said. "You got a good [training] camp, felt good about coming into this game against a really good football team, and it does hurt. There's no question about that. So, we got to pick up, move on, learn from it, and obviously not good enough. Get ready to play Dallas, who've had a little bit of a couple of days off here, and focus on that. But focus on the things that we have to do better, all of us, and be ready to play a better game, collective game, complementary game."
WHAT THE WIN MEANS FOR THE COMMANDERS
In the encore to their first NFC Championship Game appearance since 1991, the Commanders start with a victory but will turn around quickly for a Thursday night game in Green Bay.