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Giants’ Shorthanded Defense Grounds C.J. Stroud in Overtime Win Over Texans
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- Giants’ Shorthanded Defense Grounds C.J. Stroud in Overtime Win Over Texans
The New York Giants defense was shorthanded and scuffling entering play Sunday against the Houston Texans.
But even though the Giants allowed scoring drives at the end of each half, they played well enough to flummox C.J. Stroud and his high-octane skill corps. The Giants held Houston to just 237 yards in New York's 27-21 overtime win Sunday.
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Playing without middle linebacker Tremaine Edmunds (chest) and defensive backs Greg Newsome II (concussion) and Jevon Holland (concussion), the Giants held Stroud to a season-low 153 passing yards, even though the game went to overtime. Texans No. 1 receiver Nico Collins finished with two receptions for six yards.
Micah McFadden Was 'Proud' of the Giants
Giants coach John Harbaugh lauded Edmunds' replacement Micah McFadden all week for being a starting-caliber backup. On Sunday, the middle linebacker proved his coach correct.
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McFadden picked right up where Edmunds left off, posting 10 solo tackles, two tackles for loss and a quarterback hit while wearing the green dot as defensive signal-caller. Despite allowing the game-tying touchdown when Stroud hit Xavier Hutchinson with 52 seconds left in regulation, McFadden and the Giants forced a three-and-out in overtime that set up the offense with a chance to win it.
"I was proud of us that we got that three-and-out in overtime," McFadden said. "Obviously, we didn't want to give up that tying touchdown, but I was happy that our offense was able to close it out at the end of the game."
McFadden has been through thick and thin throughout his five seasons with the Giants. His rookie season (2022) he was a starting linebacker for a playoff team that was two wins from the Super Bowl.
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He has also endured a Lisfranc injury that ended his 2025 season and lost his job to Edmunds and rookie Arvell Reese. McFadden bided his time and delivered when his opportunity came after Edmunds was ruled out Friday.
"I'm so proud of this team," McFadden said. "It was a great team win, and I'm proud to be a part of it."
Deonte Banks Deserved 'a Game Ball'
Stroud entered play as arguably the NFL's hottest quarterback, and Collins had posted at least 50 receiving yards in every game this season.
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But No. 1 cornerback Deonte Banks put a no-fly zone around the No. 1 receiver. Sunday was Collins' first game with single-digit receiving yards since Dec. 5, 2021, and Banks deserves much of the credit.
"I probably should've given him a game ball," Giants coach John Harbaugh said of Banks. "He was on it man. We knew he needed to cover these guys tight, especially on in-breaking routes, because [Stroud] is really accurate especially when moving around in the pocket."
Banks finished with two tackles and two passes defended, a performance that should lift his 64.6 overall grade from Pro Football Focus this season.
This story was originally published by Athlon on Oct 26, 2026, where it first appeared in the NFL section. Add Athlon as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
