Injuries and poor performances have ravaged what was supposed to be a quality secondary for the Washington Commanders in 2025, so a surprise starter showing out against the New York Giants in Week 15 was a welcome sight.
Journeyman Antonio Hamilton Sr. only came off the practice squad back in October, so he was a logical target for the Giants at MetLife Stadium. Yet, rather than take the extra attention personally, Hamilton thanked Washington’s NFC East rival for allowing him to put more reps on film during a 29-21 win.
Speaking after the game on Sunday, December 14, 32-year-old cornerback Hamilton explained his gratitude by pointing out, “Only two things happen when you (are) getting a lot of targets. You either get exposed or you get exposure. Tonight was more exposure and I’m thankful for it,” per ESPN’s John Keim.
Hamilton made the most of his overexposure by breaking up a pair of passes to help the Commanders limit Giants rookie quarterback Jaxson Dart to a modest 36 QBR, according to ESPN.
Surprise Starter Antonio Hamilton Sr. Stepped Up
The uptake in Hamilton’s workload was significant against the Giants, with Keim noting the corner had “played a combined 31 snaps on D before Sunday; he played 56 today.”
Seeing the relatively untested Hamilton on the field more often wasn’t an opportunity the Giants were going to avoid. Dart looked No. 34’s way early and often, but to his credit, Hamilton rarely buckled.
Instead, the former Arizona Cardinals and Atlanta Falcons defensive back stood up well against Giants wide receivers Darius Slayton and Wan’Dale Robinson. In the process, Hamilton put together a decent reminder of his abilities with 2026 NFL free agency looming.
Hamilton’s performance was a rare example of a player stepping up in a key moment to help the Commanders at a weak position this season. It hasn’t happened enough, but Hamilton’s example proved contagious when a maligned member of the secondary also made a key play.
Commanders Defense Showed Signs of Life vs. Giants
The Commanders had been waiting in vain on a turnaround defensively since head coach Dan Quinn took over calling plays, but there were signs of life against the Giants. Notably, an interception and 55-yard return by second-year corner Mike Sainristil.
It’s been an erratic sophomore campaign for Sainristil, but he’s not the only high-profile cornerback who hasn’t met expectations. Four-time Pro Bowler Marshon Lattimore was already struggling before he tore his ACL back in Week 9.
Lattimore and Sainristil’s problems have been part of an overall malaise defensively for the Commanders. Issues also extend to a front seven that’s struggled to generate consistent pressure.
Fortunately, the Commanders kept Dart under duress throughout the game. He was sacked by future Hall of Famer Von Miller and took hits from edge defenders Preston Smith and Jacob Martin.
This level of heat on the pocket made life easier for Hamilton, Sainristil and the rest 0f a threadbare secondary. It’s how things are supposed to work for Quinn’s defense.
The Commanders still have a lot of things to fix, like playing tighter in man coverage and with more symmetry on the back end. They also need to keep the pressure on up front, but the Hamilton and Miller-led efforts against the Giants were at least a positive start.
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