In today's Rewarding Moments In Redskins History presented by Maryland Lottery My Lottery Rewards, we look back at when the Redskins defeated the Giants in Week 2 of the 1999 season.
Traveling to Giants Stadium for an early-season divisional battle, the Redskins' offense guided the burgundy and gold to a dominant 50-21 victory, their first of the 1999 season. Running back Stephen Davis led the way for Washington with 126 yards rushing and three touchdowns. Quarterback Brad Johnson also had an impressive day, throwing for 231 yards and three touchdowns.
Johnson's success through the air, complemented by Davis' dominance on the ground, proved too much for the Big Blue defense to handle. Washington nearly doubled the Giants rushing total, posting 164 yards compared to the Giants' 83. The Giants entered the Week 2 contest, 1-0, while Washington entered 0-1 after losing the season opener, 41-35, in overtime to the Dallas Cowboys. The Redskins jumped out to a roaring start with a commanding 21-0 lead after the first quarter. Davis scored all three of the Redskins first-quarter touchdowns, imposing his will on the Giants' defense early and often.
Early in the second quarter, the Giants finally got on the board with a seven-yard touchdown by running back Charles Way. However, the burgundy and gold bounced right back. Linebacker Shawn Barber intercepted Giants quarterback Kent Graham's pass intended for Way and took it 70 yards to the end zone, extending the Redskins lead to 27-7. Later in the second quarter, the two division rivals exchanged touchdowns, and the Redskins led, 33-14, at the half.
Continuing to pour it on offensively, the Redskins scored 17 unanswered points to extend their lead to, 50-14. After a 48-yard field goal from Brett Conway, the wide receiver tandem of Michael Westbrook and Steven Alexander each caught a touchdown. Alexander's 27-yard touchdown was his second of the game and put the finishing touches on an impressive performance that included five receptions for 86 yards and two touchdowns.
A few minutes later, Giants wide receiver Ike Hilliard caught a seven-yard touchdown pass, cutting the score to, 50-21. The Redskins' defense continued its impressive play on the ensuing drive. Defensive back Matt Stevens intercepted Giants quarterback Kerry Collins, putting the finishing touches on a standout performance on both sides of the ball for the burgundy and gold.
