New York Giants report card: How we graded Big Blue in Texans win

The New York Giants (4-2-1) pulled off a major upset on Sunday, knocking off the Texans in Houston (2-5) in overtime, 27-21.

Here's how we graded the units in the big victory.

Offense

The Giants got back to business, running the Jaxson Dart offense they worked all summer on with J.J. McCarthy under center. He completed 20 of 28 passes for 252 yards, with no touchdowns and no turnovers, for a 99.1 QB rating. He also looked like a veteran leader and, may we add, has a cannon for an arm and moved well around the pocket.

The running game was effective with all three backs (Cam Skattebo, Devin Singletary, and Tyrone Tracy Jr.) scoring touchdowns. Skattebo led the way with 124 yards, and Singletary scored on a 30-yard scamper to win the game in overtime.

Malik Nabers had his fourth straight 100-yard game (seven receptions, 111 yards), and rookie Malachi Fields caught four passes for 83 yards. Tight end Thomas Fidone had a key 29-yard reception.

The offensive line was up to the challenge, allowing seven QB hits and 3.0 sacks, but opening big holes for the running game as the game unfolded. The Giants averaged 5.5 yards per carry.

Kudos to Jameis Winston, who had four successful tush-push attempts, one for a touchdown.

Grade: A

Defense

The Giants held the Texans to 237 yards of offense (153 passing, 84 rushing). They had just one sack, but put enough pressure on C.J. Stroud to disrupt his timing and keep the Texans off balance.

Micah McFadden, replacing the injured Tremaine Edmunds at inside linebacker, led the club with 10 total tackles, two for loss, and had a QB hit.

Cornerback Deonte Banks blanketed Pro Bowl wideout Nico Collins, allowing him two catches for six yards on the day.

The Giants held the Texans to 3-for-12 on third downs and only two trips into the red zone.

Grade: A

Special teams

Rookie kicker Dominic Zvada missed two field goals, which caused some anxiety, especially after his strong start to the season. His 44-yard miss in the second quarter might have changed the complexion of the game, as did the Giants' decision to bypass a long field goal attempt in the third quarter and punt instead.

Punter Jordan Stout was outstanding again, averaging 49.8 yards per attempt with a long of 66.

The return and coverage teams were consistent. There were no turnovers or breakaway runs.

Grade: B-

Coaching

John Harbaugh and his staff have kept this group together with spit and guile. With the much-needed bye coming up this week, they'll get a chance to get healthy. They might even make a trade or two to replenish their battered roster.

In this game, the Giants did almost everything right. The Harbaugh way is sinking in, and the players have all bought into the "1-0" mantra. The belief he has in his players and the handling of them has been a success. They head into the bye week as the only team in the NFC East with a winning record.

Offensive coordinator Matt Nagy has done a great job integrating McCarthy into the offense, and defensive coordinator Dennard Wilson is coming up with ways to win games late.

Grade: A