Getty Images

John Harbaugh: We wanted as many yards as we could get before field goal

The New York Giants' overtime miscue against the Washington Commanders on Sunday exposed a tactical choice that backfired earlier in the period. With the game tied 27-27 and just two minutes left in overtime, the Giants reached the Commanders' 24-yard line, setting up a potential game-winning 42-yard field goal.

However, Giants head coach John Harbaugh opted for a run-heavy approach instead of kicking, aiming to maximize yardage and force a knee-down to secure the win. The strategy hinged on running the ball twice before taking a knee, but running back Cam Skattebo’s fumble on the next play derailed the plan.

Harbaugh later acknowledged the decision was premeditated, calling it a calculated risk to limit Washington’s chances of a late comeback—though the fumble turned the focus to execution rather than the original strategy. The coach emphasized the need for better handling in such high-pressure moments, noting Skattebo’s accountability and the team’s commitment to refining the play in future scenarios.

Up nextNFL· 36m ago

Eric Collins brought his trademark excitability to Bengals-Dolphins in return to NFL booth