HOUSTON — Running back Devin Singletary sprinted 30 yards for a walk-off touchdown in overtime Sunday, propelling the New York Giants to a 27-21 victory over the Houston Texans.
The winning score punctuated a swift, three-play overtime possession for the Giants, who improved to 4-2-1 and moved into first place in the NFC East. Houston, which fell to 2-5, had opened the extra period with possession but went three-and-out after edge rusher Kayvon Thibodeaux narrowly missed an interception on second down, NBC Sports reported.
Taking over on their own 19-yard line, the Giants needed only 81 yards and three snaps to close out the contest. Quarterback J.J. McCarthy completed a 9-yard pass to Malik Nabers before running back Cam Skattebo broke loose for a 42-yard run to Houston’s 30-yard line. On the following snap, Singletary darted through the Texans’ defense into the end zone, according to the Associated Press.
Skattebo sparks explosive ground attack
Skattebo served as the engine of the New York offense after failing to log a single offensive touch the week prior. The rookie rusher generated 124 rushing yards and a fourth-quarter touchdown, highlighting a ground game that racked up 188 total rushing yards against Houston.
McCarthy made his first start of the season under head coach John Harbaugh, who benched veteran Jameis Winston ahead of the contest, ABC News reported. McCarthy completed 20 of 28 passes for 252 yards without a turnover, directing an offense that outgained Houston 420 yards to 237.
The Giants established control early behind a 2-yard touchdown run from Tyrone Tracy Jr. and a 1-yard plunge by Winston. Skattebo later gave New York a 21-14 lead in the fourth quarter on a 16-yard touchdown carry. However, kicker Dominic Zvada left points on the board, missing field goals from 44 and 56 yards in the first half.
Texans falter defensively in crucial moments
Houston tied the game with 52 seconds remaining in regulation when quarterback C.J. Stroud hit Xavier Hutchinson for a 3-yard touchdown pass on third down. Stroud finished 17-of-28 for 153 yards and two scores, including a 6-yard touchdown pass to Marvin Harrison Jr. late in the second quarter. Kicker Ka’imi Fairbairn also converted two long field goals from 57 and 58 yards, according to NBC Sports.
Despite the late comeback, Houston’s defense could not contain the Giants’ rushing attack. Texans head coach DeMeco Ryans lamented his unit’s inability to bring down ballcarriers at crucial junctures.
“The tackling wasn’t good enough today (considering) they rushed the ball the way they rushed it,” Ryans said, as reported by the Associated Press. “We had multiple guys there at the point of attack, but we didn’t get the guys down. So, we’ve got to tackle better. We’ve got to finish better as a team.”
Defensive end Will Anderson Jr. echoed that frustration, emphasizing that Houston’s defensive scheme requires pinpoint precision.
“Can’t give up some of those runs … with this type of defense that we have, you almost have to be perfect,” Anderson said, according to the Associated Press. “There’s almost no room for error in this defense and we have to find a better way to continue to play together.”
Injuries and next steps
Injuries mounted late for both rosters. Tracy exited the game for New York with a hamstring ailment in the fourth quarter, Giants Wire reported, while Texans receiver Jaylin Noel departed with a toe injury, according to ABC News.
Both franchises head into a bye week before resuming their schedules on Nov. 8, when the Giants will travel to face the Philadelphia Eagles and the Texans will visit the Los Angeles Chargers.
