The New York Giants are a mess, a team lucky to be 3-2-1 and somehow leading a terrible division. Their 34-27 home loss to the New Orleans Saints on Sunday laid bare all the problems, but it also unveiled a quarterback who very nearly snatched victory from the jaws of defeat. When J.J. McCarthy, the 23-year-old former Vikings bust, stepped onto the field with New York trailing 34-10 and just over 11 minutes left in the game, few expected anything but a quiet end to a losing effort. Instead, he ignited the Giants’ offense, launching three fourth-quarter scoring drives and putting them within a single play of a tie.
The Kid Came in Firing
McCarthy’s entrance was nothing short of electric. He threw for 243 yards and a touchdown in that limited time, coming within six seconds of hitting tight end Isaiah Likely with a game-tying touchdown pass. Giants coach John Harbaugh, despite the “desperation time” context, had to admit McCarthy “made some plays and got us back, gives us a chance to win the game.” It wasn’t perfect, sure; McCarthy completed only 11 of 21 passes, and his very first drive ended in an interception. But for an offense that had been stalled and struggling for three-plus weeks with Jameis Winston under center, McCarthy was a jolt of pure adrenaline. This is what the Giants traded a fifth-round pick for back in September, just a week after losing starting quarterback Jaxson Dart for the season. They knew this day was coming.
Why He’s the Obvious Choice, Despite the Coach Speak
Forget all the talk about “desperation time” or a soft Saints defense. What McCarthy did under immense pressure is what matters. He was slinging it, completing five passes for at least 20 yards and two for more than 45. He kept plays alive, staying out of trouble after that early pick. And get this: he did it all while both of the Giants’ starting tackles were sidelined, with the pocket collapsing around him almost constantly. This is the guy the Giants liked when they traded for him; he reminded them of Dart, with his ability to move in the pocket, spin out of trouble, and extend plays. He even ripped off a career-long 28-yard run with only 57 seconds left and 71 yards to go, kickstarting that final, almost-game-tying drive. Winston, at 32, simply doesn’t have that kind of mobility or playmaking ability anymore.
Despite Harbaugh’s refusal to commit to McCarthy as his Week 7 starter in Houston, the film will make it clear: this is the only logical choice. If the Giants want to hold onto first place in their terrible division and make a legitimate run at the playoffs, they need to ride with the guy who gave them life when all seemed lost.
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by Fox Sports.
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