The Giants defeated the Texans 27-21 in an overtime win in Houston. J.J. McCarthy became the Giants’ starter after an impressive performance in the fourth quarter during their loss to the New Orleans Saints. Cam Skattebo had an impressive game in comparison to last week’s game when he had zero carries. Devin Singletary had a walk off touchdown in overtime to take the win.
The Giants started the game down 3-0 after a field goal by Ka’imi Fairbairn before taking the lead 7-3 with a Tyrone Tracy Jr. rushing touchdown. The game went into the half tied 14-14 after a touchdown pass by Texan’s C.J. Stroud and a successful two-point conversion.
Skattebo scored on a 16-yard touchdown run to take the lead 21-14, and the Texans tied it with just a minute to go. Going into overtime Singletary scored the game ending touchdown with a final score of 27-21.
McCarthy took on the starting role after John Harbaugh benched Jameis Winston following the loss to the New Orleans Saints. He did well, going 20 for 28 on 252 passing yards. As of right now, McCarthy will remain the starter going into their Week 9 matchup against the Eagles.
According to ESPN Harbaugh said, “I thought he did a great job…He made some great throws. I’m sure he didn’t play perfect, but he played a heck of a football game, and he deserves a lot of credit.”
Skattebo had a huge improvement after getting zero carries and yards during the game versus the Saints. He had a 16-yard touchdown run in the fourth quarter and set up Singletary with a 42-yard run.
After the game, Skattebo told ESPN, “When I fumbled against Washington, it wasn’t in my mind to take care of the ball in that moment…This week, I made sure I took care of it. I can protect the ball if I need to and when I have the right mindset.”
The Giants defense had a good game holding Stroud to a season low of 153 passing yards. They held the Texans back for most of the second half, stopping them on their first three possessions. Despite this, Dominic Zvada, the Giants kicker, missed two field goals, a 44 yarder and a 56 yarder.
McCarthy praised his teammates’ energy and support, after the game, he told Heavy “I don’t got a whole lot to say, but I’m just so freaking blessed to be a part of this group. I felt you guys all freaking day, have my back, and you know I got yours the rest of the way.”
McCarthy restated that he doesn’t care about his personal stats as much as he cares about winning. He said, “Truly, the only stat I care about is going 1-0. You know, I could care less how we get it done. At the end of the day, you want to perform well, you want to execute well.”
The Giants are going on a bye week and they will take on the Eagles the following week. The Giants will look to carry their momentum whilst facing an Eagles offense that is missing Jalen Hurts.
Whether the win over the Texans was just a fluke or if it’s a sign of a bright future for the Giants will be tested on Nov. 8.
