MIAMI GARDENS, Fla. — Is there anything for head coach John Harbaugh — with all his particular groups background — to critique about the NFL preseason debut for rookie kicker Dominic Zvada?
“I don’t think so,’’ Harbaugh, smiling, advised The Post after Saturday’s 26-3 victory over the Dolphins. “Those balls were kicked straight and properly.’’
The two kicks Harbaugh was referring to were subject objectives of 43 and 38 yards by Zvada. Ben Sauls took over in the second half and hit his two subject purpose makes an attempt, from 27 and 37 yards.
“Ben did properly, too,’’ Harbaugh said.
This was Zvada’s first crack at the NFL kickoff technique and there were no points in any way.
“Our expertise with rookies and that kick is, it takes a while,’’ Harbaugh said. “He was good, in all probability higher than I expected him to be. That’s something these guys have to work on.’’
New York Giants kicker Dominic Zvada makes a kick during the first half of the Giants’ 26-3 preseason win over the Dolphins on Aug. 22, 2026 in Miami Gardens, Fla. AP
WR Braxton Berrios had a comfortable tissue scenario and that is why he was not in uniform. “He’ll be back this week,’’ Harbaugh said. … WR Darnell Mooney advised Harbaugh a few months in the past that he was the finest man at his brother’s wedding ceremony. Harbaugh gave him permission to miss this sport.
The Giants went with two starters on their offensive line: middle John Michael Schmitz Jr. and left guard Jon Runyan.
Giants head coach John Harbaugh is all smiles after his workforce’s joing observe vs. the Dolphins at Baptist Health Training Complex on Aug. 20, 2026, in Miami Gardens, Fla. IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect
The other starters were rookie J.C. Davis at left deal with, Aaron Stinnie at proper guard and Marcus Mbow at proper deal with.
Rookie RG Sisi Mauigoa left Thursday’s joint observe with a stinger harm.
Harbaugh said Mauigoa would have been a game-time resolution if this were the common season and said this will not be a long-term deal with Mauigoa.
Rookie DT Bobby Jamison-Travis had a sack on Cam Miller in the first quarter. … Joshua Ezeudu came in at proper guard on the second offensive sequence. … WR Calvin Austin III got the first shot on punt returns and broke off a 19-yard return late in the first quarter.
Dru Phillips, locked in a battle with Ar’Darius Washington for the nickel back spot, allowed a 30-yard completion to Kevin Coleman Jr. on a play in which Phillips was also flagged for cross interference.
Not nice.
Phillips came back to drive a fumble by Jaylen Wright.