Previewing the Houston Texans and New York Giants with Howard Cross

Howard Cross spent 13 years with the New York Giants and was a Super Bowl XXV champion. After his playing career, Cross seamlessly transitioned into broadcasting, where he has been a part of the New York Giants radio and the Yes television networks.

The former tight end, who scored 17 touchdowns in the NFL, has also found success working in real estate off the field. His daughter Bella followed in her father’s footsteps in attending the University of Alabama while his son Howard III, attends Notre Dame, and is a 2025 defensive line NFL draft prospect.

The Texans host the Giants on Saturday at 12 noon CT. It was such a thrill to catch up with one of my favorites in the business, Howard Cross.

Craig: You of course played your entire career with the Giants. Is it still strange not seeing Saquon Barkley in camp wearing a Giants uniform?

Howard: The business of football never changes. The development of free agency has totally evolved since I finished my career, and you have to get accustomed to guys moving around in this league.

Craig: Devin Singletary is a name that Texans fans know well. He's now the lead back with NY. How has he looked so far this August?

Howard: He looks really strong. He's a solid runner, he does a great job picking up the blitz, especially in those practices they had against Detroit. He's been doing a great job day in and day out.

Craig: What can we expect to see Saturday with the rotation of Giants Quarterbacks?

Howard: Coach Brian Daboll is trying to move more to the old school mentality towards the preseason. I wouldn't be surprised if Daniel Jones plays the entire first quarter, even into the second quarter. Drew Lock will get some snaps even though he got his ribs banged up a little bit, and then the second half will go to Tommy Devito. Tommy will close out the game.

Craig: You mention Tommy Devito, he was such a fan favorite a year ago. Do you think the Giants will keep him on the roster as their third QB this season?

Howard: I don't know how they'll ultimately break it down with the final roster spots. I would guess that with so many injuries to quarterbacks around the league, teams are going to have to keep a third quarterback on the depth chart that knows the system.

Craig: At the WR position, do you see Allen Robinson beating out Isaiah Hodgins?

Howard: That one is going to be a tough one. Allen is a true vet, and Hodgins has been with the team for a few years here. They might have to make an impression on special teams. That's a crowded receiving room with Malik Nabers, Darius Slayton, Jalin Hyatt.

Craig: Last question on the defensive side of the ball, the rookie corner, Dru Phillips has looked really strong. What do you expect to see from him and the Giants secondary this Saturday afternoon?

Howard: I think you'll see more play from him. He had seven total snaps in the opener. The coaches have really liked what he's done thus far. Dru has a nose for the ball, he's a serious tackler. When you play that slot, you get forced into defending the run and you get forced to turn it back inside and he has no problem doing that. It's going to be a great test for him against the Houston receivers, especially if he gets matched up in the slot on Tank Dell.