Game story
In Week 3 of the 2016 NFL season on 2016-09-25, the Washington Commanders took care of business against the New York Giants, pulling away with a 29–27 final that came down to the wire.
The highest-scoring period was Q1 with 20 combined points — the stretch that most shaped the final margin.
E. Manning (New York Giants) paced the passing game, with +3.15 total EPA, and +0.8% completion percentage over expected.
On the individual side, K. Cousins (Washington Commanders) delivered the top overall EPA impact at +9.82 — the clearest player-of-the-game signal on the analytics sheet.
The momentum swing (-38.4% win probability) landed in the fourth quarter when New York Giants changed the game: (1:09) (Shotgun) 10-E.Manning pass short middle intended for 34-S.Vereen INTERCEPTED by 36-S.Cravens at NYG 43. 36-S.Cravens to NYG 41 for 2 yards (34-S.Vereen).
Line score
Final score and points by quarter.
| Q1 | Q2 | Q3 | Q4 | — | T | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Washington Commanders | 6 | 10 | 7 | 6 | 0 | 29 |
| New York Giants | 14 | 7 | 3 | 3 | 0 | 27 |
Stars of the game
Top performers by total expected points added (EPA) across passing, rushing, and receiving.
- 1 K. Cousins · Washington Commanders · Passing · +9.82 total EPA · 40 snaps · +0.25 EPA/play
- 2 S. Shepard · New York Giants · Receiving · +6.38 total EPA · 7 snaps · +0.91 EPA/play
- 3 V. Cruz · New York Giants · Receiving · +6.15 total EPA · 3 snaps · +2.05 EPA/play
- 4 J. Crowder · Washington Commanders · Receiving · +5.56 total EPA · 7 snaps · +0.79 EPA/play
- 5 T. Way · Washington Commanders · Passing · +5.16 total EPA · 1 snaps · +5.16 EPA/play
- 6 Q. Dunbar · Washington Commanders · Receiving · +5.16 total EPA · 1 snaps · +5.16 EPA/play
- 7 D. Jackson · Washington Commanders · Receiving · +5.11 total EPA · 8 snaps · +0.64 EPA/play
- 8 O. Beckham · New York Giants · Receiving · +4.35 total EPA · 11 snaps · +0.40 EPA/play
Player of the game
FantasyHQ analytics player-of-the-game pick based on total EPA and signature plays.
K. Cousins — WAS · Passing
K. Cousins posted the highest total EPA (+9.82) in the game, making the biggest overall impact on Washington Commanders's efficiency. Across 40 counted snaps, they averaged +0.25 EPA per play.
The signature play (+6.71 EPA) came from Washington Commanders: (9:55) (Shotgun) 8-K.Cousins pass short left to 80-J.Crowder for 55 yards, TOUCHDOWN.
Who scored touchdowns and field goals
Every touchdown and field goal with the player named in official play-by-play.
Touchdowns
- New York Giants — S. Vereen
- New York Giants — S. Shepard (E. Manning pass)
- New York Giants — O. Darkwa
- Washington Commanders — D. Jackson (K. Cousins pass)
- Washington Commanders — J. Crowder (K. Cousins pass)
Field goals
- Washington Commanders — D. Hopkins
- Washington Commanders — D. Hopkins
- Washington Commanders — D. Hopkins
- New York Giants — J. Brown
- Washington Commanders — D. Hopkins
- New York Giants — J. Brown
- Washington Commanders — D. Hopkins
How it unfolded, quarter by quarter
A quarter-by-quarter recap built from live scoring plays and play descriptions.
The opening quarter: New York Giants won the period 14–6. New York Giants found the end zone from the WAS 1 (Q1 57:35) — (12:35) 34-S.Vereen right guard for 1 yard, TOUCHDOWN.; New York Giants added 1 points from the WAS 15 (Q1 57:18) — 3-J.Brown extra point is GOOD, Center-51-Z.DeOssie, Holder-9-B.Wing.; Washington Commanders connected on a field goal from the NYG 31 (Q1 54:40) — (9:40) 3-D.Hopkins 49 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-57-N.Sundberg, Holder-5-T.Way.; New York Giants found the end zone from the WAS 23 (Q1 51:16) — (6:16) (No Huddle, Shotgun) 10-E.Manning pass deep middle to 87-S.Shepard for 23 yards, TOUCHDOWN.; New York Giants added 1 points from the WAS 15 (Q1 51:10) — 3-J.Brown extra point is GOOD, Center-51-Z.DeOssie, Holder-9-B.Wing.; Washington Commanders connected on a field goal from the NYG 15 (Q1 45:30) — (:30) 3-D.Hopkins 33 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-57-N.Sundberg, Holder-5-T.Way..
The second quarter: Washington Commanders won the period 10–7. Washington Commanders connected on a field goal from the NYG 27 (Q2 38:39) — (8:39) 3-D.Hopkins 45 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-57-N.Sundberg, Holder-5-T.Way.; New York Giants found the end zone from the WAS 2 (Q2 34:16) — (4:16) (No Huddle) 26-O.Darkwa left tackle for 2 yards, TOUCHDOWN.; New York Giants added 1 points from the WAS 15 (Q2 34:12) — 3-J.Brown extra point is GOOD, Center-51-Z.DeOssie, Holder-9-B.Wing.; Washington Commanders found the end zone from the NYG 44 (Q2 33:49); Washington Commanders added 1 points from the NYG 15 (Q2 33:40) — 3-D.Hopkins extra point is GOOD, Center-57-N.Sundberg, Holder-5-T.Way..
The third quarter: Washington Commanders won the period 7–3. Washington Commanders found the end zone from the NYG 55 (Q3 24:55) — (9:55) (Shotgun) 8-K.Cousins pass short left to 80-J.Crowder for 55 yards, TOUCHDOWN.; Washington Commanders added 1 points from the NYG 15 (Q3 24:45) — 3-D.Hopkins extra point is GOOD, Center-57-N.Sundberg, Holder-5-T.Way.; New York Giants connected on a field goal from the WAS 11 (Q3 21:33) — (6:33) 3-J.Brown 29 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-51-Z.DeOssie, Holder-9-B.Wing..
The fourth quarter: Washington Commanders won the period 6–3. Washington Commanders connected on a field goal from the NYG 7 (Q4 15:00) — (15:00) 3-D.Hopkins 25 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-57-N.Sundberg, Holder-5-T.Way.; New York Giants connected on a field goal from the WAS 12 (Q4 7:59) — (7:59) 3-J.Brown 30 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-51-Z.DeOssie, Holder-9-B.Wing.; Washington Commanders connected on a field goal from the NYG 19 (Q4 1:55) — (1:55) 3-D.Hopkins 37 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-57-N.Sundberg, Holder-5-T.Way..
Turning points
Plays that moved win probability the most — the swings that decided the game.
- New York Giants (Q4 1:09) — (1:09) (Shotgun) 10-E.Manning pass short middle intended for 34-S.Vereen INTERCEPTED by 36-S.Cravens at NYG 43. 36-S.Cravens to NYG 41 for 2 yards (34-S.Vereen).
- New York Giants (Q4 13:42) — (13:42) (Shotgun) 10-E.Manning pass short middle intended for 45-W.Tye INTERCEPTED by 47-Q.Dunbar at WAS 0. Touchback.
- Washington Commanders (Q3 24:55) — (9:55) (Shotgun) 8-K.Cousins pass short left to 80-J.Crowder for 55 yards, TOUCHDOWN.
- Washington Commanders (Q3 18:17) — (3:17) (Punt formation) 5-T.Way pass deep left to 47-Q.Dunbar to NYG 21 for 31 yards (17-D.Harris).
- New York Giants (Q1 58:37) — (13:37) 9-B.Wing punts 44 yards to WAS 27, Center-51-Z.DeOssie. 47-Q.Dunbar MUFFS catch, RECOVERED by NYG-17-D.Harris at WAS 28. 17-D.Harris to WAS 28 for no gain (84-N.Paul). Penalty on WAS-35-D.Phil
Impact plays
Highest expected-points added snaps that flipped field position and scoring chances.
- Washington Commanders (Q3 24:55) — (9:55) (Shotgun) 8-K.Cousins pass short left to 80-J.Crowder for 55 yards, TOUCHDOWN.
- New York Giants (Q4 13:42) — (13:42) (Shotgun) 10-E.Manning pass short middle intended for 45-W.Tye INTERCEPTED by 47-Q.Dunbar at WAS 0. Touchback.
- Washington Commanders (Q3 18:17) — (3:17) (Punt formation) 5-T.Way pass deep left to 47-Q.Dunbar to NYG 21 for 31 yards (17-D.Harris).
- New York Giants (Q1 58:37) — (13:37) 9-B.Wing punts 44 yards to WAS 27, Center-51-Z.DeOssie. 47-Q.Dunbar MUFFS catch, RECOVERED by NYG-17-D.Harris at WAS 28. 17-D.Harris to WAS 28 for no gain (84-N.Paul). Penalty on WAS-35-D.Phil
Quarterback report card
E.Manning led all passers in efficiency for New York Giants, setting the tone in the passing game according to FantasyHQ analytics.
- E.Manning (New York Giants) · 44 dropbacks · 56.8% completion · +0.8% CPOE · +0.07 EPA/play · +3.15 total EPA
- K.Cousins (Washington Commanders) · 40 dropbacks · 52.5% completion · -0.1% CPOE · +0.25 EPA/play · +9.82 total EPA
Team stats comparison
Side-by-side offensive and defensive efficiency from FantasyHQ analytics.
| Stat | Washington Commanders | New York Giants |
|---|---|---|
| Offensive EPA/play | +0.131 | +0.055 |
| Offensive success rate | 46.2% | 45.2% |
| Pass EPA/play | +0.365 | +0.072 |
| Rush EPA/play | -0.176 | -0.042 |
| Defensive EPA/play | -0.055 | -0.131 |
| Defensive success rate | 54.8% | 53.8% |
By the numbers
Despite the final score, Washington Commanders generated the better offensive EPA per play (+0.13 vs +0.06), suggesting they moved the ball more efficiently.
- New York Giants: 11 drives, +4.59 total EPA, 5 scoring drives
- Washington Commanders: 11 drives, +12.15 total EPA, 7 scoring drives
Key takeaways
What to remember for fantasy research, film review, and follow-up box score digging.
- Washington Commanders leaves with the win and the better postgame narrative for Week-to-week momentum.
- One-score margin — fantasy managers should double-check garbage-time stats before drawing conclusions.
- K. Cousins (Washington Commanders) is the first name to pull up for highlight reels and prop-retrospective research.
Every scoring play
Chronological scoring with field position and full play-by-play context.
- New York Giants TD (+6) — Q1 57:35 · WAS 1 · Score 0-6
(12:35) 34-S.Vereen right guard for 1 yard, TOUCHDOWN. - New York Giants XP (+1) — Q1 57:18 · WAS 15 · Score 0-7
3-J.Brown extra point is GOOD, Center-51-Z.DeOssie, Holder-9-B.Wing. - Washington Commanders FG (+3) — Q1 54:40 · NYG 31 · Score 3-7
(9:40) 3-D.Hopkins 49 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-57-N.Sundberg, Holder-5-T.Way. - New York Giants TD (+6) — Q1 51:16 · WAS 23 · Score 3-13
(6:16) (No Huddle, Shotgun) 10-E.Manning pass deep middle to 87-S.Shepard for 23 yards, TOUCHDOWN. - New York Giants XP (+1) — Q1 51:10 · WAS 15 · Score 3-14
3-J.Brown extra point is GOOD, Center-51-Z.DeOssie, Holder-9-B.Wing. - Washington Commanders FG (+3) — Q1 45:30 · NYG 15 · Score 6-14
(:30) 3-D.Hopkins 33 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-57-N.Sundberg, Holder-5-T.Way. - Washington Commanders FG (+3) — Q2 38:39 · NYG 27 · Score 9-14
(8:39) 3-D.Hopkins 45 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-57-N.Sundberg, Holder-5-T.Way. - New York Giants TD (+6) — Q2 34:16 · WAS 2 · Score 9-20
(4:16) (No Huddle) 26-O.Darkwa left tackle for 2 yards, TOUCHDOWN. - New York Giants XP (+1) — Q2 34:12 · WAS 15 · Score 9-21
3-J.Brown extra point is GOOD, Center-51-Z.DeOssie, Holder-9-B.Wing. - Washington Commanders TD (+6) — Q2 33:49 · NYG 44 · Score 15-21
(3:49) (Shotgun) 8-K.Cousins pass deep middle to 11-D.Jackson for 44 yards, TOUCHDOWN. The Replay Official reviewed the pass completion ruling, and the play was - Washington Commanders XP (+1) — Q2 33:40 · NYG 15 · Score 16-21
3-D.Hopkins extra point is GOOD, Center-57-N.Sundberg, Holder-5-T.Way. - Washington Commanders TD (+6) — Q3 24:55 · NYG 55 · Score 22-21
(9:55) (Shotgun) 8-K.Cousins pass short left to 80-J.Crowder for 55 yards, TOUCHDOWN. - Washington Commanders XP (+1) — Q3 24:45 · NYG 15 · Score 23-21
3-D.Hopkins extra point is GOOD, Center-57-N.Sundberg, Holder-5-T.Way. - New York Giants FG (+3) — Q3 21:33 · WAS 11 · Score 23-24
(6:33) 3-J.Brown 29 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-51-Z.DeOssie, Holder-9-B.Wing. - Washington Commanders FG (+3) — Q4 15:00 · NYG 7 · Score 26-24
(15:00) 3-D.Hopkins 25 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-57-N.Sundberg, Holder-5-T.Way. - New York Giants FG (+3) — Q4 7:59 · WAS 12 · Score 26-27
(7:59) 3-J.Brown 30 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-51-Z.DeOssie, Holder-9-B.Wing. - Washington Commanders FG (+3) — Q4 1:55 · NYG 19 · Score 29-27
(1:55) 3-D.Hopkins 37 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-57-N.Sundberg, Holder-5-T.Way.
Frequently asked questions
Who won Washington Commanders vs New York Giants?
The Washington Commanders beat the New York Giants 29-27 in Week 3, 2016 on 2016-09-25.
What was the final score of Washington Commanders vs New York Giants?
The final score was Washington Commanders 29, New York Giants 27 (WAS 29-27 NYG) in Week 3, 2016 on 2016-09-25.
What was the score by quarter in Washington Commanders vs New York Giants?
Q1: Washington Commanders 6, New York Giants 14; Q2: Washington Commanders 10, New York Giants 7; Q3: Washington Commanders 7, New York Giants 3; Q4: Washington Commanders 6, New York Giants 3; Final: Washington Commanders 29, New York Giants 27.
Who scored touchdowns and field goals in Washington Commanders vs New York Giants?
New York Giants touchdown — S. Vereen (Q1 57:35) New York Giants touchdown — S. Shepard (E. Manning pass) (Q1 51:16) New York Giants touchdown — O. Darkwa (Q2 34:16) Washington Commanders touchdown — D. Jackson (K. Cousins pass) (Q2 33:49) Washington Commanders touchdown — J. Crowder (K. Cousins pass) (Q3 24:55) Washington Commanders field goal — D. Hopkins (Q1 54:40, 3 pts) Washington Commanders field goal — D. Hopkins (Q1 45:30, 3 pts) Washington Commanders field goal — D. Hopkins (Q2 38:39, 3 pts) New York Giants field goal — J. Brown (Q3 21:33, 3 pts) Washington Commanders field goal — D. Hopkins (Q4 15:00, 3 pts) New York Giants field goal — J. Brown (Q4 7:59, 3 pts) Washington Commanders field goal — D. Hopkins (Q4 1:55, 3 pts) Extra points followed each touchdown unless noted in the play-by-play.
How did the quarterbacks play in Washington Commanders vs New York Giants?
E. Manning (New York Giants), 56.8% completion, +0.8% CPOE, +0.07 EPA per dropback, +3.15 total passing EPA. K. Cousins (Washington Commanders), 52.5% completion, -0.1% CPOE, +0.25 EPA per dropback, +9.82 total passing EPA.
Who was the most impactful player in Washington Commanders vs New York Giants?
K. Cousins (Washington Commanders) led the game in total EPA with +9.82 on passing plays. across 40 snaps. The top single-play swing was (+6.71 EPA): (9:55) (Shotgun) 8-K.Cousins pass short left to 80-J.Crowder for 55 yards, TOUCHDOWN.. The biggest win-probability swing was -38.4%.
Was Washington Commanders vs New York Giants a close game?
Yes — the margin was 2 points. Washington Commanders won 29-27 in a game that came down to the wire.
Season records after this game
Washington Commanders
Entered 0-2 Now 1-2 W
New York Giants
Entered 2-0 Now 2-1 L
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