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Giants’ Dominic Zvada impresses John Harbaugh in preseason debut

NY Post Published Aug 23, 2026 Reviewed Aug 23, 2026 ✓ Reviewed by citations.press editors

The Giants defeated the Dolphins 26-3 in the preseason game on Saturday.

26 · Giants3 · Dolphins John Harbaugh, head coach

Dominic Zvada kicked a 43-yard field goal and a 38-yard field goal in the Giants’ preseason game against the Dolphins.

43 yards · Dominic Zvada38 yards · Dominic Zvada John Harbaugh, head coach

Ben Sauls kicked a 27-yard field goal and a 37-yard field goal in the Giants’ preseason game against the Dolphins.

27 yards · Ben Sauls37 yards · Ben Sauls

Calvin Austin III returned a punt 19 yards in the first quarter of the Giants’ preseason game against the Dolphins.

19 yards · Calvin Austin III

Dru Phillips allowed a 30-yard completion to Kevin Coleman Jr. in the first quarter of the Giants’ preseason game against the Dolphins.

30 yards · Kevin Coleman Jr.

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MIAMI GARDENS, Fla. — Is there anything for head coach John Harbaugh — with all his special teams background — to critique about the NFL preseason debut for rookie kicker Dominic Zvada?

“I don’t think so,’’ Harbaugh, smiling, told The Post after Saturday’s 26-3 victory over the Dolphins. “Those balls were kicked straight and well.’’

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The two kicks Harbaugh was referring to were field goals of 43 and 38 yards by Zvada. Ben Sauls took over in the second half and hit his two field goal attempts, from 27 and 37 yards.

This was Zvada’s first crack at the NFL kickoff strategy and there were no issues whatsoever.

“Our experience with rookies and that kick is, it takes a while,’’ Harbaugh said. “He was good, probably better than I expected him to be. That’s something those guys have to work on.’’

WR Braxton Berrios had a soft tissue situation and that is why he was not in uniform. “He’ll be back this week,’’ Harbaugh said. … WR Darnell Mooney told Harbaugh a few months ago that he was the best man at his brother’s wedding. Harbaugh gave him permission to miss this game.

The Giants went with two starters on their offensive line: center John Michael Schmitz Jr. and left guard Jon Runyan.

The other starters were rookie J.C. Davis at left tackle, Aaron Stinnie at right guard and Marcus Mbow at right tackle.

Rookie RG Sisi Mauigoa left Thursday’s joint practice with a stinger injury.

Harbaugh said Mauigoa would have been a game-time decision if this were the regular season and stated 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 right guard on the second offensive series. … 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 pass interference.

Phillips came back to force a fumble by Jaylen Wright.

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