The New York Giants are in a full-blown quarterback situation, no question about it. They straight-up benched Week 6 starter Jameis Winston for J.J. McCarthy in the fourth quarter of Sunday’s game against the New Orleans Saints. McCarthy then ripped off 17 points, but it wasn’t enough, as the Giants ultimately fell 34-27 at MetLife Stadium.
The Kid Just Showed Up and Played Ball
McCarthy’s debut was just last Sunday, in a 27-27 tie against the Washington Commanders. He’s been prepping like crazy, filling the massive void left by injured starter Jaxson Dart’s season-jeopardizing knee surgery. McCarthy himself said, “I think just the overpreparation, just making sure that each and every week, even when I got here when we were playing Arizona, I went into the game with the mindset that I could play the whole game. So, just being able to really put myself in that position Monday through Saturday is something that helped me out today.” And boy, did it ever. He finished the Saints game completing 11 of 21 passes for 243 yards and a touchdown, plus 26 rushing yards on two carries. Yeah, he threw an interception on his third pass, but then he led three straight scores and almost a fourth that could have tied or even won the game! Wide receiver Malik Nabers, who snagged a game-high 12 catches for 165 yards from McCarthy, including a 46-yarder, put it perfectly: “I think he did a great job of just giving his guys an opportunity to get down the field, giving it and just saying, ‘My guy’s better than them, let’s go see if we can make some points.’” Tight end Isaiah Likely hauled in McCarthy’s 24-yard touchdown pass at the 5:06 mark, bringing the Giants’ deficit to 34-24. Likely, who had six catches for 99 yards, said, “He came in and gave us a fighting chance to be able to win the game. I mean, he played good. Definitely showed what he’s capable of, showed that he was ready for the moment.” Even Coach Jim Harbaugh had to give credit where credit was due, saying, “I mean, thought he came in there and did a heck of a job, given the circumstances, kind of desperation time. I mean, it’s different than normal football, but made some plays and got us back, gave us a chance to win at the end of the game, we’re throwing the ball in the end zone at the end, so that was good. You got to compliment him on that.”
What’s Next for Harbaugh?
So, what happens now? Coach Harbaugh didn’t spill the beans on who would start next Sunday’s 1 p.m. game at the Houston Texans. The Texans, by the way, just moved to 2-4 after a 34-31 win over the Jacksonville Jaguars in London. Harbaugh said his decision-making process “starts right now,” in his postgame conference. He added, “Like I said, I can’t answer it now. It’s not even up for discussion or conversation right now. We got to go back and go to work.” You’ve gotta wonder what’s going through his head. McCarthy clearly showed he can ignite an offense, even in the toughest spots. This isn’t just a tough decision, it’s one that could define their season.
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by Yahoo Sports.
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