New York Giants coach John Harbaugh attributed Sunday's overtime victory over the Houston Texans to his players, specifically naming quarterback J.J. McCarthy and running back Cam Skattebo, and offered a personal prayer of gratitude. Harbaugh opened his post-game news conference by stating he was "very grateful to my Lord, High Rock, Protector and Stronghold, the Lord God in heaven," before declaring the result a "player's win."
McCarthy secured his first victory as the Giants' starting quarterback in a game that highlighted the team's current roster challenges. He was officially named the starter on Wednesday, replacing Jameis Winston, who had stepped in for Jaxson Dart. Dart's 2026 season has ended following surgery to repair a torn MCL and meniscus. McCarthy, who joined the Giants just 27 days ago in a trade from the Minnesota Vikings, completed 20 of 28 passes for 252 yards. He did not throw a touchdown pass, but he also recorded no interceptions and no fumbles.
Harbaugh praised McCarthy's performance, noting that while the quarterback did not play perfectly, he delivered a strong game that deserved significant credit. The coach observed that McCarthy responded well to his start, helping to stabilize the offense during a period of transition for New York.
On the ground, Skattebo provided a dynamic performance that included a career-high 124 rushing yards. The running back, whom Harbaugh had benched in the previous week's game, played with what the coach described as "fierce joy." Skattebo's efforts were pivotal in the fourth quarter and overtime. On New York's second possession of the game, he took a handoff and drove through a hole, lowering his head to run through Texans safety M.J. Stewart. Although this play resulted in a 15-yard penalty for unnecessary roughness due to the head-first contact, it set the tone for Skattebo's day.
Skattebo scored on a 16-yard run and later capped his performance with a 42-yard run in overtime. That play moved the ball to the Houston 28-yard line, setting up the winning points. Although a field goal from that position would have secured the win, Devin Singletary ran in for a touchdown on the subsequent play to end the game.
The victory leaves the Giants as the only team in the NFC East with a winning record. Harbaugh expressed confidence that his team can handle challenges, including those he himself created by benching Skattebo. He stated that the performances of his young players indicated they would be contenders until the end of the season, despite being without Dart.