ClutchPoints
With both teams heading into NFL Week 4 at 0-3, it was crucial for both the New York Giants and Houston Texans to secure a win during this first quarter of the season. Both squads seemed destined for mediocrity through Week 3, but everything has changed and both teams are seeing a massive glimmer of hope for the rest of the year. Which team really saved their season following their first win of the new campaign: Giants or Texans?
The New York Giants have had several developments already during this season. Rookie Jaxson Dart started his first game as an NFL quarterback, leading his team to a victory. Running back Cam Skattebo has also emerged as the most explosive player within this offense, slowly adopting a workhorse role behind his offensive line. They’ll need every bit of production out of him after losing star wideout Malik Nabers to season-ending injury.
The Houston Texans, on the other hand, haven’t looked a fraction of the offensive powerhouse they were just two season ago. Quaterback CJ Stroud has seen a significant drop in his passing totals and they started the new season with one of the most depleted running back rooms in all the NFL. However, rookie running back Woody Marks emerged with 17 carries for 69 yards and a receiving touchdown to go along with his score on the ground, solidifying himself as the lead back in Houston.
Jaxson Dart entered his first start against a highly-touted Los Angeles Chargers defense and immediately looked comfortable within the Giants’ scheme. He has massive upside as a runner, indicated by his 10 carries for 54 yards and a touchdown on the ground. He was also able to step through the pocket and complete a number of awkward throws, showing his fearlessness to get the ball to his receivers. Most of all, the rest of the team was able to rally around their rookie play-caller as Dart immediately took on the leadership role.
While the injury to Malik Nabers may serious set this offense back, the emergence of both Dart and Skattebo in the backfield should open opportunities down the field for their receivers. Skattebo has also excelled in catching the ball out of the backfield and behind the line of scrimmage, so we’ve seen how a “safe” game plan for Dart against a defense like the Chargers proved to be successfull.
Finally, the Giants still boast one of the more talented defensive fronts in football, who clearly made things difficult for Chargers’ Justin Herbert. Their constant pressure will give the offense a chance to do their thing and in my opinion, this change at quarterback came just too late.
For the last two years, the Houston Texans have been known for their air-it-out offense led by CJ Stroud and his uncanny ability to chuck the ball downfield to receivers like Nico Collins. However, their success through the...
