LANDOVER, Md. — The last time almost felt like one of those prolonged volleys in tennis. Back and forth. Baseline to baseline. Hit … hit … hit … hit.
The Giants back in Week 7 welcomed the Commanders to MetLife Stadium, and the most noteworthy statistical oddity coming out of that 14-7 victory was the 18 punts the teams combined to kick.
Tress Way had 10 of them for Washington and Jamie Gillan had eight of them for the Giants.
Way averaged 51.3 yards, Gillan 49.4.
If you like punting, this was a game for you.
“I’ve had games where I haven’t punted until the final quarter, I’ve had games where I’ve punted a lot,’’ Gillan told The Post. “Definitely can’t get lost in ‘Aw, I’m punting again’ and that kind of stuff. There’s always an opportunity to help out the defense. When I’m out there my job is to flip the field when I can, put them inside the 20 when I can and just give the defense the best opportunity I can to stop them so they’ll be punting again.’’
Given the lack of offensive prowess, it is no surprise that Gillan leads the NFL in punts with 57.
Way is sixth with 47 punts.
Gillan is 22nd in the league, averaging 47 yards per punt.
Way is 18th at 47.6.
After three years with the Browns, Gillan, 26, signed with the Giants last season and showed off the powerful left leg that earned him the moniker “Scottish Hammer.’’
Amid the power was also plenty of inconsistency, and the Giants decided to give it a go again with Gillan, bringing him back on a two-year deal worth $4 million.
His 19 punts inside the 20 are tied for fifth in the league, but his percentage of kicks inside the 20 (33 percent) is tied for 21st.
“Just constantly working on trying to be consistent and having some good ones, having some fair catches, flipping the yield, just kind of keeping that ball rolling whenever my name is called,’’ Gillan said. “Done a good job sometimes, just got to keep staying consistent.’’
This season, the Giants have put Gillan on the move more often with rugby-style punts, taking advantage of his upbringing as a rugby player in Scotland.
There is no way WR Parris Campbell expected this when he signed a one-year contract worth $4.7 million to play for the Giants.
Campbell has just 19 receptions for a miniscule 106 yards and recently went through a three-game stretch when he logged only seven total snaps on offense.
He had 14 and 17 snaps the past two games and has found a role as the primary kickoff returner.
He took one 36 yards last week in Dallas.
“Parris has been a big help to us coming back there,’’ special teams coach Thomas McGaughey said. “Obviously, he provides a lot of speed and he’s a good, strong runner. We’re getting closer and closer.’’
An issue this week: Commanders kicker Joey Slye has 44 touchbacks on 44 kickoffs.
This will be the first time all season the Giants will start the same five offensive lineman in back-to-back games — as long as Andrew Thomas, listed as questionable with a knee issue, makes it.
Four of the five (Thomas, Justin Pugh, John Michael Schmitz and Ben Bredeson) are regulars.
Tyree Phillips at right tackle once again replaces Evan Neal, out with a sprained ankle.
Safety Bobby McCain (illness) did not travel with the team to Washington.
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