NFL notes: Giants finish strong in win over Washington
The New York Giants do know how to hold onto a lead.
New York didn’t let Washington steal a victory late, finishing off a 32-21 decision Thursday night on Odell Beckham Jr.’s 30-yard touchdown catch and Rueben Randle’s 41-yarder.
The Giants (1-2) fell apart in the fourth quarter of losses to Dallas and Atlanta. This time, they dominated most of the action against the injury-plagued Redskins (1-2), who lost veteran cornerback DeAngelo Hall to a right leg injury that looked serious.
“We won,” Giants coach Tom Coughlin said. “Smile.”
The Giants scored in nearly every way possible, beginning with Rashad Jennings blocking Tress Way’s punt for a safety on Washington’s opening series. Andre Williams scored on a 1-yard run, Josh Brown kicked three field goals, and Beckham toasted Bashaud Breeland to settle matters. Randle had a 41-yard TD catch in the closing minutes, after which Washington’s Rashad Ross returned the kickoff 101 yards for the final score.
Eli Manning, who struggled in key situations in the previous two defeats, was coolly efficient, finishing 23 of 31 for 279 yards. Beckham had seven receptions for 79 yards, and Randle had seven for 116.
Clausen looking like starter vs Seattle
Jimmy Clausen is taking all the snaps at practice so far this week as Chicago prepares for Sunday’s game at Seattle.
The Bears are not expected to officially announce Clausen as the starting quarterback until Friday. But he is doing all the first-team work while Jay Cutler nurses a strained hamstring.
Clausen says he doubts playing at Seattle will be intimidating after he had to endure 10 starts as a rookie with a 1-9 record in Carolina under current Bears coach John Fox.
NFL gets permission for drone use
The NFL’s sky-high popularity will now include drones.
The league received permission from the Federal Aviation Administration for limited use of drones.
NFL spokesman Brian McCarthy said in an email to The Associated Press that the drones will not be used on the day of games; the league prohibits the use of drones on game day in stadiums and in parking lots.
McCarthy said NFL Films will be allowed to use drones and teams may film their own practices if they comply with local, state and federal guidelines.
Around the league
Packers RB Eddie Lacy and receiver Davante Adams missed practice with ankle injuries, but are not ruled out to play Monday against the Chiefs. … Jets CB Darrelle Revis, WR Eric Decker and RB Chris Ivory are all uncertain to play Sunday against the Eagles because of injuries. … Panthers star MLB Luke Kuechly remains out of practice with a concussion, raising questions about whether he’ll miss his second straight game on Sunday. Kuechly, injured in opener, sat out last Sunday against the Texans.