Rookie linebacker Sonny Styles made a pivotal stop as the Washington Commanders defeated the New York Giants, 24–21, on Thursday Night Football in Week 10. With two minutes remaining, the Giants faced third-and-3. A first down could have helped them run out the clock, but Styles read the play and brought quarterback J.J. McCarthy down for a two-yard loss.
The stop gave Washington possession and time to mount a game-winning drive. Quarterback Jayden Daniels later connected with wide receiver Stefon Diggs for the decisive touchdown.
Styles said he recognized a familiar look from the teams’ previous meeting, when the Giants ran a crack-toss play in a similar situation. He noticed a tight end appearing ready to block and, after a teammate also raised the possibility of a quarterback run, committed to disrupting the play.
## Sonny Styles Steps Into the Spotlight
Styles finished with 13 tackles and stood out on a night when he entered the game overshadowed by former Ohio State teammate Arvell Reese, a Giants rookie linebacker selected two spots earlier in the 2026 draft. Styles’ third-down tackle was among his most important contributions, demonstrating the instincts and awareness that helped shape Washington’s defensive performance.
NFL Network analyst Brian Baldinger described Styles as “the quarterback” of the defense. That is a significant role for a 21-year-old former safety who has played linebacker for just over two years. The Giants also appeared to target areas Styles had vacated when he moved away from the middle of the field to blitz or cover elsewhere.
## Commanders Lean on Defensive Pressure
Washington’s defensive preparation and aggressive approach helped secure the win. Head coach Dan Quinn and first-year defensive coordinator Daronte Jones had faced questions after the team’s performance against the Los Angeles Rams the previous week. Against the Giants, Jones leaned on the defense’s core identity: applying pressure.
Styles was central to that plan, including as a middle blitzer. Early in the game, he powered through running back Devin Singletary in pass protection, setting an aggressive tone. Styles had also shown similar strength against a former 2,000-yard rusher and Super Bowl champion in Week 1.
On the Giants’ final possession, Washington showed pressure and sent seven rushers after McCarthy. Styles and edge rusher Odafe Oweh helped disrupt the quarterback, whose altered throw was intercepted by cornerback Rasul Douglas. The sequence capped a strong defensive effort and highlighted Styles’ growing importance in directing the Commanders’ front seven.
