HOUSTON — A rookie kicker’s rough afternoon nearly overshadowed a comeback win on the road. Dominic Zvada missed two field goals, including a 44-yard attempt just before halftime, as his team beat the Texans 27-21 in overtime on Sunday.
“I just pushed it,” Zvada said of the missed kick. “It’s unacceptable. Luckily … I’m surrounded by teammates who really support me and keep me ready for the next one. For us to win, that’s great. I’m going to do my thing during the bye to make sure I’m right for when we go to [play] Philly.”
The team opted against attempting a 55-yard field goal later in the game. The decision raised the question of whether Zvada would have been trusted with a 48-yard try had running back Devin Singletary not sealed the win with a 30-yard touchdown run in overtime.
“In my mind, it was happening,” Zvada said. “I was kicking into the net, feeling good. I had three PATs that went through. I know I can do it. If it came down to me, I was going to make that kick.”
Zvada opened his career a perfect 9-for-9 on field goals, but has converted just 4 of 9 since. He also mishandled a kickoff assignment for the second consecutive week, opting for a touchback to start overtime instead of forcing a return.
Head coach John Harbaugh defended the undrafted rookie while acknowledging he needs to clean up his technique.
“I think he has to go ahead and pound that thing through straight,” Harbaugh said. “I think he’s doing what a lot of rookies do — just trying to get it through the uprights. I’m not really worried about Zvada. He just has to do it, but I’m totally confident he will because I know how good he is and know what a good head he has.”
Defensive Shuffling Pays Off
The win came amid a patchwork secondary. Cornerback Paulson Adebo made his first start back from injured reserve with Greg Newsome II out due to a concussion. Safety Jevón Holland was also sidelined with a concussion, pushing Jason Pinnock and Ar’Darius Washington into the starting lineup. Tyler Nubin, nursing a neck injury, was active but limited mostly to special teams duty.
Cornerback Deonte Banks turned in a standout performance, holding Texans Pro Bowl receiver Nico Collins to just two catches for 6 yards.
“Deonte was all over,” Harbaugh said. “I probably should’ve given him a game ball or defensive player of the game. He had so many tight coverages.”
A lighter moment followed Jameis Winston’s 1-yard touchdown run, when the offense celebrated with a game of duck, duck, goose involving Winston and the offensive line. It remains unclear why right guard Sisi Mauigoa was chosen as the goose.
You must be logged in to post a comment Login