Giants rookie kicker Dominic Zvada experienced a rare setback Sunday, missing three of five field goal attempts in a game at Washington after a perfect record in the team’s first four contests. Despite the performance on a rain-soaked field, Zvada expressed confidence in his approach and preparation, emphasizing that his routine and mindset remain unchanged.

The 22-year-old from Michigan successfully converted two long-distance field goals during the game, from 51 and 56 yards, while his misses came from 46, 50 and 57 yards under difficult weather conditions. The Giants, however, have had narrow margins in their recent games, with all of their last three matches decided in the closing moments. Zvada’s missed kicks contributed to a loss of nine points in a game that ultimately ended in a tie.

“I go into every kick with a few things I’m focused on, and that’s all I’m thinking about, so I try to keep it consistent every single time,” Zvada said. He added that recalling his successful offseason and training camp helps him maintain confidence. “If nothing has changed, then nothing should change. That’s really the mindset.”

Giants head coach John Harbaugh attributed Zvada’s misses to a technical issue involving his plant foot. Special teams coordinator Chris Horton elaborated that Zvada’s left foot was “a little bit too tight” during the failed attempts. Horton stated that he worked with Zvada on correcting the problem and reinforced the team's faith in the kicker. “We believe in him, we trust him and we got confidence in him,” Horton said.

Harbaugh declined to intervene directly but affirmed his coaching staff’s handling of adjustments. The coach described the strategic decision late in overtime not to immediately send out Zvada for a potential game-winning kick, opting instead to attempt to run closer and use the game clock before ending with a fumble.

“This was a strategic call,” Harbaugh said. “The idea was to run twice to get as close as we could, protect the football and then take the knee so if the field goal was missed, there would be no time left for the opponent to respond.”

Zvada did not interpret the decision as a lack of confidence. “I think in general you’re gonna try to get closer,” he said. “I’ll always appreciate them trying to get closer. I’m never gonna think it’s because they don’t believe in me.”

Reflecting on the game, Zvada said he spent the following Monday reviewing what went wrong but is moving forward with preparation for Sunday’s game against the New Orleans Saints. He noted that returning to MetLife Stadium with its turf surface might improve his footing and reiterated his steady mindset despite the pressures of his role.

Meanwhile, the Giants continued to deal with injuries ahead of the Saints visit. Edge rusher Abdul Carter (calf) and Saints wide receiver Chris Olave (illness) missed practice for the second consecutive day on Thursday. Additional Giants players sidelined for the second practice in a row included left tackle Andrew Thomas (groin), right tackle Jermaine Eluemunor (calf), safety Tyler Nubin (neck), and rookie cornerback Colton Hood (concussion).