Sometimes in sports, neither team deserves to win. And nothing symbolizes that spirit more than the tie.
Though it’s rare in the NFL, the marvelous tie happened for the 28th time in league history on Sunday when the Washington Commanders battled the New York Giants to a 20-20 standstill. The two teams combined for 14 points after halftime, including the Isaiah Hodgins TD catch seen above.
Giants’ kicker Graham Gano (who played for Washington from 2009-2011) missed a 58-yard field goal for the win as time expired.
The NFL world was quick to react to the result:
In the end – tie or not today – the upcoming home games vs Giants and Browns are what will get Commanders in the playoffs. Win those and you go into finale vs Cowboys at worst in control of your own destiny.
— Brian McNally (@bmcnally14) December 4, 2022
“In the end – tie or not today – the upcoming home games vs Giants and Browns are what will get Commanders in the playoffs. Win those and you go into finale vs Cowboys at worst in control of your own destiny,” Brian McNally tweeted.
With #Commanders QB Taylor Heinicke after today’s tie with the #Giants that “almost feels like a loss” to players on both sides. pic.twitter.com/21vTlsBxFa
— Mike Garafolo (@MikeGarafolo) December 4, 2022
“With Commanders QB Taylor Heinicke after today’s tie with the Giants that ‘almost feels like a loss’ to players on both sides.” Mike Garafolo tweeted.
Every Sunday I expect either 5-0 or 0-5 with my picks, nowhere in between
Over 40.5 in Giants/Commanders was another hellacious beat I'm glad I had no part of https://t.co/tS2yGr2IvW
— Jared Smith (@jaredleesmith) December 4, 2022
“Every Sunday I expect either 5-0 or 0-5 with my picks, nowhere in between Over 40.5 in Giants/Commanders was another hellacious beat I’m glad I had no part of,” Jared Smith said.
Final time of possession today:
Washington 41:11
Giants 28:49
The defense was the only reason Giants got a tie given that 2nd half, even with that game-tying late Commanders drive
— Pat Leonard (@PLeonardNYDN) December 4, 2022
After the way the @Giants and @Commanders played today & the back & forth that happened with a late comeback tie by the Washington, there’s no way the next game isn’t a Sunday Night flex.
— Edward Ford (@ConnorMcJesus24) December 4, 2022
“After the way the Giants and Commanders played today & the back & forth that happened with a late comeback tie by the Washington, there’s no way the next game isn’t a Sunday Night flex,” Edward Ford tweeted.
Players did not know how to react to a tie; Terry McLaurin said even the fans at the end were like do they "go to penalty kicks?"
— John Keim (@john_keim) December 4, 2022
“Players did not know how to react to a tie; Terry McLaurin said even the fans at the end were like do they ‘go to penalty kicks?,'” John Keim tweeted.
[ESPN; photo from Vincent Carchietta/USA Today Sports]
