Texans Defeat Giants 28-10 in Preseason Matchup
The Houston Texans secured a convincing 28-10 victory over the New York Giants in a preseason game on August 17, 2024. The game, held at MetLife Stadium, showcased the Texans’ emerging offensive firepower and defensive resilience, while the Giants struggled to find consistency on both sides of the ball. The Texans’ young roster, energized by offseason acquisitions and draft picks, demonstrated their potential as they outplayed the Giants in key moments of the game.
The Texans started strong, with quarterback C.J. Stroud leading the charge. Stroud, the second overall pick in the 2024 NFL Draft, continued to build on his impressive preseason, displaying poise and accuracy. On their opening drive, Stroud connected with wide receiver Nico Collins for a 25-yard touchdown, setting the tone for Houston’s offense. Stroud’s ability to read the defense and make quick decisions was evident throughout the game, and his connection with his receivers looked promising as the Texans prepare for the regular season.
The Giants, on the other hand, struggled to respond offensively. Starting quarterback Daniel Jones played sparingly, and when he did take the field, he faced relentless pressure from the Texans’ defensive front. Houston’s pass rush, led by veteran defensive end Jonathan Greenard, disrupted Jones’ rhythm, resulting in multiple sacks and hurried throws. The Giants’ offensive line, a concern heading into the season, struggled to protect their quarterback, raising questions about their ability to handle aggressive defenses.
Houston’s defense was particularly effective in stopping the Giants’ run game, forcing New York to rely on their passing attack. The Texans’ linebackers, including Christian Harris and rookie Henry To’oTo’o, were instrumental in clogging running lanes and making tackles in the backfield. The Giants managed to score a touchdown in the second quarter, thanks to a short run by Saquon Barkley, but they could not establish any sustained offensive momentum throughout the game.
As the game progressed, the Texans continued to dominate. In the third quarter, backup quarterback Davis Mills took over for Stroud and led a methodical drive that ended with a touchdown pass to tight end Dalton Schultz. Mills, who is battling for the backup role, looked confident and in control, making a strong case for his place on the roster. The Texans’ depth was on full display, as their second and third-string players maintained the lead and controlled the game’s tempo.
The Giants’ lone bright spot came in the form of a 45-yard field goal by Graham Gano in the fourth quarter, but it was too little, too late. New York’s defense, though showing flashes of potential, was unable to contain the Texans’ offense, particularly in the second half. The Giants will need to address their defensive lapses and offensive line issues as they prepare for the regular season, while the Texans can take pride in their balanced performance and growing confidence as a team.
Overall, the Texans’ 28-10 victory over the Giants highlighted the stark contrast between the two teams’ preseason trajectories. Houston, with its infusion of young talent and solid performances on both sides of the ball, appears to be on an upward trend, while the Giants face several key areas that require improvement. As both teams continue to fine-tune their rosters, the lessons learned from this game will be crucial in shaping their strategies for the upcoming regular season.
