The New York Giants will hand JJ McCarthy the starting quarterback job for this weekend’s game against the Houston Texans, while Jameis Winston shifts to the backup position. For McCarthy, this represents a fresh beginning after he was acquired by New York via a trade from Minnesota earlier in the campaign.
Head coach John Harbaugh made the call to go with the young signal-caller following Winston’s uneven showing in Sunday’s loss to the New Orleans Saints. McCarthy entered in relief and engineered three scoring drives in the fourth quarter, though the Giants eventually dropped a 34-27 decision.
Quarterback switch thrusts McCarthy into the spotlight
Harbaugh verified that McCarthy will assume the starting role, ending Winston’s tenure as the starter for the time being. Winston had taken over after Jaxson Dart went down with a season-ending injury in Week 2 and posted a 2-1-1 mark in his four appearances.
“I thought Jameis has done a tremendous job, won us games, and played well. As we go forward here, this is going to be our direction. We think it gives us some good options on offense,” Harbaugh told reporters.
Even with the switch, Harbaugh recognized Winston’s contributions during his time leading the offense. The move instead shows the coaching staff’s desire to see what McCarthy can bring to the offense as the Giants get ready for their upcoming opponent.
New York heads into the weekend at 3-2-1, leading the NFC East. McCarthy will get his chance to make his mark in his first career start for the organization.
McCarthy’s numbers and background with the Vikings
McCarthy joined New York after Minnesota chose him with the 10th overall selection in the 2024 NFL Draft. Injuries and uneven play held back his development with the Vikings, who are off to a 5-0 start this season with Kyler Murray under center.
Harbaugh had previously voiced belief in the quarterback’s upside, citing his ability and NFL background. “I think he’s a strong, young quarterback and has some experience in the National Football League,” the coach said when the Giants acquired him, adding that McCarthy would strengthen the team.
His career statistics, though, highlight the obstacles that lie ahead. In 12 NFL appearances, McCarthy has connected on 57.2% of his throws, with 12 touchdown passes and 13 interceptions. He has also run for five scores and averaged a notable 5.1 yards per attempt on the ground.
Giants players have had opportunities to evaluate McCarthy in practice, and Harbaugh feels the quarterback has left a favorable impression. “I think the last couple weeks, they’ve had a chance to see him practice, and they’re pretty fired up about it,” he said on Wednesday.
Texans encounter poses a challenge for the Giants
McCarthy’s debut start comes against a Houston squad that has bounced back from a rough beginning. The Texans opened the year with four straight losses but have since reeled off two consecutive wins, including Sunday’s triumph over the Jacksonville Jaguars in London.
Houston also features a formidable defensive front, anchored by pass rusher Will Anderson. He leads the NFL with 7.5 sacks, posing a major test for a quarterback who is still adjusting to his new team’s system.
McCarthy’s athleticism could add another element to the Giants’ attack, especially given his ability to make plays as a runner. Still, his limited command of the playbook and the challenges of starting for a new squad may make his adjustment more difficult.
His outing against the Saints showed flashes of both his strengths and weaknesses. While his overall numbers were modest, he generated three fourth-quarter scoring drives that gave New York a shot at a comeback before the rally fell short.
Giants’ backfield picture still unclear
The quarterback choice is not the only matter Harbaugh needs to resolve. New York also requires answers at running back after Cam Skattebo, listed as the team’s starter, was given no carries in Sunday’s loss to the Saints.
Harbaugh stated after the game that he was waiting for one of his running backs to claim the starting job. The competition will proceed without Najee Harris, who was let go on Tuesday.
With McCarthy getting ready for his first start and the running back order still uncertain, the Giants have multiple offensive questions to settle before facing Houston. The new quarterback will need to adjust swiftly as New York aims to build on its standing atop the division.