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HOUSTON — Dominic Zvada is going to have an uncomfortable week off.
It wouldn’t be out of bounds for the Giants to work out a couple of free agent kickers after their undrafted rookie missed two field goals, including a 44-yarder just before halftime Sunday in a 27-21 overtime win against the Texans.
“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 passed up a 55-yard field goal in the second half. Would Zvada have been ready for a 48-yarder if Devin Singletary hadn’t scored on a walk-off 30-yard touchdown run?
“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 started his career 9-for-9 on field goals but is just 4-for-9 since then. He also botched a late-game kickoff assignment for the second straight week by starting overtime with a touchback instead of forcing a return.
“I think he has to go ahead and pound that thing through straight,” head coach John 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.”
Fresh off injured reserve, CB Paulson Adebo started with Greg Newsome II sidelined by a concussion.
With Jevón Holland (concussion) sidelined, Jason Pinnock and Ar’Darius Washington started at safety. Tyler Nubin (neck) was active but mostly placed on special teams.
CB Deonte Banks held Pro Bowl WR Nico Collins to 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.”
The Giants’ touchdown celebration after Jameis Winston’s 1-yard touchdown run was a game of duck, duck, goose with Winston and the offensive linemen.
Why was RG Sisi Mauigoa elected the goose?
“Because I’m a rookie,” he said.
