The New York Giants defeated the Houston Texans 27-21 in overtime on Sunday, improving to 4-2-1 and entering their bye week alone in first place in the NFC East.
Cam Skattebo delivered a redemption performance after receiving zero touches in Week 6 against the Saints. He carried the ball 17 times for 124 yards and scored on a 16-yard run in the fourth quarter that gave New York a 21-14 lead. He also ripped off a 42-yard gain in overtime that set up the game-winning score.
J.J. McCarthy, making his first start for the Giants, completed 20 of 28 passes for 252 yards with no touchdowns and no interceptions. He managed the offense efficiently, protected the football, and helped New York control the ball for more than 35 minutes.
Deonte Banks turned
in a career day in coverage, recording two passes defensed while completely shutting down wide receiver Nico Collins. His work helped hold the Texans to 153 passing yards and kept the Giants in position to finish the game.
Devin Singletary, a former Texan, sealed the win in overtime with a 30-yard touchdown run on a three-play, 81-yard drive. The Giants’ balanced attack and disciplined defense overcame a double-digit underdog role to secure the road victory before the bye.
Final Score: Giants 27, Texans 21
Keys to the Game
- Key 1: The Giants won the time of possession battle, 35:50 to 26:45, while out-gaining Houston, 420 yards to 237.
- Key 2: New York's running game finally came alive against a solid defense, gaining 188 yards and averaging 5.5 yards per carry.
- Key 3: The Giants blitzed C.J. Stroud throughout the game and limited Houston to 3-of-12 on third-down.
It was over when...
Running back Devin Singletary took a first-and-10 handoff and ran 30 yards to the house, sealing the overtime victory at Reliant Stadium. That run came on the heels of a 42-yard run by Cam Skattebo.
Players of the Game
- RB Cam Skattebo: After receiving zero touches last week, Skattebo broke out for 124 yards and one touchdown, including a 42-yard overtime run that set up the game-winning score.
- CB Deonte Banks: Nico Collins was completely shut down on Sunday, and Banks deserves all of the credit. He had two passes defensed and surrendered just three receptions on six targets for 10 yards.
- QB J.J. McCarthy: In his first start with the Giants, McCarthy looked like a seasoned pro, completing 20 of his 28 pass attempts for 252 yards and no turnovers. He also made several explosive passes downfield, giving the Giants a deep game again.
Injuries
Running back Tyrone Tracy Jr. suffered a hamstring injury late in the fourth quarter and was listed as questionable to return.
A few minutes later, safety Jason Pinnock got banged up and limped off, but promptly returned to the field.
Midway through the fourth quarter, tight end Isiah Likely had his leg rolled up on during a tackle and came up limping, but remained in the game.
What's next?
Giants head coach John Harbaugh will meet with reporters on Monday afternoon via Zoom to wrap up the week and set the stage for the team's bye.
New York will return to practice on Wednesday, November 4, ahead of a Week 9 game against the Philadelphia Eagles at Lincoln Financial Field in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Kickoff is scheduled for 1:00 p.m. ET.
This article originally appeared on Giants Wire: New York Giants stun Texans 27-21 in OT, seize NFC East lead at 4-2-1
