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New York Giants quarterback Tyrod Taylor (2) throws against the Washington Commanders at MetLife Stadium. Robert Deutsch-USA TODAY Sports

Three takeaways from the Giants' win over the Commanders

By Colum Dell | Last updated 10/22/23

Despite being shut out in the second half, the Tyrod Taylor-led New York Giants defeated their NFC East rival, Washington Commanders, 14-7, to earn their second win of the season. Here are three takeaways for the Giants.

The defense is turning the corner

After surrendering just 21 points over the last two games, it's safe to say Wink Martindale's unit, which allowed an average of 28.2 points over the first five weeks, has found its stride.

While each position group heavily contributed to New York's win, the pass rush led the way. The Giants entered Sunday's game with just five sacks on the season but matched that total in the first half alone, finishing with six.

Defensive tackle Leonard Williams enjoyed his finest outing of the season, recording two tackles, one sack and blocked a fourth-quarter field goal attempt by Joey Slye that would've cut New York's lead to 14-10.

An impending free agent, Williams could be a trade candidate if the Giants decide to sell at the Oct. 31 trade deadline and would be highly sought after.

However, if he maintains this level of performance and the team strings together a few wins, New York could be inclined to re-sign the one-time Pro Bowler.

No sir!

: @NFLonCBS & @paramountplus pic.twitter.com/9nGKhI8mkv
— New York Giants (@Giants) October 22, 2023

An efficient Saquon Barkley can still carry this team to victory

While the jury's still out on whether the Giants made the right decision by not locking up Barkley on a multi-year extension last offseason, it's impossible to deny how integral he is for the offense to run smoothly.

Barkley followed up last week's 98-yard performance — his first game back from a high ankle sprain — by totaling 118 all-purpose yards, with his 32-yard receiving touchdown in the second quarter proving to be the decisive score.

With how Barkley is running the ball, he might be able to mask the glaring flaws of the Giants' dismal offensive line, help the team get the season on track and ultimately secure his desired long-term deal.

If there were still concerns about whether Barkley could be dealt this month after the 26-year-old told reporters earlier this week that he didn't want to be traded, it doesn't seem as though he's going anywhere.

During a postgame interview, Barkley said that Giants brass reassured him that he's a vital part of the team's future. Considering the offense averaged eight points per game in three games without him, it's difficult to argue against the decision.

GM Joe Schoen's top draft picks proving their worth

Although it has only been seven games, Schoen's second draft class appears to be more promising than his first, particularly his top three selections CB Deonte Banks, center John Michael Schmitz and WR Jalin Hyatt.

Schmitz has missed the last three games with a shoulder injury but looks the part of a staple for the future on New York's offensive line. As for Banks and Hyatt, both continue to stand out and were integral to the team's latest win.

Entering Sunday's action, Banks allowed the fewest yards of any first-round rookie cornerback (120), and while Washington's Terry McLaurin was his toughest challenge to date, he came away with his first career interception in the second quarter.

Meanwhile, the speedy third-rounder Hyatt caught two passes for 75 yards, including a crucial 42-yard reception that put the Giants in position to score before Barkley fumbled.

Banks has been a day-one starter in New York, though the Giants must continue getting Hyatt more involved so the offense doesn't remain so stagnant.