Dominic Zvada missed two field goals, including a 44-yarder just before halftime, as the Giants beat the Texans 27-21 in overtime in Houston on Sunday. The undrafted rookie called the misses “unacceptable” and said he’s using the team’s bye week to get right before New York plays Philadelphia.
“I just pushed it,” Zvada said. “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 chose not to attempt a 55-yard field goal later in the game. The outcome never forced the question of whether Zvada would get a shot at a 48-yarder, because Devin Singletary ended the game on a 30-yard walk-off touchdown run in overtime.
“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.”
Zvada opened his career 9-for-9 on field goals but has gone just 4-for-9 since. He also mishandled a late-game kickoff assignment for the second straight week, starting overtime with a touchback instead of forcing a return.
Head coach John Harbaugh said he isn’t worried about the rookie’s slump. “I think he has to go ahead and pound that thing through straight,” Harbaugh said. “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.”
Defense and Secondary Shuffle
The Giants started cornerback Paulson Adebo, fresh off injured reserve, with Greg Newsome II sidelined by a concussion. At safety, Jason Pinnock and Ar’Darius Washington started with Jevón Holland also out with a concussion. Tyler Nubin, dealing with a neck issue, was active but mostly limited to special teams.
Cornerback Deonte Banks held Texans Pro Bowl receiver Nico Collins to just two catches for 6 yards.
“Deonte was all over,” Harbaugh said. “I probably should’ve given him a game ball or defensive player of the game. He had so many tight coverages.”
On offense, Jameis Winston scored on a 1-yard touchdown run, which the Giants celebrated with a game of duck, duck, goose involving Winston and the offensive line — with right guard Sisi Mauigoa cast as the goose.
