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Controversial calls late doom Commanders in 20-12 loss to Giants
New York Giants cornerback Darnay Holmes (30) breaks up a pass intended for Washington Commanders wide receiver Curtis Samuel (10) in the end zone on fourth and goal in the final minute of the fourth quarter at FedExField. Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports

Controversial calls late doom Commanders in 20-12 loss to Giants

By Mike Santa Barbara  |  Last updated 12/19/22

The New York Giants held on for a 20-12 victory over the Washington Commanders on Sunday night, aided by a controversial call and non-call by officials in the game's final minute. 

With 1:03 left, Commanders' running back Brian Robinson appeared to score from one yard out, setting up Washington with an opportunity to tie the score late with a two-point conversion. 

However, a penalty for illegal formation on Terry McLaurin nullified the score, even though the wideout seemingly confirmed with the line judge before the snap that he was on the line of scrimmage, as receivers often do.

 Things didn't get better for the Commanders, who failed to convert facing a fourth and six, forcing a deciding fourth down, where things got even worse. 

On fourth and six, quarterback Taylor Heinicke failed to connect with wideout Curtis Samuel, ending the Commanders' hopes. 

But, controversy reared its ugly head again, as replays showed Giants cornerback Darnay Holmes had interfered with Samuel. 

It's a brutal way to lose for the Commanders, who dropped to 1-3 against the NFC East. At 7-6-1, the Commanders are now last in the division, a game behind the Giants. 

Meanwhile, the Giants kept their postseason hopes alive in the NFC, improving to 8-5-1. 

Washington's loss wasn't good news only for the Giants, as the Dallas Cowboys benefited too. 

Despite an overtime loss to the Jacksonville Jaguars on Sunday, the Cowboys clinched a playoff spot with the Commanders' loss.

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