The New York Giants landed in Houston with a lot of questions and even more injuries. They were 10.5-point underdogs and were given practically no chance to beat the suddenly hot Texans.
But that's why they play the game, as the saying goes.
The Giants battled throughout the game, led by a bounce-back performance courtesy of Cam Skattebo, who set up the game-winning score with a 42-yard scamper in overtime.
Here's a look at some studs and duds from Sunday's 27-21 overtime victory over the Texans.
Stud: WR Malik Nabers
Nabers racked up his fourth consecutive 100-yard performance, catching seven of nine targets for 111 yards with a long of 42. He is elite, and his presence has opened up more opportunities for the other receivers.
Dud: K Dominic Zvada
Zvada, who started the season with a bang
by converting his first nine field goal attempts, has suddenly skidded into a slump. He came into the game missing three of his last seven and then missed his first two field goal attempts in this game. His first attempt was from 56 yards and the second from 44. The Giants did not allow Zvada to attempt a field goal in the second half, opting to punt and/or go on fourth downs.
Stud: QB J.J. McCarthy
The Vikings traded this guy? And where are the critics who said the Giants overpaid in the trade, surrendering a fifth-round pick? They're gone. McCarthy killed it again on Sunday, completing 20 of 28 passes for 252 yards and committing no turnovers. He led the Giants on touchdown drives of 66, 73, 80, and 81 yards. Thank you, Vikings!
Dud: Giants pass rush
Lots of effective pressure, but no sacks again. They did have three QB hits on C.J. Stroud and forced him to throw much sooner than he wanted on several occasions.
Stud: RB Cam Skattebo
Skattebo came into the game with a bigger chip than normal this week, after not touching the football last week. He redeemed himself, and then some, rushing 17 times for 124 yards and a touchdown. He had two huge runs that set up scores for Big Blue.
Stud: WR Malachi Fields
The rookie benefited from Nabers and tight end Isaiah Likely's presence, beating his single-coverage for 83 yards on four catches. He had a key 47-yard reception.
Studly Dud: QB Jameis Winston
Winston has become a tush-push specialist. He rushed four times for four yards. Three went for first downs, and one went for a touchdown.
More studs:
- LB Micah McFadden
- RB Devin Singletary
- LB Abdul Carter
More duds:
- WR Darnell Mooney
- OL Jon Runyan Jr.
This article originally appeared on Giants Wire: Studs and duds from New York Giants' Week 7 win over Houston Texans
