Giants...24 Redskins...17

LANDOVER, Md. -- A New York Giants defense that had given up 80 points in its first two games allowed only 83 yards after halftime and stopped the Washington Redskins on four plays from first and goal at the one in the final minute to preserve a 24-17 victory Sunday.

What was it like in the Giants’ huddle for their defensive stand?

“If I put you in that huddle, your ears might bleed,” defensive tackle Barry Cofield said. “At that point, it’s not about technique, it’s not about the call, it’s all about getting fired up and realizing what’s at stake.”

Coach Joe Gibbs said he called for a spike on first and goal because the Redskins (2-1) had no timeouts left, and he wanted to get in the jumbo, goal-line package. After a dropped pass, New York (1-2) stopped two runs.

Plaxico Burress, who had three drops and no catches in the first half, had five receptions for 86 yards in the second. He made the Giants’ go-ahead score on a 33-yard catch-and-run.

Quoteworthy: “I gave him one of those old backyard Virginia Beach moves, and he fell for it.” -- Plaxico Burress, Giants receiver, on the scoring play that beat cornerback Carlos Rogers