WASHINGTON — Washington Commanders quarterback Jayden Daniels took the blame Sunday after a stunning clock-management failure in overtime cost his team a win against the New York Giants, turning a would-be victory into a 27-27 tie.
Washington had driven to the Giants’ 24-yard line with 12 seconds remaining in overtime and no timeouts left, positioned for a potential game-winning field goal. But on a play designed for a quick throw toward the sideline, Daniels instead tucked the ball and was tackled for no gain with 8 seconds left. Washington could not get another snap off to spike the ball, and time expired.
“We have to stop the clock. We have to know the situation,” Daniels said after the game. “We got to relay that as an offense. It starts with everyone, top down. Ultimately, you know, it’s on me.”
Coach Dan Quinn also accepted responsibility. “Leaving tonight with a tie feels like a loss,” Quinn said. “The right call was honestly like we can go clock it early and don’t put ourselves in that spot. That is my responsibility, nobody else’s.”
The tie squandered a late escape. Defensive lineman Daron Payne forced Giants running back Cam Skattebo to fumble at Washington’s 23-yard line, and Daniels marched the Commanders 53 yards into field-goal range. But rookie kicker Drew Stevens never got on the field.
Daniels, returning after missing two games with a dislocated left elbow, completed 17 of 25 passes for 199 yards and rushed nine times for 103 yards and two touchdowns as Washington built a 27-13 fourth-quarter lead before the Giants rallied.
“We just got to be better at situational football,” Daniels said.
