J.J. McCarthy Is a Giant, But Isaiah Likely’s Not Waiting to Get Him Up to Speed

The New York Giants just pulled the trigger on a trade for quarterback J.J. McCarthy, bringing him in from the Minnesota Vikings for a fifth-round pick. This move comes right after losing Jaxson Dart to a season-ending knee injury, leaving the Giants scrambling for another signal-caller mid-season.

The New Guy in Town

Bringing in a new quarterback during the regular season is never easy, but the Giants seem ready to dive in and learn about McCarthy. Tight end Isaiah Likely gave us some insight into the locker room’s initial take. “I didn’t know much about J.J.,” Likely admitted, “Obviously know that he was drafted high, winning quarterback, won when he was at Michigan. Tough runner, tough player, and I’ve seen him a little bit during a team meeting.” It sounds like they’re starting from scratch, but the winning pedigree from Michigan definitely caught their attention.

Getting Him Up to Speed

Even though McCarthy isn’t expected to suit up for Week 4 against the Arizona Cardinals, there’s a real buzz that he could be the starting quarterback at some point this year. Likely is already on it, talking about how the team is trying to get McCarthy ready. “Really just trying to reiterate the things that I’m talking about with Jameis to him, whether it’s on the field, in the film room, or just walking around in the hallway.” That’s the grind. It’s all about making sure everyone is on the same page, no matter who is under center. “Just making sure that whatever quarterback is out there, making sure that I’m on the same page as them. Just trying to get , be 1-0 that week,” Likely stressed.

So, while he might be sidelined this Sunday, the clock is ticking for McCarthy to get integrated. The Giants face the Arizona Cardinals next, and their focus, as Likely put it, is simply to “be 1-0 that week.” Getting McCarthy up to speed is clearly a huge part of setting themselves up for success down the line.

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Originally reported by Yahoo Sports.