HOUSTON, TX — The New York Giants defeated the Houston Texans 27-21 in overtime on Sunday afternoon at Reliant Stadium, earning a much-needed victory behind a strong performance from all three running backs, whom Coach Harbaugh said last week needed to “step up” at some point.
Making his first start with the Giants, quarterback J.J. McCarthy completed 20 of 28 passes for 252 yards, helping Big Blue improve to 4-2-1 on the season. The Texans, who were heavy betting favorites in this matchup, dropped to 2-5, with their two game winning streak coming to an end.
The Giants struck first on their opening possession when McCarthy connected with wide receiver Malik Nabers for a 42-yard completion. Running back Tyrone Tracy Jr. finished the drive with a two-yard touchdown run, giving NYG an early 7-3 lead after Houston opened the scoring with a 58-yard field goal from Ka’imi Fairbairn.
New York extended its advantage late in the first half. After McCarthy connected with tight end Thomas Fidone II for a 29-yard gain, backup quarterback Jameis Winston punched the ball into the end zone on a one-yard quarterback sneak to make it 14-6.
Houston responded before halftime. Quarterback C.J. Stroud found newly acquired wide receiver Marvin Harrison Jr. for his first touchdown as a Texan, and Houston converted a two-point attempt to tie the game at 14-14.
Both teams traded touchdowns in the second half. After essentially being benched last week against New Orleans, Cam Skattebo bounced back, giving the Giants a 21-14 lead with a 16-yard touchdown run in the fourth quarter.
Despite the touchdown, the Texans refused to go away. With 52 seconds remaining in regulation, Stroud connected with Xavier Hutchinson on a short pass for a touchdown, tying the game at 21-21 and forcing overtime.
The Giants won the coin toss, but Houston received the ball first in overtime and was unable to score, giving the G-Men an opportunity to end the game with any score.
Skattebo broke loose for a 42-yard run to get the Giants in scoring position and made his presence felt. Two plays later, Devin “Motor” Singletary busted through the Houston defense for a 30-yard touchdown run that put the 27-21 game away.
Skattebo finished with a career-high 124 rushing yards and a touchdown, while Nabers recorded seven receptions for 111 yards.
The Giants now head into their bye week with momentum after snapping their winless stretch, while keeping an eye on Monday Night Football as the Eagles take on the Cowboys.
