HOUSTON — The Giants defense was full of loyalists Sunday.
In the first game after coordinator Dennard Wilson publicly called out the defense — and held a private team meeting where names were named and film was shown — his unit showed few, if any, "traitors." That's what Wilson called players who don't give a full effort running to the ball.
"Swarm — that was the word — and empty the tank," Jason Pinnock said after the Giants beat the Texans 27-21 in overtime to rebound from an ugly hustle-lacking loss to the Saints. "That's what we showed. I feel like the defense responded."
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"Swarm" is an interesting — but appropriate, given the timing — word choice for the Giants because it's the Texans' defensive motto. The Giants forced six punts and allowed only 237 yards of offense.
The biggest defensive stop happened in overtime, after Houston scored the game-tying touchdown with 52 seconds remaining.
The Giants won the coin toss and elected to kick off. Micah McFadden blew up a run for no gain, Kayvon Thibodeaux dropped an interception thrown onto his hip (incompletion) and Pinnock broke up a third-down pass that only got out of C.J. Stroud's hand because of (declined) offensive holding.
"The biggest thing was energy," Pinnock said. "Last week, the biggest thing was the ups and downs of the game. We were big on, 'When something bad happens, have energy.' It's a momentum game."
DJ Reader is an 11-year veteran. Short of forcing takeaways, did he consider that as good as a team can respond to being called out by its coordinator?
Houston Texans tight end Dalton Schultz, left, is tackled by New York Giants linebacker Micah McFadden (41) after making a catch during the first half of an NFL football game in Houston, Sunday, Oct. 25, 2026. AP Photo/Gerald Herbert
"I think so," Reader said. "You heard about the callouts and we needed to look inward. Obviously, the beginning response is going to be a little machismo, but you really try to take in the things that the coach is saying. That's a good way to respond as a team."
John Harbaugh praised McFadden (10 tackles) in his first start of the season, Deonte Banks for his tight coverage and Abdul Carter for his "empty the tank" message.
"That was a players win in every way," Harbaugh said.
New York Giants linebacker Kayvon Thibodeaux (5) reacts as he walks to the sidelines before playing against the Houston Texans at Reliant Stadium in Houston, Texas, Sunday, Oct. 25, 2026. IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect
The Giants tackled Harbaugh to the ground after the win — their fifth straight game decided in the last 20 seconds of regulation or overtime.
"Football is funny," Reader said. "It always gives you a chance to redeem yourself. It's going to come.
"We're so happy to get a win. All that other s–t, it's like arguing with your brother. It doesn't matter anymore."
