The Washington Commanders opened the 2025 NFL season with a 21-6 victory over the New York Giants. The Commanders’ running game by committee was the story of the day, rushing for 220 yards on 32 carries (a 6.9 yard average). Quarterback Jayden Daniels carried the ball 11 times for 68 yards, and threw a seven yard touchdown pass to tight end Zach Ertz. Wide receiver Deebo Samuel scored on a 19 yard touchdown run in the fourth quarter. Rookie running back Bill Croskey-Merritt made a solid case to become the Commanders’ primary running back, rushing 10 times for 82 yards and a touchdown.
As potent as Washington’s offense was at times against the Giants, it was the defense that made the difference. The Commanders added defensive linemen Javon Kinlaw and Eddie Goldman before the season to add some size and power on the interior defensive line. The Commanders’ defensive line won most of their battles at the line of scrimmage, making life uncomfortable for Giants’ quarterback Russell Wilson. Washington allowed New York only 231 yards of total offense, while limiting the Giants’ running game to only 3.2 yards per carry. The defense kept the Giants out of the end zone, limiting New York to only two field goals. It’s much too early to expect Washington’s defense to maintain this pace all season. The Commanders’ dominance of the Giants’ offensive line shows that adding Kinlaw and Goldman is paying immediate dividends.
Washington has no time to enjoy their Week One victory over the Giants. They will have to travel to historic Lambeau Field in Green Bay, Wisconsin to face the Green Bay Packers on Thursday, September 11. The Packers are considered Super Bowl contenders thanks to their recent trade to acquire linebacker Micah Parsons from the Dallas Cowboys. It’s been a long time since the city of Washington, D.C. has been excited about their NFL football team. Their Week Two game in Green Bay will provide a litmus test on how good the Commanders can be.