The New York Giants thought they had put their placekicking woes behind them when they signed undrafted free agent Dominic Zvada this past spring.
The strong-legged Michigan product beat out a very capable Ben Sauls for the job in training camp and made his first nine field goal attempts to start his NFL career.
But lately, Zvada has not been money. He's made just four of his last nine field goal attempts, raising questions about whether he's lost his confidence.
Since starting 9-for-9, Zvada has made four of his last nine FGs. He likes the ball on the left hash for his PATs, but the Skattebo run that gained five yards put the right hash for that kick. Regardless, Zvada needs to make that https://t.co/deK8R4wqTs
— Dan Duggan (@DDuggan21) October 25, 2026
Giants head coach John Harbaugh believes
that Zvada is just in a small slump and will work his way out of it.
“I think he has to go ahead and pound that thing through straight,” Harbaugh told reporters on Sunday. “I think he’s doing what a lot of rookies do — just trying to get it through the uprights. I’m not really worried about Zvada. He just has to do it, but I’m totally confident he will because I know how good he is and know what a good head he has.”
Zvada missed two field goals in the first half of the Giants' 27-21 overtime victory (from 56 and 44 yards), and the team chose to punt from the 37-yard line in the third quarter rather than have Zvada attempt another kick.
Both of Zvada's field goal attempts veered right, but his PATs were perfect.
“I just pushed it,” Zvada said after the game, via the New York Post. “It’s unacceptable. Luckily … I’m surrounded by teammates who really support me and keep me ready for the next one. For us to win, that’s great. I’m going to do my thing during the bye to make sure I’m right for when we go to [play] Philly.”
The Giants have a bye this week and play the Philadelphia Eagles on the road in Week 9. One has to wonder if they will bring in another kicker during the off week to challenge Zvada. Kickers get the yips all the time. The Giants are playing close games every week, and field goals could make or break them.
Sauls, who the Giants cut with an injury settlement at the roster deadline last month, is still available. He could be the one the Giants call if they decide to go that route.
Zvada says he was ready to boot the game-winner if the Giants called on him. The call never came.
“In my mind, it was happening,” Zvada said. “I was kicking into the net, feeling good. I had three PATs that went through. I know I can do it. If it came down to me, I was going to make that kick.”
But the Giants decided to put him on ice for the rest of the game. His turn for redemption will have to wait. Devin Singletary made sure of that with his 30-yard game-winning touchdown run in overtime.
This article originally appeared on Giants Wire: Giants' John Harbaugh isn't worried about Dominic Zvada, but should he be?
