One of the most famous Commanders fans pretty much spoke for a team biting its collective tongue.
Nets star Kevin Durant posted to his Twitter account an image of a fake holiday card with a photo that shows Giants cornerback Darnay Holmes making contact with Commanders receiver Curtis Samuel long before the ball arrived and Holmes broke up the decisive fourth-down pass in Sunday’s game. Holmes was not penalized for pass interference, which would’ve given the Commanders a first down at the 1-yard line in the final minute of what instead was a 20-12 loss to the Giants.
“Happy Holidays 2022 Sending Hugs!” read the image that Durant shared.
Commanders coach Ron Rivera was not asked Monday about the officiating, one day after he made it clear that he thought his team was the victim of a bad call — a touchdown-negating illegal formation penalty — and a bad non-call in the final 70 seconds by telling reporters he couldn’t answer questions about officiating. The underlying implication was that he would be fined for sounding off.
Darnay Holmes appears to get away with pass interference on the decisive fourth down stop. Getty Images
Kevin Durant was unhappy about the officiating in the Commanders’ loss to the Giants. Getty Images“The officials have a tough job to do,” said Giants head coach Brian Daboll, who has been caught lashing out at officials on the sideline a few times this season. “I think being in this league for a long time, you’re probably on both sides of it. I respect what they do. Look, Darnay made a good play.”
Holmes wasn’t about to stop celebrating in the locker room to think about the implications of a flag that wasn’t thrown.
“I’m the type of guy who loves to be on an island — and that’s just what that was,” Holmes told reporters. “I feel like those things are destined for me. Every time I hit that field, I tell myself, ‘I’m a closer. I’m an eraser.’”
Giants rookie Kayvon Thibodeaux responded to Durant by telling him to “Come play tight end.” Center Jon Feliciano, whose controversial taunting penalty played a role in a Giants-Commanders tie two weeks ago, reacted to the buzz online about the Commanders getting a bad break.
“Ohhh sooo now y’all mad about the officiating,” Feliciano wrote, followed by emojis for a melting face, laughing and two flexed biceps.
Playing for the first time since Oct. 30, LB/S Landon Collins looked like Giants’ best second-level run-stopper in the box — a point of weakness for the defense. The Giants have elevated Collins from the practice squad three times, which is the maximum. So, he must be signed to the active roster to play again, which Daboll and general manager Joe Schoen must decide.
“We haven’t had a chance to sit down and discuss those things,” Daboll said, “but certainly that topic — probably amongst a bunch of other ones — [will] come up. We’ll talk about it.”
WR Kenny Golladay played one offensive snap. Unlike in Week 2, when his decreased usage to two snaps created a big fuss, it hardly registered as blip on the radar in a big game. The former $72 million free-agent signing has four catches for 51 yards on 189 offensive snaps this season.
TE Nick Vannett (shoulder) underwent an X-ray but Daboll did not have any specific injury updates.
“I think we should be in good shape,” Daboll said in general terms.
After a sleepy train ride home, the Giants arrived back at their facility shortly before 5 a.m. Monday. Players had their only day off this week, with an atypical Saturday game ahead.
“I went home, got a couple hours of sleep,” Daboll said. “And then we’re back at it. Sunday night games, they’re fun that night. The next day, not as much.”
Colts RB Jonathan Taylor (high ankle sprain) is likely done for the season, which means the Giants won’t see the NFL’s 2021 rushing king when the teams meet Jan. 1 at MetLife Stadium.
Saquon Barkley may feel like he’s back in college during the Giants’ trip to Minnesota.
The Vikings have asked fans to wear all white to create a “Winter Whiteout,” a staple among college programs to create a unique atmosphere — something Barkley’s alma mater, Penn State, was well known for.
The fans won’t be alone changing it up for the Christmas Eve game. Vikings players will be wearing their all-white uniforms for the matchup.
