The Houston Texans mounted a late fourth-quarter comeback against the New York Giants on Sunday, but their efforts fell short when former Houston running back Devin Singletary scored the winning touchdown in overtime.
The Giants relied on a productive rushing attack and timely passing from quarterback J.J. McCarthy, while Houston struggled to sustain drives despite several impressive plays from C.J. Stroud.
The Texans opened the scoring with a 58-yard field goal by Ka'imi Fairbairn, tying his season-long kick and giving Houston an early advantage.
New York responded when McCarthy connected with Malik Nabers for a 42-yard completion that moved the Giants inside Houston's 5-yard line. Tyrone Tracy Jr. finished the possession with a touchdown run.
The Giants continued moving the football effectively, mixing runs by Tracy and Cam Skattebo with completions to Nabers and Malachi Fields.
Houston's offense, meanwhile, encountered difficulties against New York's defensive pressure. Abdul Carter disrupted Stroud on several plays, and penalties repeatedly created unfavorable down-and-distance situations.
The Texans found occasional success through Dalton Schultz, Nico Collins and running back Woody Marks, but struggled to convert third downs.
New York extended its lead before halftime after McCarthy found tight end Thomas Fidone for a 29-yard completion that set up another short-yardage scoring opportunity.
The Giants used a quarterback sneak package featuring Jameis Winston to reach the end zone.
Houston answered with one of its most memorable drives of the afternoon.
Stroud escaped pressure and connected with Tank Dell for a 42-yard gain, marking a significant moment in Dell's return to action following a lengthy injury absence.
The Texans continued downfield before Stroud found Marvin Harrison Jr. for a touchdown, Harrison's first as a Houston receiver. A successful two-point conversion to Cade Stover tied the game.
New York threatened again before halftime, but Houston cornerback Kamari Lassiter recorded his first NFL sack to end the drive.
The Giants regained control after the break, particularly through their running game.
Skattebo repeatedly broke tackles and eventually powered into the end zone for a touchdown, giving New York another lead.
Houston's defense responded with several important stops, including a sack by M.J. Stewart that forced a Giants punt.
Dell then produced a substantial punt return, providing the Texans with favorable field position for a late comeback attempt.
Stroud took advantage, connecting with Marks and Xavier Hutchinson to move Houston inside the 5-yard line.
With time running short, Stroud rolled away from pressure and found Hutchinson for a touchdown. The ensuing extra point tied the contest and eventually sent the game into overtime.
Houston had an opportunity to take control in the extra period, but New York's defense prevented the Texans from finishing the possession.
McCarthy then connected with Nabers before Skattebo broke loose for a substantial run that carried the Giants deep into Houston territory.
Singletary finished the drive with the winning touchdown, delivering a particularly memorable ending against his former team.
For Houston coach DeMeco Ryans, the defeat underscored continuing concerns about offensive consistency and third-down execution.
The Texans demonstrated their ability to rally behind Stroud, but New York's rushing attack ultimately proved decisive.
The Giants' offensive line deserves considerable credit for creating running lanes late in the contest, particularly when the outcome depended on a handful of possessions.
